Answers by Mary Canova

Painting your home will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Paint colors do date a home. I would suggest something neutral, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee - which is a warm creamy white or Sherwin Williams Alabaster both are bright & inviting. Agreeable Grey, which is a grey beige, is still a nice warm neutral as well. I would also update light fixtures. It is not expensive and they can change the look of the room.

A full kitchen remodel really isn’t necessary to achieve a fresh, updated look. Simply painting the oak cabinets, swapping out the hardware, and possibly refreshing the wall color and lighting can make a dramatic difference in the overall feel of the space. These targeted updates can modernize the kitchen and significantly boost its appeal without the expense and disruption of a complete renovation. In fact, a full remodel often doesn’t provide a strong return on investment, whereas these more modest improvements can deliver a big visual impact for a fraction of the cost. And do not spend money on granite counter tops if you do not have them already. Update the appliances if you have the budget.