I don’t know about you, but with all the reality cooking shows on television these days, I’ve been spending more and more time in the kitchen practicing my slicing, dicing, and British accent. It’s been a lot of fun, but when I drop something on the floor, it gives me the opportunity to pause and take a look around. What I’ve discovered is that my kitchen is in some serious need of some sprucing up. What’s a person to do? I’ll tell you. Here are five ways to bring some new life, into an old kitchen.

1. Undercabinet Lighting: It may sound so simple, but bringing some extra light into the kitchen goes a long way toward improving the atmosphere in your cooking kingdom. Not only that, but it makes those tasks you are doing easier to see, so you can get the right color to your crème brûlé.

2. New Hardware: Recently I discovered that the finish on my cabinet knobs was dull and peeling. I went out and bought all new hardware for them, changing the entire look of my kitchen. It’s amazing what new kitchen cabinet knobs can do to breathe new life into an old kitchen. There are so many choices, too. It was fun, easy, and when I was finished, I was proud that I could do it all myself.

3. Over-the-Sink Storage: This one is easy. Go out and buy a curtain rod, some support brackets, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole new look to your kitchen with over-the-sink storage, displaying your pots and pans for decoration, and easy use. This one will require that you have the right amount of room, but if you do, you’ll be surprised at how well it spruces up your kitchen.

4. Decoration: Adding something like an open cabinet to the kitchen so you can display plates, knick knacks, or your child’s sculptures isn’t tough. All you need is a pre-fab hutch, or just to hang some shelves on the wall yourself. Add some liner that matches your style and you’ll have a whole new eyepiece for people to admire.

5. A Fresh Coat: This one is a no-brainer. Want to add some new life to your kitchen? Give it a new coat of paint, or some fresh wallpaper. You’ll be amazed what a new color can do to give you a new perspective on your kitchen’s look. From there you could add all the things mentioned above, and transform your entire kitchen with little money.