Renovating the Kitchen? Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Renovating the Kitchen? Don’t Make These Mistakes!

  • SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE
  • 08/6/17
With the kitchen being the heart of any home, it’s bound to take a hit every now and again. Spills and accidents add up quickly, so it’s important to focus on picking quality materials when you’re remodeling your kitchen. Here are some things you should avoid:
 
 

1. Inexpensive Laminate Countertops:

Laminate counters are extremely prone to wear and tear. They can melt if you forget to place a hot pad under a pan that’s fresh out of the oven, and the edges easily chip off from repeated exposure to moisture and heat. Splurging on countertops are often worth the money; some good options include granite, quartz, or marble countertops if you want a look that lasts.
 

2. Flat Paint:

A flat or matte finish on your walls would work well in rooms with lower traffic, but in a room like the kitchen, spills, and accidents are bound to happen. You’ll want to make sure your paint choice can withstand an occasional heavy scrubbing, so opting for gloss or semi-gloss finishes may be better to keep your kitchen walls looking new and clean.
 

3. A “Trendy” Backsplash:

So many home remodeling shows show kitchens with expensive and elaborate backsplash designs. Those trendy backsplashes can be pricey, and can easily look dated after a few years. A classic, less expensive option could be subway tile; it will never get old, plus it allows wiggle-room in your budget to purchase quality materials to be used elsewhere.
 

4. Poor Quality Flooring:

Similar to countertops, kitchen flooring needs to be able to withstand wear and tear too. Cheap flooring easily scrapes and peels, especially when in contact with moisture. Quality flooring is worth the investment; some good choices for flooring are hand-scraped hardwoods, bamboo, or tile over vinyl.
SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

About The Author

ABOUT SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions people make — and it deserves thoughtful, strategic guidance, not pressure.

I’m Shannon Foster-Boline, a Realtor serving the Greater Knoxville area, including West Knoxville and surrounding communities. I work with buyers, sellers, and relocation clients who value clear communication, strong preparation, and a calm, informed approach — especially in higher-value and more complex transactions where details truly matter.

My role goes far beyond opening doors or managing contracts. I help clients evaluate options, anticipate challenges, and make confident decisions aligned with their long-term goals. Many of my clients are busy professionals, move-up buyers, and established homeowners who want an experienced advisor they can trust to manage the process efficiently and thoughtfully.

With more than 1,100 homes sold and over $270 million in lifetime sales, I bring deep local market knowledge and real-world experience to every transaction. I’ve represented a wide range of clients — from first-time buyers to luxury sellers — and I tailor my approach to fit each client’s priorities, timeline, and decision-making style.

MY APPROACH

Clients often describe working with me as steady, strategic, and reassuring.

I believe:

  • Strategy matters more than urgency

  • Local market insight matters more than national headlines

  • Clear communication reduces stress and leads to better outcomes

  • Preparation creates leverage — whether you’re buying or selling

My approach is best suited for clients who are prepared to engage thoughtfully in the process — with clear financial readiness, defined priorities, and an appreciation for strategic guidance.

I’m especially well-suited for clients navigating:

  • Move-up purchases and higher-value sales

  • Coordinated buy-sell timelines

  • New construction and well-designed modern homes

  • Established and architecturally distinctive neighborhoods

  • Complex negotiations requiring experience and composure

EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP

In addition to client work, I’ve been deeply involved in real estate leadership and education throughout East Tennessee. I’ve served in multiple leadership roles within East Tennessee Realtors® and Tennessee Realtors®, including President of East Tennessee Realtors®.

I hold several advanced professional designations, including:

  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®)

  • Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI®)

  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

  • Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE®)

  • Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)

These credentials reflect my commitment to education, ethics, and professional excellence — but my focus always remains on delivering thoughtful guidance and strong results for my clients.

BEYOND REAL ESTATE

Outside of work, I’m a mom, partner, and avid gardener who values community, connection, and a well-lived life.

I love travel, historic architecture, and exploring neighborhoods — both locally and abroad. Those experiences shape how I connect with clients who are navigating meaningful transitions and making big, often emotional, decisions.

CONSIDERING A MOVE?

Whether you’re actively planning a move or simply thinking ahead, I believe good decisions start with good information.

If you’re looking for an experienced, steady, and strategic real estate advisor — someone who values quality over volume — I’d be honored to help. If you’d like to better understand my approach and who I work best with, you can learn more about how I work with clients here.

Work With Us

We understand the elements of the individual needs and the unique process of each transaction. At the end of the day, we want you to walk away feeling that you have received an amazing experience with our team and that you have been able to realize your dream of selling or buying a home!

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