Painting kitchen cabinets....should we also do the trim?

3 years ago

Know this question has been asked frequently!

We are selling our house and it has been suggested that we paint our cabinets. If we do that, should we also paint the trim on the first floor? If we do paint the trim, we're not sure how to handle the spindles on the stairs. We like the darker wood but have to be aware of what the trends are now, too. We're in the Chicago metro area.

Featured Answer

Shannon_WI

3 years ago

Realtors often suggest making expensive changes to the home to sell it. Of course, it’s no cost to them whatsoever. Meanwhile the homeowner will not recoup the cost, nor the stress and aggravation of getting contractors in to do these changes. I rarely recommend these kind of changes. (I am not talking about cleaning and de-cluttering, which ARE always good to do for resale, but the OP’s home doesn’t look like it needs that, it’s quite neat and nice.)

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Comments (15)

Sybil Benson
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the comment, Scylla. What about painting the trim?
mxk3 z5b_MI
3 years ago
Agree with above -- leave the cabinets and trim as-is. I wouldn't even bother with the walls unless the color is really out there or in bad shape - doesn't look like yours is based on photos (but make sure they are free of scuff marks and visible dirt)
Sybil Benson thanked mxk3 z5b_MI
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cat_ky
3 years ago
I have to agree with those above. Do not paint cabinets, nor paint the trim. Wood is coming back. Personally, even though, I do like painted cabinets, and painted trim (unless they are white), I would much prefer to buy a house with the wood, than everything all painted. Real estate agents, that advise this, unless cabinets and trims are in awful condition, are not always right.
Sybil Benson thanked cat_ky
herbflavor
3 years ago
Your spaces look so inviting, As Is. I might change cab hardware but can’t really see what you have. Your staircase is a nice feature . I might consider a new carpet tread like you have but w some pizzaZ: pattern or color . Freshening that up would be appreciated . It’s a nice entry waY . is there a light fixture you could upgrade..: put something w color on the little table. Good luck : leave transformations to the new owner.
Sybil Benson thanked herbflavor
kathyg_in_mi
3 years ago
No, do not paint!
Sybil Benson thanked kathyg_in_mi
Lisette Mauch
3 years ago
Don’t paint them.

signed,

Millennial Buyer in Chicago
Sybil Benson thanked Lisette Mauch
mainenell
3 years ago
Don’t paint. Beautiful wood!
Sybil Benson thanked mainenell
Denita
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Agree with the consensus here - don't paint the cabinets nor trim. Your home looks neat and clean and organized which is perfect for selling.

Edit: The one thing I would update is the chandelier over the dining table. It would update the entire room. Something inexpensive simple and clean - one example below:

Orren Ellis Malani 1 - Light Drum Chandelier & Reviews | Wayfair · More Info
Sybil Benson thanked Denita
Sybil Benson
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the lighting suggestion. It is the first thing you see when you walk in the kitchen so updating that would help.
Angela Zuill
3 years ago
Another vote for not painting cabinets. Good luck, with selling your house!
Sybil Benson thanked Angela Zuill
crcollins1_gw
3 years ago
FWIW, another vote for not painting. Have you ever read the book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie..."?

Right now, everything goes together and makes sense. If you paint the cabinets, then you have to worry about the trim, and the spindles, and the ... etc. This is also why people who try to do quick refreshes or "just one thing" get sucked into budget-breaking remodels. Once you do one thing, everything else looks undone.
Sybil Benson thanked crcollins1_gw
midcenturymodernlove
3 years ago
Agree. Get a fabulous, blingy light. Lighting sells houses.
Sybil Benson thanked midcenturymodernlove
function_first
3 years ago
I agree- do not paint cabinets or trim. the dining light idea is great. try Howard Restor-a-finish on the cabinets If they’re in need of freshening (Hard to tell from a distance). It’s 1/100th of the work.
Sybil Benson thanked function_first
Faron79
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I've been in retail paint for 20 years!!

>>>> DO NOT do any painting!!!

Leave that to the NEW owners! Knowing what I know now......I wouldn't want to UNDO someone else's quick spruce-up work. It's rarely done very well anyway!!! I'm way the hell too fussy. I'd be pissed as all get-out if they were painted "just to sell". Then, I'd have the immense headache of getting that paint off......

Besides.....they may LIKE the wood!

Please.... DON'T follow the Realtors advice here!! YOU won't get a DIME out it. It's just a possibly quicker commission for the Realtor.

Faron
Sybil Benson thanked Faron79