In this bumpy and low real estate market, many people are opting to stay in their older homes, rather than selling them for under market prices and moving to a new house for those nice upgrades available in newer homes. So maybe you want to bring some of those nice upgrades into your older home, and incorporate a few great interior design changes in those two very popular rooms, the bathroom and the kitchen. You know you can add a new bathtub or shower, or a new bathroom vanity to your bathroom to turn it around, but what can you do with your kitchen? Here are a few helpful pointers to get you started on that road to a fantastic kitchen!

1.  Install a kitchen island. If you don't have a kitchen island yet, then get one! Most kitchens have room for a kitchen island in the center, even small ones. If you have a smaller kitchen and you feel a stationary island would be in the way, you can opt for a mobile kitchen island or cart that you can bring in when you need it, and tuck away in a corner when you don't. It is estimated that one out of every two kitchens being built now have kitchen islands, so if you want to bring your kitchen up to date, you'll find that a kitchen island is not only a stylish addition, but a very useful and practical one.

2.  Once you have your kitchen island, get seating to match. Try to find some great kitchen island counter stools to breathe new life into your cooking space. You can give your family a whole new place to gather around everyday, because we all know how many times a day family members trek in and out of the kitchen. Counter stools also provide handy additional seating when you are entertaining, or when you are preparing a meal and your friends join you in the kitchen to chat. There are so many types of bar stools you can add to your kitchen island, and stools with backs and armrests are very comfortable. If you find yourself a little pressed for space with that style, you can opt for a backless barstool design that will easily tuck underneath the counter when you aren't using them.

3.  Upgrade your appliances. We know, this one can get expensive, but not as expensive as an entire kitchen remodel. You can choose to replace the countertops, flooring, or cabinets, but this can get very costly. A great way to upgrade that old kitchen without spending quite so much is to replace your stove and refrigerator for newer, stylish models that not only look great but will perform better than your aging appliances. If you can find matching finishes, such as stainless steel, you may be surprised at how just a couple appliance upgrades really make your kitchen a whole new room.

So don't be shy about upgrading your kitchen if you plan on staying in your current house for a few years or many, many more years. We all spend so much time in the kitchen that adding a kitchen island, counter height bar stools, and a couple new appliances will transform this room and make it new again!