Remodeling a kitchen can be quite expensive but there are ways you can dress it up that won’t break the bank.
Under-cabinet lighting: Add small lights under the top cabinets for a soft glow which lights the counters. This provides extra lighting for your work surface or a warm glow when entertaining. Special lights for this purpose are available from home improvement stores. Some merely plug into a nearby wall outlet while others are connected to the home’s wiring (call an electrician for this).
Over cabinet lighting: The lighting mentioned above can also be placed on top of the overhead cabinets (if there is no soffit). I’ve also seen some people use the tube lights that are available around Christmas. One owner used these tube lights under their base cabinet (in the toe-kick section) in their bath. Very romantic if you’re so inclined! 
Door/drawer cabinet hardware: The addition of knobs and drawer pulls can make a huge difference if the design is chosen carefully.
Under-cabinet backsplash: Ceramic tile is the preferred choice for backsplashes. Depending on your abilities, this might be a job for professionals or you just may need to take one of the home improvement store’s classes. For future buyer appeal, just don’t make this area too “cutesy”. Avoid the designs with apples, flowers, mushrooms, etc.
Cabinet door inserts: If you keep your cabinets neat and orderly and have dishes or stemware to feature, you can replace some of the cabinet door panels with inserts of clear or frosted glass. Don’t overdue it, just select those doors that would provide a nice accent.
Ceiling light: Take a look at the main ceiling light. If it’s the standard builder light that thousands of people received, consider replacing it with a nice upgraded light or chandelier.
Oh, and one last thing … when you list your home with me … you’ll HAVE TO REMOVE all those fridge magnets and the kid’s paintings. Sorry, but they have to go.
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great ideas! the hardware changing can be fun to do too. It makes such a difference. One other thing I would add: mini blinds; if you have a set or two in your kitchen, make sure they work and are not containing broken …..slats? (Is that what they are called?).
Good point on the mini-blinds, Carole. They tend to sag or break over time.
It amazes me how many people don’t clear off the counters for staging thier homes. So much space is created when you remove all the small appliances, canisters, and knick knacks. Often bmore than adequate kitchens look to small because of it.
Maggie, whether the counters are cleared or not, generally depends on the advice of their real estate agent. Not all agents counsel their clients on staging.
Great pointers on dressing up a kitchen. Thank you!