The tiling in the room looks very institutional especially where it is tiled around the tiny window without any window casing. Why is the backsplash tile so thick that they had to use those heavy edge tiles? The grout lines are so heavy and pronounced. The layout is not bad, and not worth changing but getting rid of the bad tile job would go a long way to improving the room.
While I see a lot of that type of tile countertops on TV in old and new houses, in this area they are not considered to be "in", in fact would devaluate a house. Either solid granite, a sythetic such as Corian, or at the cheapest, colourcore laminate would look better (in order of preference).
From: "Rex" Subject: How to upgrade fairly new kitchen? Date: November 21, 2005 12:46 AM
I have a fairly new tract house that I'd upgrade the kitchen on and I need tips on the best things to do so it looks less generic cookie-cutter and helps resale down the road.
Check out the current pics.
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I'd like to upgrade the counters. They are tile, but not a high grade of tile. Don't know if it's worth tearing out the tile counters and replacing them with granite slab or granite tiles. Maybe just replacing the plain tile backsplashes with something more interesting? I definitely want to replace the existing sink and faucet with better quality replacements and replace the vinyl floor with either hardwood or tile to match the rest of the house. Can the current sink be removed without major damage to the counters?
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there anything that can be done with the cabinets to give a more upscale look other than tearing them out and replacing them? Restaining or painting or adding door handles? I'm replacing the dishwasher because I don't like the performance. Stainless steel seems to be the current fad, but then I'd need to get a new range, microwave hood and refrigerator to match and the current appliances are still pretty new.