I have rentals from college students to retirees. I agree with lazygardens that hardwood in the kitchen is fine if you have a great finish and the right tenants (never college students). It appears it can take more abuse than the laminate in my rentals. Laminate tiles are cheap and quick too but can look worn in a few years (again, depending on the tenant). Tile flooring for me can take the most abuse and not show it. As someone previously said, determine your target rental group and set the kitchen tone with that. Check out a few other rental houses in the area. Now I only list on craigslist. 10 times more responses and better quality tenants than from the local paper. It's free and easy. You can see the other local rentals there too with pics. Since this is not a high end market laminate countgertops (Wilson Art at HD) is great and cheap. Get something with a few colors in it so you can't see cuts, etc. I have white cabinets in one apartment and I would never do that again. Yes, it's low end HD but it always looks dirty and worn (vs. darker or stained cabinets). Darker cabinets and appliances will make it look darker but go with light laminate flooring, light paint color, light countertops and good lighting and it will make a difference. And remember - don't go too crazy since this is a rental (and you're going to charge below market rent) Also, MA state law says you cannot take a security deposit more than one months's rent. Not sure of the laws in your state.

A similar situation happened recently at work. I mentioned to a co worker I'd known for years, that we were selling a relatives house and needed a realtor. He said his wife sells homes and I had no choice but to invite her over for an interview and they both showed up. Nice lady, but I also interviewed another realtor who had kept in touch with me for months waiting until the house was ready for market. He offered a cleaning lady to make the house sparkle for the professional pictures he would pay for, and a video as well. My friends wife offered nothing. He also had a website, and many 5 star ratings from people who did business with him, the friend's wife didn't even have a website. Of course I hired him, even though it meant hurt feelings, remember, this is YOUR money, so hire the person who will get you the most of it. I found out later, my friends wife didn't even drive! How can a realtor not drive? Glad I made the right choice, and you will be too. This guy is 45 and living with mom.. and you really don't owe him anything, do you? I learned never to mention to anyone about selling a house, someone always has a spouse, sibling, son, daughter, cousin or MIL in the real estate business!

That is some enviable ceiling height! I can’t imagine how much you spent on window treatment. We have 10 pot lights in the room connected to three switches to give it a lot of control how much light and where you want it. There are two pot lights over the fireplace and chairs for reading and then two over each sofa so you never are lacking for light. Most of the time we sat there in winter with the pot lights dimmed and the lamp in the corner on which has a warm glow and the fireplace going. The lighting is perfect for us. The plan is to put a bookcase to the left of the fireplace, a mirror on the other right wall, balance out some more plants and put up some art. If more stuff is collected over the years it will fill it in but we don’t want to go too quick on packing stuff in.

Good morning Jalpa, May I be direct about the furniture placement? I do not want to offend. Please do not purchase a theater chair or three seater couch. If you really do want to open up the room, add comfortable seating, accessibility and aesthetics to your room then I suggest that you get 2 recliner or regular love seats. The larger furniture limits your TV viewing and crowds the room. If it was me I would replace the sectional with 2 comfy love seats. I would put them in the corners and have the tv on the stair wall. I know that the furniture store wanted to give you a deal but honestly your comfort and overall happiness in your living room for years to come is well worth the money spent to put the right furniture in your living room. So whether you get love seats with recliners in them or love seats that you can add ottomans to them; I ask you sincerely; Please do NOT get a 3 seater couch nor a theater love seat. Theater love seats confine you to only two people whereas a regular (even with a recliner in it) love seat makes it possible for 2 to 3 people to sit in them and one person to lay down in them. Forgive me for my boldness but the sectional and any 3 seater couch will close off and overwhelm your living room. Please get 2 love seats for your living room. I sincerely believe that you will be happier in the long run. Also, the one love seat that is in the furniture store would not go well with your sectional. When furniture does not match it really t akes away from the beauty of the room. The first one is from HOUZZ. The second one is from Shields Reclining 68" Pillow Top Arm Loveseat at wayfair https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/palliser-furniture-shields-reclining-68-pillow-top-arm-loveseat-paf8589.html?piid=27367354%2C27374487 [houzz=https://www.houzz.com/products/medora-manual-double-reclining-loveseat-prvw-vr~154549915]