that go all the way to the ceiling, adding valuable storage space and getting rid of collection points for the dust and junk that tend to accumulate on top of lower cabinets. If you already have wood cabinets and doors, a simple paint job will accomplish much the same effect. White is a commonly popular color for kitchens, though grays are also in vogue. Make sure you get a good quality paint for the cabinets, since they will take the beating a kitchen often receives. Going cheap here can lead to scratches and chips within weeks or months, ruining the effect for a buyer. Also on the cabinet front, one can give an updated look to existing cabinets by replacing the hinges, handles and pulls. Feel free to go with a uniform brushed nickel look or add a splash of color with accented pulls, breaking up the white. Another excellent feature to add, either as part of a full-scale remodel or as a separate project, is drawers and shelves that slide out. This allows the contents to be organized and accessed easily without having to bend over and reach into the back of a cabinet, groping for that can of beans you swear you put there last week.
COUNTERS
Laminate counters were once the norm throughout many kitchens. These days, options like butcher-block tops, quartz, and even concrete have grown in popularity. Granite was once the go- to option for a countertop upgrade and is still very popular, but it has lost much of its luster in recent years. Part of the reason is that it has become considerably more mainstream, losing its rarity value. Granite counters also need to be resealed annually to prevent stains, and are very unforgiving to anything that is dropped on them. Because of this, crushed quartz tops have become an
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