Forget the home equity loan. Cancel the appointment with the contractor. You don’t need to spend a bundle and inconvenience your family for weeks to give the kitchen a face-lift. You will be amazed at what a few cans of paint or varnish or some new hardware can do for you. You can even leave the hammer in the toolbox this time. So set aside a weekend and let’s get started!

Are your stained cabinets looking a bit dirty and sticky? Sometimes cooking grease can accumulate and settle on the surface, but underneath the finish still in good condition. Before starting a major refinishing project, try varnish-softening products such as Briwax or Howard’s Restor-A-Finish. If the finish is not salvageable, you can often just lightly sand it and then apply stain and varnish. Be sure to use a good grease-cutting cleaner also. Colored varnishes, with the stain mixed in, work well as a topcoat to cover scratches and brighten the color of the original finish. Satin polyurethanes are often the best bet for going over an old finish. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions for compatibility.

If you decide to paint over stained cabinets, be sure to degrease them first and then use a good primer, such as KILZ, to seal in the old finish. Lightly sand or steel-wool all surfaces, following the direction of the woodgrain, and then use a tack rag to remove dust before painting.

For painted cabinets and trim, if the color of the cabinets is satisfactory, leave it alone unless it is scuffed up. Enamel paint that is typically used on doors and trim is easy to sponge clean with mild detergent. If there is minor damage, try touching them up with leftover original paint, if you still have some. If you decide to totally repaint them, follow the directions in the previous paragraph.

Decorative wallpaper and other coverings can liven up any kitchen motif. Pick a paper that emphasizes or de-emphasizes your kitchen’s strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a vertical stripe can make ceilings seem taller. A light-colored mini print can enlarge the space. And an embossed wallpaper installed as a backsplash, painted in a gloss silver, can imitate stamped metal panels.

If you have a higher budget, consider faux tin panels, installed as a backsplash, behind the stove, as the back or front of a bar, or in other accent areas in a kitchen. These beautiful designs are offered in a variety of vintage and contemporary patterns and finishes. They can be cut with scissors and installed in just minutes with ordinary construction adhesive. These are also great for cabinet fronts, ceilings, stairwells, and craft projects. Visit our site to see current styles and designs.

Another fun idea can be done in an afternoon, even if company is coming over that evening. IdeaStix makes tile appliqu?s that are selfadhesive, removable, reusable, washable, and heat-, water-, and steamresistant — and they do not leave any residue if you remove them. They simply stick directly onto your tile backsplash and accessory items, such as canisters. They also make designs that apply instantly to light switchplates. This is a great kid project.

New hardware can also transform a kitchen in minutes. Think outside of the box. Try mixing and matching styles for a totally fun look. See Cabinet Hardware category  for more tips on choosing cabinet hardware.