We’re just finishing a kitchen remodel (only the backsplash and over-sink light to go!) and we deliberately went with vanilla cream walls, neutral granite and stainless steel for resale purposes. Our kitchen is the size of a postage stamp but the neutral colors have opened it up!
No matter how long we think we are going to stay in a house, we always keep re-sale in mind. We’ve had too many unexpected job transfers/changes to ever feel too comfortable. Our kitchen designer pushed for some trendy options and we nixed them for more classic choices.
Best to go with what you love - but keeping in mind what you love also changes. I’ve always tried to go neutral with anything that is high cost or long term (cabinets, flooring, etc.), and have fun with rugs, paint, light fixtures, artwork, accessories, etc. We’ve owned our home for over 30 years, and I honestly feel it still feels fine. We never changed our brass hardware to nickel, and now brass is back. We painted our trim (stained was popular at the time), and now painted trim is more popular. As things broke or wore out, we replaced with items that were classic or neutral. Yes, there are dated elements, but there are also contemporary touches. It helps us that mid-century happens to be popular now, of course. And obviously we’ll see how others’ feel if/when we sell. But I think it would be sad to always design your home elements to what a future buyer might like. It’s your home too. I agree w/ momofsenior1, to avoid trendy options (imho small glass tile blacksplashes in grey/white patterns fit this category). I love grey palettes, but assume that trend will soon start to wane as we all tire of grey.
Good morning Home Renovators
The bank appraiser came yesterday. Boy, my house has never been so spiffy for a whole 30 minutes 
I even made emergency runs to Home Goods to buy some accessories to lighten things up and I bit the bullet and purchased a long overdue patio furniture set for our front patio. I really wanted to focus on curb appeal and the front of the house so they wouldn’t notice that the roof is old and all of the flashing is completely rusted out! Probably didn’t work but I needed a new set anyway. Old set was the powder covered aluminum and that immediately rusted out and started staining the patio
Five minutes after the appraiser left, the demo started! Over the last couple of weeks I have hauled off 3 truck loads to the dump of crap that has been stuck in the garage and some old furniture. My D and I are having a garage sale in 2 weeks and there is already a giant pile of furniture and stuff for the sale.
As promised, I took a lot of pictures of the ‘before’ for my remodel. I loaded them to my usual place and created a group for the photos. However, I do not want to take over this thread with my remodel project. Should I continue to log progress on this thread? Or should I start another thread dedicated to the project? I hate to detract from all of the people who use this thread for specific advice.
I think one of the reasons MCM style looks appealing again is because of its simplicity and clean lines.
coralbrook, I would love to see a dedicated thread about your newest project. Your posts are my favorite part of CC and I love being able to find them easily. Wow, I just took a look at your photos. What a great house and fabulous views! I can’t wait to see your updates. Thank you, as always, for generously sharing with us.
CB, either way will do!
@coralbrook Looks like you have some killer views!
“The large skylights are operable with a long stick thing. Might change them out for remote control.”
Do you ever open them? I have some openable skylights, and in 15 years I don’t think I ever opened them. Might not be worth the expense if you are rarely or never likely to open them.
@coralbrook - can you PM me a link to your photos?
what is the url for the home improvement thread pix?
What NRE said about skylights. We never opened the ones we inherited with House2 (they are remote-controlled).
I PM’ed @BunsenBurner and @menloparkmom the url.
Note that even in PMs, CC will munge the site name, so you will have to do the substitution yourself.
Got it! Thanks!!
CB - don’t you dare sell that house!! It is great. And will be even better.
I w ill start a new thread and code up the link somehow.
Another PM request please?
@kjofkw I PM’ed you
Me too.
Cb, will it be more or less nerve wracking to redo your own house? We thought it was wonderful, especially the back yard and pool. Hope you don’t need to change that much out back!
We have what I guess is called rain glass in our bathroom windows; not sure if it’s considered dated but our whole house is dated anyway. It lets in plenty of light and you can get a blurry idea of what’s outside so you don’t feel blocked in.
See new thread for the link