Bixa2805, we had a local handyman paint our cabinets a few years ago. It was about $1200 and he painted the doors, outside cabinet box and the post between the cabinets on the inside. He didn't paint the shelves or interior cabs. This was a few years ago, and it was a great decision!

We generally prefer historical cost basis over any time of assessment, so what you paid for an item. However, one problem with the historical cost basis for ad valorem taxes is it adjusts for realized gains and losses while not adjusting for holding gains and losses. This means that two identical houses would pay two different taxes based on the last time they were sold. This isn't quite fair so to remedy this, ad valorem taxes are occasionally adjusted to compensate somewhat for holding gains and losses. In other words, we don't want people who bought 3 acres next to Central Park 65 years ago, to be paying property taxes on $100,000 when an identical property next door pays taxes on $15,000,000. That is the entire purpose of adjusting property values. Improvements aren't simply holding gains, it is putting money into the structure so that it is nicer. If you want to fairly tax improvements you would need a tax on the increased value less a tax credit the amount paid over the marginal assessment value. So, the premise that you have some moral obligation to pay marginally higher taxes because you spent $50,000 for a nicer kitchen that adds only $20,000 to the property value, is one I find questionable. In other words, if you paid more for the remodel than it added in property value you should get a tax credit against the increase. However, that is far too complicated and thus taxing jurisdictions who are acting efficiently and attempting to be fair, avoid increasing valuation for improvements and replacements, but do increase valuation for additions. Now this is completely different than rules that allow select groups to avoid assessment for holding gains and losses.

Thanks everyone, looks like white towels is the way to go. @mercurygirl - I forgot to put the old blind back up (it's a simple white roller blind), but have been contemplating putting in a new blind instead. A wood blind is a nice idea, thanks @sandi125 yes the before I think is original from the 80s. The kitchen has similar cabinets and will be the next project - but I think I will wait and give myself a bit more time and planning for that one :)

What a difference! Well done.