*This* Is How to Make Your Kitchen Look Twice As Expensive (According to Jonathan Scott)

Jonathan is a huge fan of cutting back on expenses by buying prefab cabinets—then doctoring them to make them sing. Think: Adding stylish hardware pulls, installing a light rail underneath the uppers or adding crown molding details around the edges. Each creates the illusion of custom cabinetry—even if you bought those puppies on closeout at your local Home Depot.

Another go-to trick for infusing a kitchen with upscale vibes? Opt for two-tone cabinets (hello, black cupboards with a glossy white island). A not-so-basic color palette in the kitchen adds instant design cred and shows creative vision.