My Personal MEDIUM Cost Kitchen Update....NOW COMPLETED!
    
BEFORE                                        ADD TRIM                                ADD GRANITE
    
PAINT & GLAZE                           LIGHTING & APPLIANCES        COMPLETE
STEP BY STEP
STEP 1 - Add trim to cabinets ADDS high end look! Crown molding, picture frame molding to peninsulas or islands, baseboards, corners & ends of cabinets. I used Doug Linn, D&M Remodeling, 636-544-8291.
STEP 2 - Upgrade counter tops to solid surface. After being told by 2 different kitchen places that the "other" solid surfaces would be less expensive, I called a granite guy for a bid - just to compare. The GRANITE was about HALF of the cost of the "others". I also increased the splashguard behind the sink & did the window ledge in granite. Also added undermount granite sink in bisquit color and single lever faucet.
STEP 3 - Change cabinet finish / color (ESPECIALLY if they are pickled oak, as mine were). I chose Ralph Lauren Architectural Off White base color with a vanilla bean colored glaze for my kitchen. I used Scott, with Fresh Coat Spray Painting, 636-262-2135.
STEP 4 - New cabinet hardware - switch from brass to bronze. Bought in bulk at Home Depot in 10 pc pkg. 10 knobs or 10 handles for $18.99.
STEP 5 - Add architectural lighting ABOVE cabinets. Added 1 electric outlet over cabinets to right of sink that's hidden by the crown molding. Drilled a hole in cabinet OVER the microwave to access the outlet that's used by the microwave. Added a 6ft rope light and a 2 ft rope light. Set on timers to create a "glow" in morning and evening. Electrical work done by Doug Linn, D&M Remodeling, 636-544-8291.
STEP 6 - New appliances in trendy finish. Low end (don't go crazy here) replacement of fridge, stove, microwave & dishwasher was about $2200 from Lowes.
STEP 7 - Window treatments removed. Less is more to today's buyer.
STEP 8 - Changed light fixtures to non-brass finish. Above sink $88, above breakfast room table $154, both from Lowes.
STEP 9 - Painted walls the NEWEST neutral color, Sherwin Williams Nomadic Desert SW 6107.

Also.......if your home has the pickled oak cabinets throughout, as mine did. I had the laundry room and BOTH baths on my main level painted Ralph Lauren Polo Mallet White. Adding a glaze DOUBLES the price, so I chose to keep the pizzazz in the kitchen. See the separate tab for the BATHROOM UPDATE photos & info!

IF YOU'RE UPDATING because you're thinking of selling...call me BEFORE you start anything. I may have some GREAT ideas to help you with your job and possibly save you some TIME and MONEY!