It’s that time of year.  Too cold (in some places) to go outside, too rainy (in other places), or simply to humid (like my hometown in Florida!), and we start to look at our homes to see what we can do.  The kitchen is often a homes main room, and therefore the first to be remodeled.

What not to do!  With potential for selling, what do buyers dislike?

Metal combinations.  If you have bronze cabinet pulls, stick with bronze.  Silver or gold accents, stick with silver or gold (not both).  Mixing metals give the kitchen, or any room in my opinion, a confused look.

Self-poured concrete countertops.  Not many would deny, concrete is a great countertop.  It can take a beating and still look nice.  However, go for the standard marble or granite, your buyers will love it, and it’s considered an industry ‘norm’.  Plus, it’s a choice you should never regret!

Open Shelving.  This is the equivalent to taking my kids’ doors off their rooms!  The only exception would be if it were to be done with purpose in mind.  Highlighting a beautiful china set, or showing off a glass collection.  For everyday general use?  No, just no.

Whatever you decide to do keep in mind that it may need to be changed in a few years.  Dramatic change, or eclectic change, can be fun in the short term, but generally the novelty wears off and we’re left searching for stuff we’ve stored in the attic!