We spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keeping the family organized and, of course, cooking and eating. As the center of the home’s activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can cook up a whole new look for your kitchen.

Warm up the walls

Changing the color and texture of walls is an easy way to add some spice to any kitchen. Paint the walls a deep red or blue for a dramatic look, or make your space feel light and airy with a coat of sunny yellow or subtle taupe. Feel free to experiment with decorative painting techniques such as stripes, geometric patterns or textured finishes.

After you’ve freshened up the color and texture of your walls, express your personal style through a few new accessories. An antique clock, picture collage or shelves with colorful canisters can be a decorative as well as functional addition to the space.

Change up the cabinets

Liven up basic cupboards by switching the hardware — it’s a simple way to give your existing cabinets a whole new look. Use crystal knobs for a vintage touch or add stainless-steel handles for an ultra-modern, sleek appearance.

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And don’t forget about the functional aspect of your cupboards — install shelf liner to ensure cabinets stay clean and well-maintained. Shelf liner protects cabinet shelves and drawers from wear and tear, prevents scratches and keeps spills or drips from damp dishes from causing damage to surfaces.

“I recommend using shelf liner in any kitchen renovation project,” said Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford TV series. “It’s simple for any homeowner to install and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or thrown in the washing machine. My favorite is Easy Liner from Duck brand — it offers an array of non-adhesive and adhesive shelf liners that are stylish and practical for use in any kitchen.”

The most popular variety, Smooth Top Easy Liner has a smooth surface that catches messes and spills as they happen, making clean-up a breeze, while the non-slip, gripped underside keeps the liner firmly in place.

Transform your table

Create a delightful dining space with a few changes to your kitchen table. Use a staple gun and a bright fabric to recover your chairs, making items you already own look like new additions to your home. You can even create a new tablecloth using the leftover fabric. Then, design your very own placemats using Smooth Top Easy Liner for a decorative touch that’s easy to wipe clean as well as replace.

Make sure to add a chic centerpiece — a vase of fresh flowers, a glass bowl filled with fruit or a collection of candlesticks — to transform your existing tabletop and create a focal point for guests as they enter the room.

Brighten the basics

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Adding color from floor to ceiling is a great way to improve the overall feel of your kitchen. To start, try adding accessories to areas of your kitchen that feel blase. Bring in color at the highest points of the kitchen by adding faux plants or interesting knickknacks to the space above cabinets. Then, look low and consider the floor. Placing a colorful area rug beneath the table can bring additional interest and color to the kitchen, while also protecting the floor against scratches.

Window treatments are another effective, eye-catching way to make any kitchen pop, whether you’re adding new valances, cornices or even long panels. When choosing fabrics, make a statement with bright colors or choose an unexpected, bold pattern for a contemporary approach. Sophisticated stripes, pretty plaids or fun florals are also a nice choice for kitchens. Follow these tips to make your kitchen as chic as your dinner is delicious — you’ll create a flavorful design that will look good enough to eat.

Follow the trend and give your kitchen a mend

Many homeowners who have put off home improvement projects for some time have decided to turn their dreaming into reality — especially in the kitchen.

Updating your kitchen is a rewarding home improvement. Upgrading countertops — which consume a large area of the kitchen — is an ideal place to start. While laminate is the most cost-effective choice, options such as solid-surface, marble or granite offer an upscale look, added durability and functionality. In addition, these upgrades allow you to enhance your sink with an under-mount version, such as the Moen Caldwell double bowl sink, for a seamless look.

Finish off the counter area with a high-end kitchen faucet. High-arc pulldown styles are the fastest growing kitchen faucet category — and the new Harlon faucet is one of the first to feature Moen’s Reflex pulldown system, which offers high-quality performance with secure retraction, exceptional range of motion and generous reach.

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Finally, flooring, as one of the largest surface areas in the kitchen, is an ideal upgrade that can set the tone of the room from the bottom up. And, today’s flooring manufacturers offer resilient flooring in a variety of materials, colors and patterns to meet your functionality, style and price needs.

For more information, visit www.moen.com.