What is the most used room in any home? Okay, yes, the bathroom, but the kitchen is second. The kitchen can also make or break the sale of your home. Incorporate these ideas if you want to sell, or just need a new look. Old-fashioned cabinets will set the tone for your entire kitchen. Update your kitchen cabinets by doing a deep clean. Paint or stain them to change the look. Just remember that preparation is key. Remove all old finish before adding a new finish. Remove the doors and treat them in an open, well-ventilated area, outside is best. Once you have the desired finish, apply a coat of sealer to keep your new paint/stain job looking new and free of grease, soap, and other irritants. Don’t you want to do so much work? Remove old hardware, clean cabinets, treat with wood oil to restore natural shine. Install new, modern knobs and handles. While nickel and chrome (silver finish) is the current trend, beautiful porcelain pieces are classic and the gold tone is still available.

Countertops, what to do with countertops. Changing countertops isn’t as easy as updating cabinets. While granite is what everyone wants, it can be expensive and needs to be taken care of. If you must have granite, shop around. Look for a piece that may have been left over from another job. It should be less expensive and the supplier can offer you a deal to cut and install it. There are alternatives to granite. Concrete, ceramic tile and other types of stone and laminate. Once popular in the seventies, laminate is making a comeback. These are not your mother’s laminate counters with the edge peeling off. The laminate has many patterns that have the look of granite and with a smooth, rounded front, you don’t have to worry about children, and even some adults, touching it. Next is the floor. There are many flooring options. Ceramic, stone, plywood and tile, along with good old linoleum. Just like laminate countertops, linoleum has changed over the years. It comes in new designs and finishes to provide the high-end look of ceramic and stone flooring, but easier to install. Be sure to research which app you’ll find easiest to care for and pay for.

Last, but don’t forget about the backsplash, that area between the bottom of the cabinet and the top of the countertops. Most new homes have tile backsplashes. Other ways to dress this area are stainless steel sheets, washable wallpaper, even mirrors. The key is to make it easy to clean.

Lighting is an important part of any room. If you’re doing a remodel, add spot lighting and a pendant if you have the space. Not doing a complete remodel? There are fluorescent light fixtures that you can mount under your cabinets and plug into the wall. There are small round lights, usually three in a pack, that you can also install under your cabinets. They are smaller than fluorescents and emit less heat. Well, we’ve covered the big areas of the kitchen.

Now here are the details, which help to create a warm, pleasant and welcoming space. Add fresh flowers and potpourri. Coordinate towels, window treatments, and chair cushions to tie the room together. Put trinkets on the counter, but not too many. Pair in odd numbered pots, bowls and colored bottles. But keep them limited, don’t cover those beautiful counters with too much stuff. One of the most attractive items you can add to a counter is a fruit plate. Get those apples out of the fridge and put them on the counter! It can also prevent you from eating a candy bar if you see the apples first. Light some candles, bake some cookies, and enjoy your new kitchen!