Try some of the following:

1. Refinish your cabinets.

In many cases, the finish on your cabinets will soften around the handles -- this is the result of body oil breaking down the finish. jost finish can be stripped off fairly easily. Use one of the newer citrus-based strippers and layer it on. After the finish is removed, apply a poly and stain combination that will give a totally new, fresh look.

2. Freshen up your walls.

A fresh coat of paint does wonders. Try your hand at one of the faux techniques that are so popular, including sponge painting, the ragged effect or the fresco effect. There are roller covers now available that will help make the task go faster and even striping rollers, which give the illusion of striped wallpaper at a fraction of the cost. You might also consider a new wall covering or even a simple border.

3. Replace the countertops.

Cabinets in good shape? How about the countertops? Countertops take a lot of abuse and can look worn and drab. Replacing the countertop is certainly more expensive, but often worth the effort. New countertops will really make it feel like a new kitchen.

4. Decorate your windows with color.

Does your window treatment need updating or a little color? Here's a quick remedy: Hang a curtain rod and simply fold fabric placemats or napkins over it. If they are square, hang them on the diagonal. For rectangular fabric, fold lengthwise. Another option is to fold all of the rectangular fabric the same length, or fold in half on each end, allowing it to drape in the middle.

5. Get creative with knobs and handles.

Changing knobs and handles is very easy. There are so many styles to choose from -- I've seen handles shaped like fruit, vegetables, knives, forks, spoons and even teapots. Be sure to measure the distance between the holes of the handles, as they are not all the same. There are backer plates available that will cover existing holes in the event you need to drill new ones.

6. Update appliances.

Are your appliances working great, but the color went out years ago? Fronts of dishwashers and some refrigerators are easily replaceable. jost manufacturers offer several colors, or you can have fronts made to match your cabinets -- check with your cabinet manufacturer.

Appliance paint can also bring you a new color. Just remove the handles and use masking tape on any areas you don't want painted. Also, place the appliance in a spray booth to prevent over-spray. Hint: An appliance box makes a great spray booth (check with your local appliance dealer; they will more than likely have some empties).

7. New flooring.

There are so many types, styles, patterns and colors of flooring to choose from it will make your head spin. A couple of points to keep in mind when looking for flooring: Ceramic tile is thick and will make your cabinets lower (about 3/4 inches or more) than you are used to. For shorter women standard cabinets are a bit too tall. Self-adhesive vinyl tiles have come a long way over the years and are very easy to install, not to mention they are much less expensive than some of your other choices.

8. Add accents.

The kitchen is a great place to display collections, and you can make inexpensive pine shelves and secure them with ready-made brackets. Or, you can sandwich each shelf between two strips of 1'-by-1' pine boards cut about 1/2 inch shorter than the shelf. The shelves should fit very tightly between the one-by-ones. Paint or stain them.

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