Kitchen Design Tips From HGTV Stars

"Not every kitchen redo involves a gut job. I say, 'Love what you have, and make it look new!' We updated these drab wood cabinets with paint and gave the room a retro diner vibe," says Sarah.

"Dark wood islands have been a recurring kitchen trend for a decade, but why not be a little daring and do something light and bright? This one's small, so it can easily be repainted another color if the urge strikes. I love natural stone and I always will, but I have quartz in my own kitchens, and I recommend it to clients, too. It's super durable, and heat- and scratch-resistant — plus, it doesn't stain, and it comes in tons of colors," says Sarah. Get the look: Breath of Fresh Air paint color by Benjamin Moore

"Drawers can be more expensive to build than cabinets, but I find they're more versatile and less likely to become a disorganized mess. For extra storage in this kitchen, I used inexpensive wooden stair treads from Lowe's to create open shelving in front of the sunny window," says Sarah.

"A kitchen without pendants can feel institutional, but add too many and you have a lighting showroom! That's where recessed ceiling lights — to illuminate work zones — pick up the slack," says Sarah. Get the look: Kichler Fresnel Lens pendant in polished nickel, $253, lampsplus.com