Kitchen and Bathroom Help

I need some kitchen and bath help!!!
Here is the background: We bought a nice sized co-op in Queens this summer. However, the kitchen and bath need to be updated. They are also both small. Our plan is to stay in the co-op for about 5 years and then either rent it out or sell it. I want to update both because they are seriously from the 1970s and I also want to increase / maximize resale value. While we will be replacing everything (countertops, cabinets, appliances, etc.), I am not looking to go top of the line. I am also looking to keep both of them looking very simple and classic so they appeal to a wide variety of buyers (if we go that route).
I am completely clueless when it comes to this type of thing:
For the kitchen: What type of cabinets do you recommend – type, wood, style, etc.?

For the countertops: is it worth it for me to put granite in, or should I go with something less expensive such as Corian?

What type of floor?

Bathroom: Tiles and colors? Vanities?

Any other tips??

TIA! I really appreciate your help!

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

IMO you should redo the kitchen how you would like it now. Do not be concerened that you want to leave in 5 years....you never know what is going to happen and you might live there the rest of your life.

Pick out the things that you want to live with now. You will be happy AND if in 5 years you decide to move....then you had 5 good years in a beautiful kitchen/bathroom!!

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

If you go to Home Depot or Loew's you can sit down with someone and design a kitchen and bathroom both you and DH would love within your budget. The print it out on the computer for you to take home. The put in your kitchen and bathroom measurements and everything is customized for you.

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

I agree that it should be something that you like first and foremost

but I think you should stick with neutrals- white cabinets - but durable - incase you decide to rent it out- they will last

if it's not alot of counter - I would consider granite-

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

Posted by Lisa

IMO you should redo the kitchen how you would like it now. Do not be concerened that you want to leave in 5 years....you never know what is going to happen and you might live there the rest of your life.

Pick out the things that you want to live with now. You will be happy AND if in 5 years you decide to move....then you had 5 good years in a beautiful kitchen/bathroom!!

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

Since you plan to live there go with things you like. If you want to do it on a budget go to Home Depot and see what tiles they may have on sale. Sometimes you can get neutral color ceramic tiles on sale and you can use those for the kitchen/bathroom floors.

Id go w/ granite counter tops for the kitchen and whatever cabinet color you like. I think stock cabinets from HD or IKEA cabinets would be fine.

Co-ops in Queens are usually pricey so I think if you do a nice job with the renovations you'll be able to sell for a good price down the road.

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

Thanks for everyone's suggestions so far! I saw that a few people suggested going to Home Depot. Has anyone bought cabinets there or used them for a kitchen? If so, which one did you go to? Did you work with a particular person?

I am asking because I went last weekend to Home Depot Expo Design canter in Westbury and had a BAD experience with them. Basically no one wanted to help me (I am convinced it is because I look young) and then when someone finally did help me, he blew me off because he implied that I could not afford to redo my kitchen / bathroom! I am completely serious. I have no patience for such ignorance so I left. I actually almost went to the customer service desk to complain

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

I have never been to Home Depot- but I haven't heard good things

I have seen Ikea kitchens- and they are amazing

or I would use a contractor-

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

You can use HD to measure and order your cabinets, the design service is fine, and they carry some decent quality cabinets.

However, I would strongly advise you against having them do the install. Find a contractor. I can go on and on about the nightmares I had with them but i dont want to bore you. If you want more details feel free to FM me, but just to give you an idea, I had them redo an apartment sized kitchen, and it took them over 4 months.

As for your original question - I would stick with neutrals - whites and beige. Something that looks clean. I would also suggest that you go with either silestone or granite countertops. I have Corian now and I hate it. there are stains and scratch marks. For the small amount extra you will pay for silestone, it's well worth it. And personally, I think it looks nicer too!

Re: Kitchen and Bathroom Help

Message edited 2/12/2007 7:25:07 PM.