So you've been thinking about giving your kitchen and bath a new face lift, and you're finally getting serious about it. It can be a daunting undertaking if not well planned and thought out, but if you take it just one step at a time it can be fun! Your kitchen and bathrooms are the most important and most used rooms in the home so it is essential that they are both welcoming and comfortable. They must be functional, yet still reflect your family's unique personality.

Let's start with the heart of your home, the kitchen. These days it's becoming very hard to get the whole family together at the same time for a meal so if you rarely use the kitchen table, swap it out for an island. It can serve as a place to sit for a quick meal, useful for preparing meals, or to place appliances, and will give your kitchen that trendy modern look.

Pour over magazines and remodeling sites from the internet. Make note of styles and themes that appeal to you, as well as your budget. If you cook a great deal this is the perfect time to get a larger refrigerator. Stainless steel goes very well with dramatic lighting and wood cabinets. Brighten and open it up with light yellows and reds. Coordinate your cabinets and backsplash with your flooring, as well as the countertops. The lighting is an essential part of kitchen design, so if your kitchen is very large, some people are actually showing off a small chandelier.

On to the bathroom, your personal room. This is the room where you will rest, relax, and reflect after a long day, so the design must be given a great deal of thought. Comfort and warmth is the main theme needed in here, but the possibilities are endless. Your bathtub is where you let the stresses of the day drift away, so this would be a great time to invest in a spa system. This is your own little hideaway so put in subtle wall paper, soft blues or green paint. To sooth and relax hang interesting, quirky artwork and shelves to display your pictures. Get rugs and matching towels that mesh well with that shower curtain you've been secretly coveting. Why not go all out and treat yourself with a sound system. While you're on a roll, you might as well get mirrors that are fog free, but don't forget the flowers and candles!