The kitchen is often considered the headquarters of the modern home. And since it fulfills so many roles, it’s no wonder that updating the kitchen can help maintain the value of your home. And here’s the good news: a few simple design changes can completely reinvent the look of the room. Here are a few quick and easy ways to update your kitchen.

New Hardware: Cabinets make up a sizeable portion of your kitchen design, mainly because they take up so much space. If you want to make updates in this high impact spot, there’s no need to order entirely new cabinetry. Instead you can try swapping out your existing hardware and drawer pulls for new ones. New hardware can sometimes be expensive, so shop around for a style and price that fits your budget.

Lighting:  Effective lighting makes colors appear more vibrant, spaces look wider and completing tasks much easier. Replace your old sconces or hanging fixtures with new ones that feature a different style. Make sure all of the lighting fixtures fit together cohesively to tie everything together into a complete look.

A Fresh Coat of Paint: Whether you are using it on your walls, ceiling or refinished cabinetry, a fresh coat of paint can bring a refreshed liveliness to any space. Try a new color scheme that you can mix and match with new decorative items.

New Décor: There’s no reason to make sweeping décor changes. Start with the basics (such as the table and chairs or the window treatments). You can also try changing out small details, such as display dishes, framed pictures or potted plants to make a big difference in the overall look of the room.

A kitchen redesign project can be as extensive as you make it. Just remember that a tight budget doesn’t have to keep you from creating an updated and user-friendly kitchen space.