ultra modern cabinets?

Question

I am rehabbing  and will keep this as a rental, 100sf house in class c working neighborhood.  I am going with basic no frill rehab.  However, wanting to distinguish from just a boring rental.  I love these super contemporary cabinets, and think they would add some interest.  Cost is not much extra.  Is this too bold for a sleepy conservative small town?  This pic is just an example, my kitchen is about 2-1/2 time that size.

Richard F. · Answer

@Bruce Woodruff, @Kevin Ivey, in general I agree with you both, however my earlier comments did point out it is indeed very bold as presented, and potentially not as durable as other choices. The OP stated cost was "not much extra" which is up for interpretation.

My point is, I had 100's of C and D units under management in the Midwest, and I utilized simple, low or no cost upgrades to provide an "accent", something that was not "the same" as every other white, off white, Birch white, look. We stocked Armstrong VCT in a few colors, and would lay checkerboard floors in most kitchens. We stocked, in addition to Birch White, Ceiling High Hide White, so rooms were not just color drenched. And we stocked a few other colors to use for a single accent wall in living rooms and primary bedrooms. There was zero cost difference in doing this, but the WOW factor made the difference in attracting better Tenants, faster, and getting top rents. Even in "those" neighborhoods. We also bought wallpaper borders to use as accents in a room or two. They always drew favorable comments, and were a very minimal cost to purchase and install.

Another trick we were able to use in some kitchens and baths, where original cabinets were actual wood, was to reface them by just getting a sheet of laminate, cutting, gluing, and use a trimming router cutter. Very simple for certain styles of cabinets, and huge transformation and "statement".

Richard F. · Answer

They do look very nice...but definitely a bold pattern. If that becomes the "statement" when you view the kitchen it may be a bit much, but if it is less of a contrast with your actual overall decor of the room it could look very good. I too would be concerned about touch up, or chipping edges with heavy use, although that finish appears VERY glossy. It may actually be easier to clean. The MDF is still susceptible to damage from water being near the sink, although it is an improvement over particle board.

If you install them, post a pic of finished room!

Caleb Brown · Answer

I don't love these. I think it's risky so going with more of a basic look is OK. If you wanted to spruce up the kitchen focus on the hardware, sink, faucet and lighting. Makes it pop more than cabinets and appeals to a broader audience.

Kevin Ivey · Answer

That pattern is to much for me in my sleepy blue collar town.  It would be a turn off not a draw. Remember this isn't for you but an average tenant.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Basic is better for a rental. Even if those were 'real' tiger-wood or something like that, I'd just go with a basic white or espresso.....

Just my $.02 ....

Peter Mckernan · Answer

To be honest I would just go straight to something very standard and nothing that is too far out of a shaker cabinet that are not custom. The reason is that it is a rental, there really does not need to be any "frills." As you said, just doing a basic remodel, and I would stick that way. It would not turn a ton of people off, but it is nice to have something standard that people see all the time. Also, if you go have to replace a part, shaker will be still kind of a "standard" for some time. This style may go out of style quick and you cannot find the replacement door or something for it at all.

Matt Williams · Answer

Richard, I am very intrigued by your wow factor upgrades.  Can you recommend any websites or books that would picture such type upgrades....or do you have a few pics from that era in your life?

Matt Williams · Answer

real wood veneer on MDF.  Plywood cabinets, no particle board.  Gloss finish, fairly durable factory finish.  As durable as any stain/clear cabinet finish.  I am a furniture maker, and am impressed with the quality.  The gloss finish however would make it troublesome to touch up any damage.  The veneer is probably "man made"-- they take cheap woods, glue them up, and slice them up in order to appear as more expensive wood.  It is however a very convincing,

beautiful look.

Richard F. · Answer

Hard to tell for sure from the image, is that a vertical printed or natural pattern or reeded facing?

It would depend on how they look with the actual flooring and countertops. For that grade of property, durability should be first priority. Are these solid wood, particle board, or a thin vinyl wrap?

ultra modern cabinets?

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