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There’s no doubt that kitchens are the heart of the home. But as a result, they take a lot of abuse. And unfortunately, a full kitchen remodel is expensive, time-consuming, and invasive to your normal daily routines.

However, there are ways to give your kitchen new life without doing a full remodel! If your kitchen also needs a refresh, here’s how to transform your kitchen without doing a full gut job:

1-) Paint the cabinets

Almost anything you read about updating your kitchen will suggest painting your cabinets as a cheaper alternative to buying new ones. Why? Because it really does the trick!

A word of caution: Be choosy about the paint you use for this project! Your cabinets will get a lot of splatters from sauce, oil, and spills…they take a lot of abuse! Choosing a very matte paint like chalk paint is a bad idea. The paint will rub off in a short period of time and you’ll just be left frustrated.

In our own kitchen we used Stix primer with Advance paint (both Benjamin Moore). Advance is a water-based paint that dries like an oil paint, so it has the durability of an oil base without as many toxic fumes. I’ve scrubbed our cabinets a bazillion times over the past few years and have been very happy with the durability!

Related: 8 Basic Tips to Paint Like a Pro

2-) Change the hardware

I once read cabinet hardware described as “jewelry for your cabinets.” And it’s so true! Simply changing the hardware to your kitchen cabinets really adds that personal touch that every kitchen needs!

You can find relatively inexpensive hardware at amazon (we used these pulls in our kitchen and they work great!) and give a different feel to your kitchen within hours!

Note: if you choose pulls that are a different size  than the ones you currently have (or swap knobs for pulls), you will first have to fill in the holes from your current hardware with wood putty. This isn’t too hard, but it’s important so that it doesn’t look weird when it’s all done!

3-) Add a backsplash

Backsplashes serve two functions: decorative and protective. If you don’t currently have a backsplash and can only do one thing to your kitchen, get a backsplash! It will prevent moisture and grease from building up on (and in) your walls, which can lead to further issues down the line. Plus, you’ll have a much easier time wiping up that inevitable pasta sauce splatter!

4-) Buy new decor

It’s amazing how simple things like a new utensil holder can add character to a kitchen. You can buy cute coffee, tea, and sugar canisters, kitchen signs, or even just some new dish towels. And items like pouring bottles for your oils and vinegars can make your kitchen look more cohesive and less cluttered. Most of these items are inexpensive, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

5-) Rework your storage to display your investments

I mentioned in 5 One-Time Tasks to Keep Your Kitchen Organized for Good that I’m a big believer in showing off your pots and pans. After all, good cookware can cost a small fortune, and they deserve to be seen! So…Do you adore your knife set? Add a magnetic knife rack to your wall. Love the vintage dishes your grandma gave you? Add some open shelving and store them there. You may find that the space becomes both better utilized and more welcoming.

6-) “Change” your countertops

I’m not talking about ripping out your old counters and replacing them with expensive quartz or granite here. You can actually buy thin tile slabs (i.e. fewer grout lines compared to traditional tiles) that go over existing counters, so you can “change” your countertops without having to deal with the hassle and cost of a complete replacement. If you’re keen on keeping the budget low, you can also buy “peel-and-stick” granite countertops.

And that’s how to transform your kitchen without doing a full remodel! Have fun!

For more on DIY and home decor check out Buffalo Check Home Decor Under $100 and  Inexpensive Tricks to Make Your Old Home Look New Again.