First, decide what you want done and make a plan. What look are you going for? How much do you want to spend? After answering these questions, hunt up a good DIY book at your local library. For big jobs that you can't do yourself, ask your friends for referrals of trusted contractors. Decide how much you want to spend on your renovation. Write up a budget and stick to it. When it's not possible to do make drastic changes, you can still get a fresh new look. If a sleek, new look is what you want, think new appliances. Shiny stainless steel appliances can make any kitchen look classy. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the look of your kitchen is to paint it a fresh new color. Keep an eye out for good paint deals at your local discount chain store, and you'll be on your way to a fresh look for your kitchen in no time!

How far you want to go with your renovation project? DO you want a major overhaul with a paid contractor or do you want to DIY? Whichever way you decide to go, come up with a budget. Keep a list of all expenditures and review it regularly to make sure you stay within that budget. If you can afford it and do not care about doing it all yourself, hire a contractor and a designer. Meet with them to discuss what you want and let them do the hard part. The best way to find a contractor is by asking your friends and family. Do you have a friend who recently renovated her home? Find out who did the job and if they had any reason they would not hire the contractor again. If you can't find a contractor by word of mouth, do an online search. Check reviews and ratings, and before hiring, double check their credentials.