1. Start with larger projects for more time to enjoy the new kitchen. Classic subway tiles, from $4.14, Olympia Tiles, form a backsplash that works with any style.
2. The hundreds of patterns offered by Formica countertops put every colour option into your hands.
3. Hardware can add glamour with the mere addition of a knob or two (and will probably cost less than your weekly coffee budget). Overlay brush nickel pull, $3.98, Richilieu self-closing hinge, $3.98 for 2, both The Home Depot.
4. Easy to overlook but worth its weight in decor rewards, re-doing and painting your counter's caulking can truly bring out its best side. power caulking gun, $39.99, Black & Decker; GE Kitchen & Bath white sealant, $3.96, The Home Depot.
5. If it's time for a big change, new doors (duvbo, $49, Ikea) offer a new look, and adding crown moulding ($69, Home Hardware) to cabinets gives an edge.
6. Modify the rationell drawer divider ($7.99, Ikea) to organize your way.
7. We believe in the uplifting power of paint (Pittsburgh Paints' Manor Hall, from $20), but sometimes less can be more. A brisk cleaning with a scrub sponge, $4.99 for 3, Linens 'N Things, and dish detergent, $3.99, Shoppers Drug Mart, has revived many a lacklustre kitchen.
8. The 14-in-1 megalok driver, $24.95, The Home Depot, takes care of your tool needs, while a trimmable cutlery tray insert, $12.99 and grippable drawer liner, from $3.99, Solutions, put behind-the-scenes clutter in order.
9. Clean up nicks and holes with Minwax's blend-fil pencil, $3.99, Home Hardware, or LePage's tinted wood filler in a variety of hues, $3.99, Canadian Tire. For a final coat, shellac or polyurethane (check which works with your cabinets' material), from $6.99, seals in the work.
10. We've all been the victim of bad lighting at some point. Give your kitchen its proper close-up with under-cabinet lights, $34.99, Home Hardware.
Read more in Before & After and Kitchens
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