So maybe your home is not up to Martha Stewart's standards or it might qualify for one of the dozen reality television makeover shows.
But there's hope yet for even the most disorganized household.
Remodeling your kitchen is a quick and interesting way to update your home without the hassle of having to move out or changing your family's routine.
A few tweaks here and there can turn your so-so kitchen into one that even rivals the professionals.
Your friends and relatives will no longer ask "How do you cook in here?" but "When are you cooking next?" Look to the Stars Well, really, look to your ceiling.
In order to transform your kitchen into a room with an inviting glow, you probably need to add or update your light fixtures.
Many kitchens feature almost institutionally styled lighting fixtures-meaning long, paneled fluorescent bulbs.
But professional and amateur designers would both agree that fluorescent lights are not ideal for traditional indoor lighting.
Instead, try to create a soft, comfortable feel.
Unless you are a sous chef, lights should have enough wattage to provide ample light (to avoid any accidents) but also feel cozy, not sterile.
While paneled lights and the light attached to your ceiling fan are adequate, they simply lack style.
New, trendy and budget-friendly fixtures include the following: track lighting, recessed can lights, drop down pendulum lighting and backlighting in shelves and cabinetry.
These fixtures are easy to install, even easier to maintain and, with energy efficient light bulbs, can save you hundreds on your electric bill.
To retain even more dough in your pocket, increase the natural light in your kitchen.
Installing skylights are a great solution.
If you do not want to undertake any more construction, simply pull back the shades or blinds periodically throughout the day to allow the sun's natural light to stream into your kitchen.
Choose Shiny Home Hardware Whether you've decided to upgrade your light fixtures or not, choosing the right building (or rebuilding) materials can greatly affect the amount of light in your kitchen.
From cabinets to appliances to gadgets, every item large and small can contribute to the overall "light".
A kitchen with dark countertops and cabinets will negate even the brightest bulbs, so choose wisely.
Ideal countertop materials can actually help lighten up your room, usually of a reflective stone such as granite.
However, even wooden countertops (found on most island or work stations) work as well.
Match the countertops with similar kitchen cabinet handles and drawer pulls, and you'll maintain the level of brightness.
Likewise, your cabinetry units' material should be light-but not exactly the same as your countertops.
Often pairing a painted or lightly finished wooden cabinet with a plain, granite or laminate countertop will reflect the light from above (both fake and natural).
Complete the redesign with knobs and pulls made of polished chrome or platinum.
Decorations that Glisten The last step to brightening any kitchen is to accessorize properly.
Hanging dark, heavy curtains or blinds will obviously diminish any lighting effects you've installed.
An interesting contemporary design concept is to decorate your walls with items that are polished and gleaming.
Copper and tin pans that hang from the ceiling on or your backsplash add a touch of shine to any room.
Utilize your cabinet backlighting by placing a unique crystal vase or heirloom serving dish directly in the spotlight.
Additionally, be sure to keep your stainless steel elements clean and streak-free.
Not only will this task show off your appliances but also eliminate residue and grease build-up.
However, the easiest solution to maintaining a bright look is to install a mirror.
No matter what the size, any mirror will reflect the ambient light in your kitchen.
To create the illusion of additional space, hang a mirror opposite a mirror and it'll seem like your kitchen extends forever!