UGG! Outdated Kitchen! Help modernizing this short term rental in AZ.
Hello! I have been stumped on what to do with this kitchen... (and a vibe for the condo for that matter) for a short-term rental in Phoenix... without doing any remodeling at all except maybe painting the walls and changing that kitchen table light?? Here is the current resident's decor, etc. Mostly browns, orange, blonde cabinets. Here is a link if anyone would like to take on the mental anguish that I have been suffering from (haha). Trying to help my mom figure this out... but I am not much help designing on a dime! :) Just don't know whether to stick with the blonde color for the barstools, table, chairs, etc... or try and pull some gray out of the backsplash... or the dark browns. Ug. Any help is greatly appreciated so that I can get on to the couch, and other rooms.
Comments (27)
B. Christensen
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Tired of same "look" on every television home show
Comments (57)The only reason why I watch HGTV any more is if I'm channel surfing and need a breather for a couple of minutes. I don't need to watch anything for long because I know exactly what people will say ("needs updating," "stainless," "granite," "open concept") and because the end product is so predictible - and so predictibly soulless. Like someone said, it's the Target look. Plus, like some have mentioned, it's the lack of respect for perfectly good rooms. Oh, excuse me, perfectly good "spaces." I have seen a few shows in which original details, usually done in good materials and that have a certain amount of interest (not to mention, fit the style and period of the house) are ripped out in order to "update." I've seen it on both Love It or List It and on Property Brothers. What's both amusing and sad is that viewers are being spoonfed a bill of unpalatable goods. First, they're led to believe that every house they buy or live in needs "updating." That of course, costs money, money that they might not (probably do not) have to spend. I know - we all realize the whole point of these shows is to get people into stores for expensive things like countertops, cabinets, stainless steel whatevers; to get them to redo entire rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms. My opinion: Closely related is that the shows lead people to believe there's no other way to decorate their houses. Like decordummy says, what about antiques? The irony is that if you flip through Architectural Digest, World of Interiors, Antiques & Fine Art, and other magazines like those, you'll see both antiques and ornamentation/anti-Target look. That's not to say there's nothing contemporary, but houses in those magazines show individuality, creativity, they reflect a personality and point of view - even when the look has been 100% created by the designer. The other amusing but not-really-funny aspect of the HGTV philosophy is the whole "open concept" thing. I sure hope first-time home buyers, particularly people who buy new houses, understand what's going on with that. What a scam, if you ask me. What a gift to home builders, and with the buyers paying the bill! Same square footage, but what's missing with those "open concept" houses? Doors, walls, moldings, hardware, trim, and all the other things that define actual rooms. Instead, people are paying the same amount per square foot for "spaces." I've wandered a little OT, but not entirely, I hope. Oh, and will someone please mail those property brothers a decent shaver?...See MoreNeed help with a 90's all oak kitchen remodel
Comments (34)I am adding a natural gas line from my livingroom fireplace to my kitchen plus moving the plumbing lines and for my Washing machine and laundryroom sink plus having an outside faucet replaced that is on the wall where the new Washing machine plumbing lines will be placed. The estimate I got was $1200.00. I am in Central PA, so prices may be higher in other areas and I had gotten estimates that were far more expensive. The plumber I found is good. He has owned his own plumbing business for 30 years and has brought his son into the business. His explanation for some of the high estimates was that my work is a small job and many of the younger plumbers would rather do new homes and bigger projects and don't seem to want to do the small jobs on individual homes anymore. He told me he is trying to teach his son that you can make more doing a lot of small jobs than you can doing one or two big jobs where you have to bid so low that there is little profit. Finding the right plumber took some effort, but I got a reasonable price from someone I trust will do a good job. I have shopped hard for a good plumber, a good electrician and a good car mechanic since moving to a new city, but I have found all 3 and trust that any work I need done will be done right and at a fair price....See MoreSmall Kitchen Layout--1920s Craftsman Puzzle--Please help!
Comments (52)M, So great to hear your take on form following function. I think we share a practical streak. On the one hand, I'm not a preservationist, on the other I do want to be true to the spirit of the house. I'm not aiming to make it something its not, and I don't want to "over improve" either. I agree that its entirely possible to "design a modern functional home and have the original vintage design-spirit prevail". In fact, thats precisely the balance I'm striving to achieve. In my situation, honoring the vintage design spirit means keeping certain elements intact: --the cottage windows --the china cabinet --the built-ins in the living room flanking the fireplace I'm not as attached to keeping the kitchen and breakfast room spaces separate as my partner is. In the spirit of cooperation and domestic harmony ;-) I've solicited feedback on how we could fit everything in the footprint of the kitchen proper, and posters to this thread stepped up admirably (THANK YOU!!) Reading the comments here has allowed me to feel more comfortable with merging the kitchen and the breakfast room--that this might be the right place to "modernize". Considering the two spaces as one is beginning to feel…well…more practical to me. Your point about it being possible to botch both the form and the function strikes a cautionary note---Sheesh, that would be awful. Aiming to avoid this, on both counts! Thanks so much M, for your always incisive comments....See MoreHELP !! Need suggestions on color pallet & de-country kitchen
Comments (24)Other than valances, and too many shelves of different kind that are there to cover the storage issue I believe-I don't see anything bad about the kitchen. The wood is actually back, the tiles are fun. I'd leave the corbel shelf, and one of a free standing pieces (I'd be inclined to leave a narrow one..looks more different thus more intentional:) also can be reused as a bookcase or whatever, if renters don't like in the kitchen). BTW-different color/a tad different style hutches in kitchens gain big popularity recently. If you're worried about what's dated.. Bottom line-if you really want to tackle storage-take both shelves out, put in over the counter cabs in different color, similar style..done. Switch the knobs for bigger ones -can make a very pleasing difference. Not that the ones you have are bad. It looks like a nice house, I wouldn't overhaul things too much. As for color scheme-as long as you keep colors related(same degree of mutedness/brightness for example) it'll be harmonious and work. Give the renters the possibility to repaint if they wish-and repaint back when they're out. I'd personally leave the windows between rooms-unless they interfere with functionality a lot. You'll know better as you know the space. These are good windows:) They don't make anything like these for cheap no more:) People with kids and pets will be overjoyed to rent this place. I know I'd be. Don't worry too much about newest high end finishes that often only look high end, and condos that are cool(I spent most of my life in apartments, condos and townhouses) but are different kind of living arrangements, with pros and cons of their own. I was a renter for many years, and nothing would scare me off your place. Except for yard maintenance and only if very complicated. Laminate is better for pets, or so I heard. (I've a friend that owns three big dogs. And two cats. And lots of smaller pets. and two pythons)) In short she knows what she talks about)) But of course if you want continious flooring makes sense to pull it out still. If you're ok with pets-already brings you many people in. If you're cheaper than other places-multiply your appeal. Bottom line-your kitchen, in terms of colors and all, is moving very fast into a direction of current. Maybe not everybody figured it out yet-but they who're really into what's going on-they know..:) Streamline storage a bit, get rid of several things, you'll be just fine. Your renters will be too....See More
freedomplace1
2 years agoThe backsplash is fine. But if you wanted a different look, you could use some removable wallpaper or maybe Smart Tiles, over current splash.
B. Christensen thanked freedomplace1
Olychick
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoIs your mother renting it to live in or did she buy it as an investment as a short term rental, aka AirBnb type situation? It's unclear why she would make improvements to a place she's renting, but if she's the new owner planning on renting it to others, she may want to improve it to make it more desirable to others as a rental.
The worst offender is the backsplash, which she could easily paint. Freedom's example above looks so much better. I don't think I'd add black to all the gold tones and gray isn't good with what is there either. Just getting rid of the current barstools and dining chairs will reduce the amount of goldish wood in the space, a huge improvement, I'd imagine.
I might look for some cream color barstools. These are $288 for a pair at target; 5% off if you have their charge card and free delivery.
BarstoolsB. Christensen thanked Olychickfreedomplace1
2 years agoAnd I actually think I might keep that light over the table and instead switch out the fan to something more streamlined.
It would be helpful to have a better understanding of the situation, I.e. is your Mom going to be living here or renting it out to others, etc. But in any case, my recommendations would not change much. Only difference would be if your Mom is going to be living there and doesn’t personally like the chandelier/fixture over the table, then of course make the change. But it looks like an interesting fixture and could work with a more modern arrangement (more modern table, chairs, etc.). My main issue would be updating the ceiling fan.
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arcy_gw
2 years ago
PROCelery. Visualization, Rendering images
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoB. Christensen thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering imagesfreedomplace1
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoWhite/painted cabinets are really not the panacea that they were. No need for your Mom to spend extra money and energy to essentially ruin the cabinets, when wood cabinetry is very much en vogue right now, plus it is classic. And those wood cabinets are nice, and look to be in pristine condition. There are thriving Airbnb properties all over this country (and others) that have wood cabinetry. If your Mom purchased this as a rental, she is smart to not put a lot of money into it, because it does not need it. The space is fine. I would change or cover the backsplash possibly (as mentioned above) and I would update the fan. It gets very hot in Arizona and even with AC a fan in the kitchen could be a nice feature. The ceiling is vaulted and the fan there is not intrusive. Get a more streamlined fan that has a remote control. And if folks look closely at the detail on this fixture over the table, they might see that it is really an interesting piece.
Lighting choices can be very influenced by personal taste. But this fixture is interesting, and also adds visual interest; it is not outdated and can be used in a more modern furniture setup, as well.Please do not stress your Mom unnecessarily. The bones of this space look to be very nice. For any general short term rental or Airbnb, adding a couple of modern furniture pieces, a couple of minor revisions possibly (backsplash and fan) - would be more than sufficient. And really, these couple of simple changes to the space would be more than sufficient for any living situation. The rest is personal taste - such as if someone wanted to change the countertops to something more simple for example. But the existing countertops that are there are nice - and that is very good quality on that granite! So look beyond your own personal taste and understand that this is really a nice property, as is. IMO, that is the best thing that you can do for your Mom, for yourself - and for the property!
B. Christensen thanked freedomplace1freedomplace1
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoAirbnb in Chicago.
And this kitchen is literally in a tree house in Kentucky - and is on recent Airbnb release of ‘Most Wish-listed’ Airbnb spots in the Country.https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/most-wish-listed-unique-airbnbs-in-us%3famp
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PROLisa Caudill Designs
2 years agoI would do the walls in Creamy and Sage on the chairs and a light like this
Kira Home Montreal 29" French Country Chandelier, Adjustable Height, Smoked · More Info
B. Christensen thanked Lisa Caudill DesignsB. Christensen
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoOlychick
2 years agoThanks for clarifying that it's a rental for others to rent, not what she's renting. I would encourage you to paint the backsplash instead of stick on stuff. I think the stick on stuff works best on a bare wall, not over existing tile.
If you google "painting a tile backsplash" you'll find lots of directions.
B. Christensen thanked OlychickB. Christensen
2 years agofreedomplace1
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoWith this sofa, maybe you could do the dining table. Just one idea.
freedomplace1
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agofreedomplace1
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agofreedomplace1
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoand/or maybe Arizona related / travel posters/photos.
All art I posted is available on Etsy.com. Great selection + great prices. :)- PRO
Lisa Caudill Designs
2 years agoPeel and stick back splash is fairly cheap and could make a huge impact
lkloes
2 years ago
houssaon