Remodeling a kitchen can often cost tens of thousands of dollars. There are, however, significant changes you can make to your scullery that won't set you back nearly as much.

1. Lighting: Old lighting fixtures can make your kitchen seem stuck in the past. Movable lights aren't expensive and give you leeway to adjust and track them accordingly. A fluorescent light is great to save energy and look good. Install it underneath your cabinetry with a simple mount for a nice effect.

2. Cabinets: Repainting your cabinets is easy. All it takes is a sanding, some primer, and some new paint. Don't get the cheapest kind though - kitchen cabinets take a lot of wear and tear, so it's better to do it right the first time.

3. Fixtures: If refinishing your cabinetry is out of the question, and you don't want to resurface them, change the fixtures. A relatively small detail, switching your fixtures from brass to stainless steel can dramatically alter the way you view your kitchen. Oversized, sleek fixtures are especially popular today, and it's relatively simple to drill a new hole in your cabinet to fit a larger handle.

4. Faucets: An old faucet signifies an aging kitchen. Starting anew with a single handle faucet is a great idea. And if you can't decide between materials, chrome is a sleek, modern option.

5. Seating: Stools and new chairs are a good way to update your kitchen, but they can be costly. Reupholstering your seating area is a more financially viable option, and it allows you to get creative.

6. Backsplash: This can be one of the more expensive ways to add a touch of class to your kitchen, but it is also the most creative. Using reflective glass or small mosaic tiles are so much more expressive than standard colored tiles, and you can create your own design.

7. Appliances: Chances are you don't have the cash for Sub Zero appliances and Wolf gas ranges. You may be able to find some well priced used appliances by searching on the internet. Or you can refinish your appliances for a low price at an auto shop or by getting some supplies at a home improvement store.

8. Paint: Go bright. Your kitchen is where you spend a lot of your time, so choose a vibrant color that you like. You may be thinking, "Bright colors are ugly, and they hurt my eyes." There is a rule for painting, my friend - the 60-30-10 with regard to the color scheme. Your walls can take up 60%, your cabinets 30%, and your countertops 10%. It's a good way to maintain balance. If these options are too excessive, get rid of the stuff that hampers your kitchen. Old appliances, dirty racks, unused bowls all make your kitchen look old. Add a vibrant green plant, get a nice fruit bowl for color, a spice rack for convenience and some pretty oil bottles to remake your kitchen on a superficial level.