Published:
Monday, November 23, 2009 5:00 PM CST
(ARA) - With the amount of time you spend in your kitchen, why settle for out-of-date features and decor - especially since it is easy to give your kitchen a 180-degree makeover? Try these six simple projects, and in no time at all you'll have a kitchen where you will want to spend more time.

Home sweet kitchen

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"One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel warm and inviting is with updated lighting," says Barbara Herren, a realtor with Century Realty of Marshfield, Missouri. Herren says, changing your lighting can be an easy and quick project with the many conversion kits and lighting fixtures available today. Soon your kitchen - and your mood - will be glowing.

Time: Two to six hours depending on the number of fixtures.

Update your sink with an eco-friendly faucet

Up next, Herren says you can update your faucet with a functional, stylish and environmentally friendly model. Available at Lowe's, options such as Anabelle or Dorsey Eco-Performance kitchen faucets from Moen can yield up to a 32 percent water. Visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Time: Ninety minutes.

Shortage of storage

Organize your current storage, purging any items that you haven't used in years. Next, add a kitchen island or additional cabinets to provide more storage and work room. Or, if space or cash is limited, search your local flea market or online at Craigslist.com for alternative options.

Time: Six hours.

Add sass with a backsplash

Tired of cleaning food or grease splashes from your kitchen walls? Spruce up with a dynamic backsplash on walls near the sink or stove top. Hundreds of styles, textures and patterns can increase the sophistication in your kitchen and make it easier to clean.

Time: Six hours.

Getting a new grip on cabinets

Over time, cabinets made of wood or metal materials can deteriorate if they're not properly maintained, making your kitchen look run-down or aged. Replacing old handles and hardware on your cabinets with a new stylish design will add the final polished look to your kitchen.

Time: Two to five hours depending on the number of cabinets.

Advance the technology

Whether it's a microwave that fits in a drawer, a refrigerator with a TV, an oven that you can program  or a customized wine and beverage cooler, adding new upscale appliances can take enjoyment in your kitchen to a whole new level.

Time: Two hours shopping plus waiting on deliveries.

In no time at all you can easily turn your kitchen from drab to fab with just a few simple projects.