Does faux finish make kitchen look dated

Question

Help me decide what to do! Our home has been for sale for 3 months and no buyers yet although we live in active-adult community in GA that is booming! A designer friend told me to paint my faux finish kitchen a neutral color since it makes the home look dated. Once our contract expires on Monday, I will consider doing this but since we dropped the price by $10K, I figured that the new buyer would have plenty of money to hire a painter for the entire house!? Yet, others tell me people want a move-in ready home (which ours is!) and not do any painting at all. 
UPDATE: I attached a photo of the sitting area with a few changes.  It appears so much nicer now before painting (furniture is deep chestnut brown, not purple as it may appear)....2 realtors said my house will now appeal to so many more people with just the rearranging of furniture & making it appear larger.  Why didn't they tell me that 3 months ago....thanks to my designer friend who came over and offered to help me!!!

Pam Lewandowski · Answer

I'm commenting because I've been wondering the same thing. Thank you so much for asking this question!!! HOWDY from Texas!!!

Janettey · Answer

I think your home is beautiful. Really, but I would paint to make it brighter and lighter.

Pam Lewandowski · Answer

It's absolutely beautiful!!

Janettey · Answer

You could have a painting party with friends. Send invites, make it fun and plan party food in or out. Reward them with blue ribbons for quickest, messiest, the one wearing the most paint. Hugs and appreciation always help bond.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

So heres another thought ,what does the real estate agent suggest?

Gwen · Answer

Yes. It does date us and I watched how quickly the trends changed in the 50's sitcoms so it's nothing new. You say the area is booming. Look at a model senior home. What color is on their wall? I'd use an inexpensive paint that's suppose to cover without primer. Give yourself a budget of say $400 total to update the house. Now. Look around. All is pristine clean. But feels dark? Valances seem dark.  Can you just have a he shades or a flimsy white curtain ( Ikeas are cheap white that do look nice). Very very reasonable. Rather than four huge round placemats in a dark color of red what about looking at StoneGable on Pinterest or her blog? She's redone her house to feel lighter. What's on her table? She uses candles on a round mirror and Mercury glass pillars. Check her out bits not stuffy but light. Think TJMaxx or Walmart or even looking through your collection of candlesticks grouped on a glass tray with white candles that are cheaper at Christmas aisles in Walgreen or other stores for Christmas. Rugs. Dark. Look at Ross for an inexpensive light color patterned rug. I've gotten for my daughter. Check Wayfair. Keep to that budget. Use a throw to add texture. They are inexpensive at west elm to Target to Khols. Keep things light. Pillows. Toss a large one behind the bird ones. Remember this is not your house it is staging. Instead of the decorative piece under bar, buy a few pieces of lumber cut to different lengths and make a shiplack look.dont spend tons on this. You'll be painting it. Toss out what's high on above shelving cabinersv hang a larger piece of art on wall brvtale. Check hometalkmand pinterestv     For ideas.

Grace Nielsen · Answer

Although I really love the Tuscan vibe in your home, I do think a buyer would indeed like a neutral paint color.

HouseLogic.com · Answer

First off, you have a lovely home, and everything in it seems like it's in great condition. With that said, we do think painting the walls white especially in your kitchen will make your home appear brighter. Not everyone is a fan of faux finishes, and it may be distracting to potential home buyers. Here's a post about white kitchens that you may find helpful: http://goo.gl/CknJba

Shari · Answer

Have you had many prospective buyers tour your home in the 3 months it has been on the market? Are the buyers' real estate agents giving your agent any feedback on why their clients aren't making offers? Are there a glut of other homes for sale in your community, making the competition stiff? Do you have any insights on what it is about the other homes that are selling?

While it appears your home has many of the things buyers deem important (wood floors, a nice kitchen with stainless appliances, open & airy rooms, lots of windows with a great view etc.), I do feel the faux finish on the walls looks dated. If a home met all of my other expectations, I would not hesitate to put in an offer just because I didn't like the color(s) on the walls--I'd just go in and repaint as soon as the deal was sealed--but I have repeatedly heard what your designer friend is telling you, people want houses that are move-in ready. Neutral walls are considered move-in ready. Faux finished walls are not.

On the positive side though, at least you weren't told you need (expensive) kitchen or bathroom renovations to update your home. Paint is a fairly inexpensive and easy update, especially if you can DIY the project. If I were you, I would heed your designer friend's advice and repaint.

Besides repainting a neutral color, I would go one step further and remove 99.9% of your accessories, wall art, patterned rugs and fabric window treatments because, in addition to the faux wall treatments, these things emphasize your decorating style, (mostly 'Tuscan'), which doesn't appeal to everyone. Believe me, I think it is absolutely ridiculous that prospective home buyers can't see past these non-permanent things! However, it just might be that in order for your home to appeal to these unimaginative buyers, you may have to strip the majority of the color and all of the decor touches out of your home so it reads neutral in color and not specific to any one decorating style. Frustrating, I know, but just a few color and accessory editing changes may give you an edge over other homes for sale in your area, possibly making the difference between a successful sale or continuing to let your home sit on the market with no offers. Good luck!

HappyGrandmaGA · Answer

We have had several people coming through but the main complaints is that the main floor is not large enough so that is why I rearranged the furniture which did help the look. Others looking were not ready to buy. Our main floor is 2,000 SF while the basement man cave with kitchen is another 1,334 finished SF....there is a huge amount of unfinished storage in the basement, too. We were told most people do not want basements or homes over $350K yet there have been 4 basement homes nearby that just sold for way over that amount up to and over $500K. Inventory is low now so a realtor said resales will become more popular now. Once the contract ends on Monday, we will strip the decor and paint the kitchen. Just that one room alone may make all the difference. Thanks for your time and tips!!!

Dee · Answer

Definitely.............paint it

Fiona Janine · Answer

I associate the faux finish look with the 90s. The house has a nice open floor plan, shiny wood floors, new appliances, and great light. I'd love to live there! I'd paint it a warm neutral color like Sherwin Williams 'Restful White.' Some sort of eggshell white color would work well, I think.

Jan Loehr · Answer

I think your layout is very open and inviting. I would paint all the walls with the yellow-gold faux swirls to a neutral cooler Khaki color which would give a smooth uncluttered look on the walls & people would notice how the black pops on the khaki...Check Home Depot for their wonderful paint plus primer line...they have so many colors to choose from...I have painted every room in my house with Behr Paint and just love it!

Gwen · Answer

Also remember that it only takes one person to buy your home. Yes those valances are custom. But they are yours, not the house's. So if you DO take them down now, you may have them to use in your next home--possibly putting several together to cover a larger window or cutting one down to cover a smaller window. You get to redecorate your new home in what you love. I'd say a white round bath mat. They are $10 ( there about) at World Market. Hang one new white towel ( reasonable there too plus thick and rich looking). Then roll a couple and place in a brown dollar store basket. They even have designer soaps for $1 so unwrap a couple and nestle in the basket. That's all on the counter. Don't use shower curtains for show. Have your personal things in a basket you store under sink. I've been a firm believer don't think like yourself. Think like a buyer. Once again: look at the model homes with which you compete. Make yours shine. By being not boring but move in ready. I have prayed your lovely home becomes quickly marketable. Do not be spending a lot for pillows and throws you don't really want. Look through your crystal or brass you can group on a tray. Trays are big. Books in the colors of your accent colors are big. Sort through and find all your books in those colors and fill a bookshelf or stack three by a bedside table. Turn other books around to the pages and place an object a top. Minimal yet look at your own things in a new way. You have a friend saying suggestions but had you thought of simply turning the pillows to the blank side? Best of luck to you. May you spend under $400 updating every room. My typing gets wrong after awhile. I meant to say have nothing high above cabinets as area is very narrow. And hang large piece of art on wall by tv. Look at goodwill for frame. I have used a graphic artist to design a saying and she uses an engineering firm to print it. Others take a photo and have an engineering print done at Costco or Office Depot for under ten dollars for a large print. Think cheap yet expensive looking! I have a gift but it's kind of not useful except being chair side boss?!! I hope you are smiling and NOT stressing. There are more joys even in days with much hardships if we but have eyes.

Gwen · Answer

I meant roll a couple white washcloths to put in a low small basket

512181 · Answer

Have you analyzed the pictures of the houses that sold in your neighborhood? Perhaps that might help you adjust your decorating to what buyers want. I do agree that faux finishes are dated. I would go with an off white color that others have suggested. I would take the window treatments down, and some of the smaller pictures. I have noticed that people love what I call the 'Pottery Barn' look. Many can see beyond the current decorations, but many cannot. Selling a house is a little like a trick--you are tricking people to believe that if they buy your house, life will be so easy and so wonderful. Everything, including closets and storage areas need to be perfectly organized. I think most people want to just move in and not bother with changing anything. It is an open and lovely space. Make sure all the other rooms have the same 'less is more' feeling. Sometimes people rent a pod to put excess stuff in while they sell a house. Best of luck!

Marsha Schwarz · Answer

I have sold several house on my own or with an agent. I needed an agent on the last one and it was sold within an hour and for more than we were asking. ABSOLUTELY you need to do some changes. The paint, the decor... you need to make the house look like I can move in it without having to do anything to make it mine. Take your personal touches out of it. You need to emotionally detach from your home, pack up and store most your stuff and make it a ‘home for sale’ that anyone could live in. 
 One house ... we had allowed our young child to paint the basement walls blocks of bright colors. No sales... the day we changed it out to white, we sold. For some reason people can’t buy a can of paint and they certainly can’t see beyond it... seriously. That change alone will likely sell for you but stay very neutral. 
 Please contact me if you would like some more advice.

Margaret Zibura · Answer

What I found to be distracting is the scroll work on the breakfast bar, and I would paint the walls, but neutral...

Charlotte Wheeler · Answer

Take out everything that you think is cute, the next person may not like your style of cute.
.

Debbie Westgate- Guyot-Sliwa · Answer

i was also a gold loving girl, but redoing my new 'old' house and using Sherwin Williams Balance Beige SW7037 which is in the grey family but still a neutral which goes well with everything! Everyone loves it! Good luck, you could also offer a paint allowance! Your floors look pretty!

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

Your house is pretty, also too 'decorated'!! It has a 'theme'...you dont want 'theme'!! I think that is what everyone is saying??Maybe remove pic above fireplace, add a mirror, two candle holders (w/candles) on one side, three pumpkins of different size, on the other, clock moved over towards the candles...take down window treatments, paint walls one color, maybe a white/gray (fireplace stone?) take down all the fleur de lis, Italy things, and the scroll on your island. You have two different rugs under your table, use the plain one! Move your flowers to the kitchen table, add a couple of books to end table. Just remember, no THEME!! Good Luck...be sure to let us see WHAT sold!!!

Marsha Schwarz · Answer

I know exactly what she means. Can you message me on fb or email me? https://www.facebook.com/marsha.schwarz.1

K · Answer

This link is one of my favorites: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/creating-a-french-country-kitchen-cabinet-finish-using-chalk-paint-1296882 If you don't decide to do it that way, there are tons of ideas on here as I am sure you know already. I like your kitchen the way it is, but I think it would look awesome in that antique country style

Marlene O'Malley · Answer

The walls are fine. All I see is 'black and gold' in entire room and lot of wrought iron. Wrought iron drapery rods, table bases, picture frames, etc. You obviously were going for the Tuscany southwest look, which is becoming out dated. Also your choice of decorative pictures on the walls are too small and insignificant to size of walls. Buy burgundy slipcover(from Sure Fit) for sofa and find area rug with more contemporary look. The one you have is way outdated look. If you spend some time watching HGTV shows on how they transform old homes to sell at higher prices, you will see what is in style now. I do believe the theory that you have to spend a little money to make improvements to your home in order to sell at the price you need. Might be worth it for you to hire an 'interior arranger' to come in and give you suggestions and advice. I have been in the decorating field for 30 years, and I don't for a minute believe a realtors suggestion that you should paint your home neutral colors and strip it of all personal pics and possessions, blah,blah... You do need to take those things into consideration and make changes and eliminate things that will make your home look 'crowded' or messy.etc.

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

Thanks Victoria...I hope it helps the homeowner......NO THEMES!!

Margaret · Answer

I believe if you get intouch with a home stager it will be money well spent, and you WILL be able to get the money you want and maybe more

HappyGrandmaGA · Answer

Update: Thanks for all of the suggestions..I met with the new realtor who helps stage and is also a part-time designer....my friend (the designer) works for her, too, so they will help me figure all this out....I took TONS of things off of the walls today and we have decided to paint the kitchen. Will see how that looks before doing more...our entryway is the same faux finish but tiny. I changed around the rugs and paintings. Will send pics once I finish up with the kitchen maybe by Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Tracy · Answer

I personally think the house is gorgeous I don't like the yellow walls but I don't like the color yellow but when I look at a house I overlook the paint cause unless Im having the hosue built from the ground up im gonna change the paint anyways the house I just bought had bright red living room walls and a neon green bedroom yuck

B. Enne · Answer

I don't have time to read all the comments, so I apologize in advance if I am repeating anything. 
 I think paint does wonders. Although you have a nice house, not everyone likes faux finishes. I remember seeing on tv decorating shows, that faux finishes are often used to hide irregularities in wall finishes; bad taping, mudding, bumps etc., so even if your walls are in good shape, people see work. Some people associate a yellowish finish with nicotine stains (although your house is obviously pristine). This in turn makes people think they will need to scrape, fix or prime everyhting, even if it is not the case. 
 Since your contract is coming up, why not hire one of the agents who sold the on slab homes for 500K +? They obviously know what they are doing. Also have you seen the interior of any of those homes that sold? How are they different form yours...colour, furniture arrangement, smaller furniture, stripped down decor, no pets, air freshener etc.? Try to incorporate some of those ideas in your home. 2000 SF for a main floor is not small, that just sounds like an excuse.

HappyGrandmaGA · Answer

We are getting a new agent later this week who also includes help with staging and professional photos, making a world of difference. My family does not feel I need to paint the walls in the kitchen but I am READY!!! Although I fought that idea, I came to the conclusion it needs to be done. Now to pick out a color with NO yellow (my biggest fault that I can't pick out colors!) and I have 15 paint samples here driving me nuts! I don't think pale gray would do it but I do love the look of grays with tans....painter coming Tues. or Wed. The homes that sold for over $500K are new spec homes with an unfinished basement and horrible back yards overlooking a drainage pond and they each sold to a SINGLE person! Obviously, the sales office is not helping with resales. It has been a hugely frustrating 3 months....shocking that our home did not sell in the first couple of weeks....the photos are 'horrible' that were first put out there....I've been trying to update and improve them myself!!! My friends said my home would sell in a heartbeat but here it still is !!! And, the new realtor looked at my master bath and loved it....she was very surprised at how nice it was ....said the photos don't even begin to show it off....all of my rooms look yellow and bright and they are not ! Wish me luck and thanks to all of you who have helped...can't wait to post new pics later this week!!!!

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Does faux finish make kitchen look dated

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