Don't you wish updating your kitchen was as quick and easy at it appears to be on HGTV? While the process is much more time consuming — not to mention more expensive — than a half-hour show can convey, you can still glean some invaluable real life knowledge from your favorite design stars. We've rounded up the best kitchen design tips [1] from our favorite HGTV hosts below.
Christina and Tarek El Moussa, Flip or Flop
When turning cramped, dilapidated kitchens into contemporary, attractive spaces [2], this couple relies on classic white shaker cabinets. They say it keeps the look classy and neutral.
Meg Caswell, Meg's Great Rooms
Meg doesn't believe in being restricted to a single suite of appliances. She likes to shop around and says as long as you're sticking with a single finish and style, you can mix appliances from different suites.
Sarah Richardson, Sarah's House
To create the perfect balance of lighting, Sarah recommends mixing pretty pendants with recessed lighting over specific work zones. It makes for a stylish yet functional look with depth.
Nicole Curtis, Rehab Addict
Nicole Curtis is always up for preserving as many original features of a home as possible, and that includes kitchen cabinets. With some wood refinishing or fresh paint, even decades-old cabinets can be saved — while saving the homeowner big bucks.
John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino, Kitchen Cousins
Use restraint with cabinets, the cousins recommend. Just because you have room for cabinets doesn't mean you should install them. Drawers are easier to keep organized and open space is always valuable.
Chip and Joanna Gaines, Fixer Upper
For a backsplash to complement their typically light and airy kitchen designs [3], the Gaineses gravitate towards white subway tile. When they want to add edge, they'll contrast them with black grout.
Casey Noble, Design on a Dime
Casey isn't afraid to add bold color. She says if you're on a tight budget, one of the best things you can do is add paint to places like the kitchen walls, cabinets, and island.
Hilary Farr, Love It or List It
If a kitchen layout isn't working and a home's current living room or dining room offers better space, she'll swap rooms. Hilary has rebuilt many a dream kitchen from scratch in a completely new area of the house.
