Dream kitchen designs within reach

Kitchens are a gathering place in many homes and should not only be functional, but should also reflect your sense of style. Take your kitchen from drab to fab with these amazing upgrades that are simple enough to DIY!

• The stainless steel stand-alone hood is the centerpiece of this stunning kitchen from The Inspired Room. It creates a sleek and modern look that is timeless and beautiful. Adding a stainless steel hood like this one can give any kitchen an instant focal point in the room. (Lowes, $450)
• Adding a contrasting island in a kitchen not only gives extra counter and storage space but it can help to create a kitchen that is uniquely your own! This is a very simple upgrade, but adds style and functionality to any kitchen. (Home Click, $360)
• Subway tile is a beautiful way to add a clean and modern-looking backsplash in any kitchen. But covering an entire wall with white subway tile creates an amazingly unique look that is unexpected and stunningly beautiful. (The Home Depot, $19 per case)

• Lighting is so often overlooked in a kitchen. However, it is a great way to bring style and character into a room! The original chandeliers in this kitchen from RedHead Can Decorate are stunning and bring a unique charm and elegance to the room! Finding chandeliers that fit your style and budget can go a long way to turning your kitchen from drab to fab. (Lamps Plus, $160)
• Cabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to upgrade your cabinets without a lot of work. There are many styles and colors to pick from and this can be an easy afternoon DIY project. (Lowes, $5) 
• Copper, pewter or any metal tile can create a really fun backsplash behind a portion of your wall. While I wouldn’t recommend using metal tile for your entire kitchen (unless it is really small), adding a small area (like behind your stove) is a perfect way to add some fun style to your kitchen. (Lowes, $23)

• Upgrading your appliances, like your microwave, is an amazing way to upgrade your kitchen easily. This kitchen from Dear Lillie is a prime example of how upgraded, stainless steel appliances can make a kitchen look simply amazing! A great stainless steel microwave like this one will not only be a dream to use in your kitchen, but it will also add a look of high-end sophistication to your room. (Panasonic, $290)
• Bar stools are a great way to add additional seating, create an atmosphere ready for friends and family to gather and add a bit of style to your room. These great white stools are not only beautiful — they’re fun too! (Pottery Barn, $220)
• One thing to never underestimate is the power of accessories! Simply adding a few accessories and decorations to a kitchen can completely change the look and feel of the room! This cute white vase can be used as a pitcher or as a decorative centerpiece to hold flowers. Decorating a kitchen with serving pieces that you can use is a great way to decorate in a small kitchen. (Macy’s, $50)

Fun ways to get to work in the kitchen

Microwave carrot cake recipe
Microwave magic! Lemon meringue cupcakes
To-die-for microwave caramel sauce