From holiday recipe creations to simple morning coffee with the newspaper, the kitchen brings life and health to any home. If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, designing need not be an expensive affair.

The first step when considering a kitchen’s new look is to establish a specific design style. There are some standard styles that are determined by the presence of specific features within the room.

For example, a French Country Style kitchen would include variations of rooster moitfs, chicken wire or glass cupboard fronts and a color pallet that includes gold and hues of black.

A Traditional kitchen would feature hardwood floors, closed in wood cabinets and a granite or tiles with back splash. A Simple floral wallpaper, muted plaids or strips complement the cabinets nicely.

A Contemporary kitchen is not just stainless steel appliances. It includes simple form and function. Counter tops usually of a “green” variety, such as paper stone, glass stone or finely polished concrete counter tops are popular.

Spend some time browsing through the local library or bookstore to determine what design suits your personality and lifestyle. Be sure to write down the specific details of what you like about the kitchen that catches your eye. Pay careful attention to wall treatments, flooring, counter tops, cabinet styles and related accessories.

What can be done to brighten up a kitchen if you are on a frugal budget?

The first and most important design trick is to simply de-clutter your kitchen. Start with the counter tops and work through each cabinet and drawer to remove everything stored, not used. De cluttering involves a down and dirty level of honest evaluation. What you don’t use, discard or find a new home for it.

Once the de-cluttering is complete…try some of these money saving kitchen face lifts ideas.

Paint – A new kitchen color will do much to give this family friendly area a new look. Be sure it works with your new design style. Don’t forget the ceiling…the designer rule is 3 hues lighter than wall color. Painting cabinets will also work.

Cabinet Pulls -Many cabinets do not include cabinet pulls or drawer handles. Your style can be found at your local hardware store.

Install a New Faucet – Instead of replacing the entire sink, simply replace your faucet. This can given any sink a fresh new look.

Replace The Light Fixture - That outdated fixture needs to be taken down to highlight the new paint colors you have just applied. Will track lighting work? Under cabinet lighting will make those counter tops pop.

Refinish the Counter Top - Removing a tired old back splash and replacing it with something new works wonders. You can also tile over the top of your existing counter or apply a paint designed specifically for counters.

Great design does not always mean spending a lot of money. The most attractive homes are the ones that are uncluttered with the personal touch carefully planned and placed by those who live in their homes.