Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg Did the 1 Thing Most Homeowners Ignore During a Home Reno

"One key element we used for this kitchen was paint color, in lighter shades," Will explained of the space's bright aesthetic. "We also used open shelves and open cabinetry to keep space airy. Where many people might think to put in as many closed cabinets as possible to hide appliances, it is sometimes better to leave some open."

Think you need to modernize everything in your kitchen to really give it a makeover? Think again. "Don't try to update everything to modern contemporary," advised Will, pictured here with Jamie. "Find the story of your room, the special and unique piece, and make that the focal point.

"In the case of Jamie's kitchen, the anchor piece was the antique oven," Will said. "She originally hated it because it was old and rusty, but we thought, let's use it as the anchor piece and figure out how we can make it special again."

Wall storage allowed Jamie to clear the countertops. "I wasn't a fan of having a microwave and other kitchen appliances on the counter in plain view," she said. "Will put extra cabinets on top of the counter so we could tuck away our appliances, and I love the end result. Everything looks neat and clean, which is exactly the look I wanted!"

Open shelving can seem like a challenge because they expose everything — including messes — but Jamie says keeping them looking gorgeous has been a cinch. Designer Will adds that in addition to the open, airy feel they lend the kitchen, open cabinets are great areas to showcase beloved pieces, from dishes and bowls to pottery and accessories. If you have any great accessories or decor pieces that you want to show off as well, open shelving is a great place for them.

Will says stylish diner booths like Jamie and Bryan's work best right next to the kitchen. "Look for smaller spaces or nooks that are near or adjacent to the kitchen, and these are great places for a booth banquette."

Jamie says she and hubby Bryan spend a lot of time in the kitchen. "We always catch up sitting together at our booth. We also love cooking meals together, especially breakfast!"

Jamie says that soliciting the help of design pros through Decorist for this reno taught her the importance of design. She said, "Design is crucial. Without proper planning and a vision, it would be a disaster and super stressful."

For those who don't have the budget to do a big overhaul like Jamie, Will recommends painting cabinets. He said it's a "nice, fresh way to update a kitchen without spending a lot of money, and it can change the whole look of the space." If you have a slightly larger budget, he recommends replacing the countertops or flooring to add a new texture and richness to the space without redoing the entire kitchen.