[Apri]

I'm finishing up the planning for our kitchen remodel.

Currently, I am planning to use Arlig Beech. I like the price and I have seen it in person at the IKEA store, but not in a full kitchen, just as a the single model. It seems nice. I like the curve of the edge and the faux wood seems nice enough. I do not like the cabinets in white.

I worry about it looking too fake. It's very important that we keep up the re-sale value of our house. What are your thoughts on the "fake" wood?

[Lisa]

Americans tend to be real snobs about "melamine" - so I'd keep that in mind. Of course, that didn't stop me from getting the ARLIG white. I like it and I like the curved line as you mention. I actually think the ARLIGs have raised my home's value, but then again, my kitchen was pretty hideous.

If you like that lighter wood look, consider the NEXUS line. Oak (not an 80's honey oak, but a more Euro oak) is about to go out, but I am sure birch will live on. That's a veneer and it's often misidentified in magazine photo shoots as the (currently) widely beloved maple.