Kitchens are often the target of a major home renovation, but there are smaller temporary or permanent investments you can make to create a unique, fresh look.

Prep, work, chat or entertain around a large kitchen island. Natural elements are found in the woven, leather barstools, warm neutral paint and matte finish floors. Shutterstock

WARM COLORS. Warm, natural tones can evoke feelings of compassion and comfort, making them an instinctual draw after a tough year. These colors pair well with gold or brass fixtures, green hued tiles and wood or textile accents. Whether you paint the cabinets, backsplash, walls, ceiling or floor, it’s a beginner DIY project that can be completed in a weekend’s work.

KEEP IT NATURAL. Following the warm color wave, bring as much outdoors in as possible. Bifold doors and large windows keep the air moving, and of course, let the sunshine in. But adding or upgrading windows and doors can be a costly solution to a dark kitchen. If you have window treatments, consider organic tones, linens or subtle, woven shades with simple designs.

Incorporating rattan or bamboo into kitchen decor, furniture or fixtures can make a space feel brighter. If you have the natural light, consider adding plants. If you have a not-so-green thumb, fake plant technology has greatly advanced.

Designers often suggest switching out at least two of three fixtures between lights, plumbing and hardware. Shutterstock

FOCAL POINT FIXTURES. Swapping out the faucet or overhead lighting can make a big change in an afternoon’s work, done by you yourself or a professional. Black hardware has been popular for a few years, but base metals are timeless. Again, gold or brass pops against many color schemes and it can be mixed with stainless appliances. Above the sink or island, using multiple pendant lights, as opposed to a singular, large fixture, allows you to play with more materials and styles.

LARGE ISLANDS AND QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS. Counter space is a premium in a post- pandemic kitchen. Kitchen islands over 24 SF offer enough space to prep ingredients, serve snacks and work on a laptop. Renting or in a small space? Add a counter height table, dresser or kitchen cart for more room.

If new countertops are in your budget, consider quartz for its long lifespan. It can be modified to resemble high-end stone while being non-porous and stain-resistant.

A backsplash of dark, gray subway tile becomes a whole wall in this modern kitchen. The style can unite larger areas and complements the open shelves and exposed utilities, like the sleek range hood. Shutterstock

EXTENDED BACKSPLASHES. Backsplashes are an opportunity to play with patterns and tiling. It can also be a project for the experienced DIY-er. Recent trends have backsplashes spreading beyond the space between the counter and cabinets and extending to the ceiling or out of the kitchen are all together. White subway tiles have become a staple for this design, but this is an opportunity to get creative—imported tiles, glass, mirrors and metals. Just consider how it cleans before you invest.