Want to spice up your kitchen, but without the pricetag of a complete remodeling? Here are some tips for giving a well-worn kitchen a fresh new look:

Light it up: "The first thing I'd recommend is new lighting," said Amy Kos, of Amy Kos Interiors, Shakopee. Under-cabinet lights and distinctive pendant lights can quickly update a space.

Go bold: A shot of color can wake up a tired space. "People are definitely adding more color to their kitchens," said Mary Dworsky of Mary Dworsky Interior Design, Minneapolis. Even countertops and cabinets come in a wider array of hues. But choose carefully. "A counter will be there a long time. Make sure it's not just a trendy color, but something you really love."

Replace hardware: Dated handles make cabinets look old. Try something modern, a distinctive shape or even mixing hardware, Kos suggested. "Hardware is getting very creative. Think outside the box."

Accessorize: Decorate your kitchen like other rooms in your house. "Accessories are huge," Dworsky said. "People are using more area rugs, even good ones." Well-made Oriental or Tibetan rugs are so dense that spills don't penetrate, she said. Kos likes to add warm personal touches so kitchens "aren't so kitchen-y," such as tucking little lamps into corners.

The counter effect: A new countertop can transform a kitchen, Kos said. Granite and recycled glass remain popular, but there are many less-pricey options, such as faux concrete. "It's lightweight, easy to clean and available in a bunch of cool colors."

Floor it: If you need to replace your floor, why not make an impact? Dworsky combines wood and stone and uses borders to delineate space. If real stone is too pricey, choose porcelain tiles that mimic stone.

KIM PALMER