With the rising cost of professional home improvement services, many people are choosing to do it themselves. And with the number of books and shows available, most people can do basic projects like updating pantry drawers or installing shelves. And some projects need less hands-on work, like updating furniture and drapes.

One of the favorite rooms to improve is the kitchen. Many first-time buyers have to live with outdated styles for a few years before they can make major changes. But even while they wait they can make some changes. They can add small, affordable touches, like a wall-mounted spice rack or easy-adjust pantry drawers. They might get new countertop storage bins or a wall-mounted dish rack. Any of these, and a fresh paint job, will definitely bring a kitchen to life.

If the budget allows, homeowners can consider adding new kitchen cabinets. Even if they only have a little space, they may want to consider a traditional chest of drawers, designed for smaller kitchens. This piece is perfect for displaying treasured collectibles like ceramic plates or knick-knacks. Another idea is a kitchen cart, which is multi-purpose and can free up some pantry drawer space.

Sometimes a kitchen can be refreshed with a simple change to the window coverings. Or add blinds for an updated look and variable sun protection. Another easy change is to add or upgrade the chair cushions in the kitchen set. There are many patterns and styles available to suit almost every taste. And some changes are easy and cheap to make, but make a world of difference. One example is retrofitting old cabinets with slide-out pantry drawers, making your kitchen storage instantly more accessible and organized.

Once the budget allows, homeowners may want to consider larger changes to their kitchens. They may want to replace old appliances with new, more energy-efficient pieces. If they can’t replace all the cabinets, they may want to change the fronts to class or wood doors. And if you only had the opportunity to update a few of your pantry drawers before, now is the time to change them all, as you can find the sturdy easy-adjust chrome drawers in small, medium and large sizes.

Whether you’re making small changes or big ones, upgrading a kitchen is always a worthwhile project. It is one of the rooms in a house that is most used. And it is, in a certain sense, a work room so it must be functional and comfortable. And changes like the trolley or sliding pantry drawers are super handy because they make the room more organized and supplies more accessible. Cookware and baking sheets can be kept out of the way when not in use, and ingredients can be neatly stored. And when the kitchen is more convenient to work in, it makes meal preparation and cooking more enjoyable and less tedious.