Are Colorful Kitchens Value-Killers?
As we’ve previously noted, new appliances in every conceivable hue are bringing color to our kitchens. But now that you’ve expressed a lifelong love of emerald green in Alno cabinetry, a Viking stove, and Smeg refrigerator, we wonder: Is that Oz-like creation decreasing value of your home?
Yes, caution New York brokers.
“Generally there’s been something of a resale insensitivity in Manhattan,” Interior designer Victoiral Voytek told the New York Times on Saturday. “People just assume that whatever they put into their homes, they’ll recoup, and then some.”
With the economy now looking grim, properties are hitting the market fast, but selling slowly. As a result, many homeowners are suffering the consequences of the overly personal renovation, which prospective buyers don’t want to pay for.
“A lot of the reason people relate to something or have chemistry with an apartment is because looking at the space they can figure out what they want to do with it,” said broker Barbara Fox. “But very often, when people walk into a complicated space, they don’t understand it and they walk out.”
Instead, brokers recommend that homeowners stay neutral: stick to simple layouts, muted colors (particularly white), and stainless steel appliances by trusted brands. (One safe place for color experimentation is the countertop, which can be altered more easily than other large surfaces)
Other tips from the brokers:
+ A standard wooden floor that can withstand multiple sandings gives prospective buyers more flexibility than prefinished flooring.
+ Avoid soapstone countertops, which are hard to maintain, as well as easily stainable Carrera marble. Though concrete is popular now, not everyone likes the cracking that occurs over time. Quartzite, schist, basalt, nonporous granite or Silestone are more long-lasting choices.
+ Backsplashes made of small, glass tiles are hard to clean. Ceramic tiles are more easily replaceable.
+ Generally, the more rooms in a home, the higher its value, so keep the kitchen as a contained unit.
Via the New York Times
Yes, caution New York brokers.
“Generally there’s been something of a resale insensitivity in Manhattan,” Interior designer Victoiral Voytek told the New York Times on Saturday. “People just assume that whatever they put into their homes, they’ll recoup, and then some.”
With the economy now looking grim, properties are hitting the market fast, but selling slowly. As a result, many homeowners are suffering the consequences of the overly personal renovation, which prospective buyers don’t want to pay for.
“A lot of the reason people relate to something or have chemistry with an apartment is because looking at the space they can figure out what they want to do with it,” said broker Barbara Fox. “But very often, when people walk into a complicated space, they don’t understand it and they walk out.”
Instead, brokers recommend that homeowners stay neutral: stick to simple layouts, muted colors (particularly white), and stainless steel appliances by trusted brands. (One safe place for color experimentation is the countertop, which can be altered more easily than other large surfaces)
Other tips from the brokers:
+ A standard wooden floor that can withstand multiple sandings gives prospective buyers more flexibility than prefinished flooring.
+ Avoid soapstone countertops, which are hard to maintain, as well as easily stainable Carrera marble. Though concrete is popular now, not everyone likes the cracking that occurs over time. Quartzite, schist, basalt, nonporous granite or Silestone are more long-lasting choices.
+ Backsplashes made of small, glass tiles are hard to clean. Ceramic tiles are more easily replaceable.
+ Generally, the more rooms in a home, the higher its value, so keep the kitchen as a contained unit.
Via the New York Times
Posted by: Audrey Tempelsman on Jun 9, 08 at 09:50 AM PDT
Can anyone tell me what refrigerator brand is shown and how wide that would be? Does it look slim because it's tall or the photography makes it so? THanks.
Posted by James on 11/18/08 12:54PM PST
yep, looks beautiful, give me a break, nobody cooks there. Microwave or boil water only
Posted by HU on 06/16/08 01:30PM PDT
We always advise stick to basic colours that are less likely to offend people - also, freestanding appliances can be changed easily, integrated ones are more difficult to replace. http://www.internetkitchenappliances.co.uk/
Posted by Braeg Heneffe on 06/15/08 01:29AM PDT
agreed....if we all followed real estate agents advice, we would end up in a recession....wait aren't we in one?
Posted by on 06/13/08 12:52PM PDT
yup, you should always take your good design tips from real estate agents. they really are the driving force behind what makes good architecture and design...
Posted by david on 06/11/08 07:33PM PDT
Post a comment
