Should I paint stained woodwork just to sell house? (listing, houses, buyer)

[Sandy Nelson]

Cabinets with "cut-outs" or scroll work are outdated and should be replaced. Painting will do nothing to get them up to date. If they are fairly plain and in good condition I wouldn't paint them. You can get an updated look by replacing the hardware and the counter tops.

[hubandwif]

Hi,
I posted a question several days ago concerning our kitchen cabinets and the stained woodwork that a real estate agent suggested I paint white before selling the house next spring. Several of you suggested I post pics so you could see what I was describing. Please take a look at the pics and give me your opinion. The house is a Williamsburg Colonial built in 1986 and I had much of the ground floor trim done in stained clear pine with matching cherry cabinets. We're reluctant to paint over the stained woodwork but are very interested in other's opinions. We originally had wallpaper but recently removed it and painted the walls the colors you see. All appliances are SS and the counters are Silestone with a fine terazzo pattern.

Thanks for your opinion!

John and Jane

[TexasHorseLady]

Where are the pictures?

[Silverfall]

I'm not seeing any pictures either. You can make an album in your profile if you are having trouble posting them to the forum.

[hubandwif]

[aus10]

I'm not a Realtor. I think your kitchen looks lovely and classic. Personally, I hate painted woodwork. This is just a recent buyers opinion of course...

[Silverfall]

My personal opinion is to leave the woodwork alone. If you paint the cabinets, you need to paint the chair rail, trim, on and on...

I think it would look odd to have white cabinets and then wood window trim, baseboards and chair rails...

[rubytue]

Not what you asked, but if you are going for the 30s and 40s buyers in NoVA, de-country it. I think you could leave the woodwork as-is, save the time and effort painting and use to on contemporary art and accessories. (No, I'm not a real estate agent, but I am in my mid-30s, lived in NoVA for 6 years, moving back next year, and have a large group of friends in that age bracket living in NoVA, and if yuo are in Vienna, especially near wolf trap, you would be my ideal location ).

[Ken_Cent21]

From working in a furniture/interior design store, (unless pics are deceiving) I'd say get rid of that 70s dark stain and re stain it a ligther shade to brighten up the room. Or go to sears and check into their cabinet refacing. But the kitchen should be lighter and cheery.

[Ken_Cent21]

PS install a butcher block, I didn't see one, with a refrigerator drawer and range top or sink, all the rage. Otherwise its a lovely kitchen.