If a full-scale kitchen remodeling project is out of reach, consider these five projects for revitalizing a dated kitchen.

Add or Change Kitchen Cabinet Molding

Cabinet molding comes in several styles--rope, dentil, etc.--and can add interesting height and dimension to a kitchen design. During a kitchen remodeling, consider adding molding:

• At the top of the cabinets
• t the bottom of the wall cabinets to accent a granite countertop
• In vertical places where two cabinets intersect, such as in a corner
• As "legs" on base cabinets to mimic a furniture look

Add Glass to Your Kitchen Cabinets

Open up your kitchen design and bring in the light by adding a few pieces of glass to your cabinets. Then use those cabinets for storing and displaying fancy dishes or glassware. A few trends to consider are:

• Opaque glass, frosted glass or tinted glass
• Wire mesh or stained glass to add texture
• Removing a few cabinet doors and adding a curtain rod instead

Add Furniture Elements to the Kitchen Design

During a kitchen remodeling, add a hutch or dresser and tailor it to the kitchen. This adds warmth and incorporates a current trend in incorporating furniture pieces in the kitchen design. Here are some trends to consider:

• Mix and match--Use a white washed dresser to contrast with cherry kitchen cabinets or a hutch with wrought iron cabinet hardware to contrast with a light granite countertop.
• Add a butcher block table--This can be the main eating area or food preparation area.
• Incorporate a decorative chair.

Add Ceramic Tile to the Walls

The wall behind your countertop can be an exciting and dramatic focal point. Try combining glass or stone ceramic tile to complement a granite countertop. Consider:

• Adding randomly placed glass or metal tiles in the backsplash.
• Using natural stone tiles or a ceramic tile that resembles stone.
• Mixing and matching 2 or 3 colors with the third used as an accent.

Change Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Kitchen cabinet hardware is sold in hundreds of styles to fit with a wide range of home decorating styles. It is the easiest and least expensive way to update a room, as most cabinet hardware is priced from $1 to $10 each. Consider mixing and matching two styles in one room and adding metal finishes, such as copper or forged iron.

About the Author

Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer and founder of www.renovatorsplace.com. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement Web sites.