Home renovations were all the rage before the 2008 stock market crash. Now as the economy gets healthier homeowners are once again starting to open up their purses and wallets. The most popular and expensive home renovation is the kitchen. Here are some areas you can address in your very own kitchen remodel.

Layout

More and more new homes are being designed with open floor plans. So if you decide to gut-renovate your kitchen then you'll need to consider if you want to emulate that "open" look or go the more traditional route. You may not think it matters, but how you lay out your space can contribute to the overall ebb and flow of your house. HGTV prominently displays three designs on their kitchen makeover site. They are called: the Craftsman Kitchen, the L-Shaped Kitchen and the Pullman-Style Kitchen.

If your home's layout doesn't allow for an open kitchen for whatever reason, consider punching out a portion of a wall and inserting a big window in its place. The window will brighten up the space and make your kitchen more earthy.

Cabinets

Adding cabinetry is time consuming and expensive so unless you really need to replace them don't bother. You can simply refinished the wood and add new hardware. You can also replace the doors with glass for a sleeker look.

Flooring

There are literally thousands of flooring options to choose from. Tile, linoleum, and hardwood are all good choices depending on your style and budget. You can even get premium Armstrong linoleum that is scratch-free, guaranteed for years and looks just like wood. But if you're a traditionalist, nothing can replace wood flooring. Gorgeous cherry oak or mahogany are great choices for the kitchen.

Backsplash

A proper backsplash can really makes your kitchen pop. Backsplashes are usually placed above the countertops and below the cabinets. So instead of just having your regular wall show, overlay it with tiny tiles. Some backsplashes are rather tame while other styles call for more intricate, mosaic-like patterns. Either way, you're sure to have a great looking wall. And it's worth mentioning that backsplashes are much easier to clean when compared to painted walls.

Sinks

The least appreciated part of a kitchen remodel may very well be the sink. If you're dumping tens of thousands of dollars into a remodel, or even if you spend a few grand, please get rid of your old ungodly-looking sink.

One of the more popular sink designs you'll come across is the double sink. A double sink from Home Depot is convenient because you can have dirty dishes on one side and clean dishes on the other. You can also prepare different foods in either sink and not have to worry about cross contamination. The bad thing about double sinks is that bigger pots or pans may not fit. You'll have to stand them up on their side. Bigger industrial style sinks, like this stunner from Kraus, are the answer to that problem.

Appliances

Arguably the most important part of the kitchen renovation, appliances are at the heart of anything and everything you make. From microwave/toaster oven combos, to Frigidaire wine coolers, dishwashers and ranges, appliances really do mean the difference between good and great tasting food.

For the past 15 years or so stainless steel has been the number one choice for homeowners renovating their kitchen. Something about the 1980s look and feel of black fridges and ovens doesn't sit well with most people. Stainless steel just looks cutting-edge and luxurious. Stainless steel appliances also blend in well with numerous color schemes. But a new trend is emerging called white ice. Like stainless steel, white ice features a semi glossy surface that literally shines when light hits it just right. It may not seem like it makes a difference but white ice is markedly different than plain-vanilla white appliances.

Whirlpool is leading the way in the white ice revolution. "Not only is the new line truly innovative in that it takes the complexity out with beautiful yet useful features, the sophisticated style integrates seamlessly into any kitchen," said VP of Global Consumer Design Pat Schiavone. "In addition to the intuitive technology, the line takes a fresh look at appliance design and features flawless exteriors that add beauty to any home."

Unfortunately, like cabinetry, appliances are darn expensive. Wolf, Viking and Kenmore's Elite series are at the top-of-the-line. Whirlpool, Electrolux and Kenmore Plus make some really high-quality medium ground choices.

Lighting

Lighting is super-versatile; it serves both utilitarian and dramatic purposes. It can inspire, frighten, put to sleep or liven up the mood. What types of lighting are there? Recessed lighting is great for living rooms and game rooms or anywhere you wouldn't want fixtures hanging down from the ceiling. Track lighting is best-suited for a breakfast nook/bar area. For more regal tastes, chandeliers make a bold impression.

That about does it.

Need some more inspiration? Head over to houzz for a wide range of ideas. Coined "the new way to design your home," Houzz is the one-stop-shop for all your renovating needs. You can buy anything from tile to bedding and get connected with a design pro right from the site. Houzz simple is that? If you're interested log on and sign up for the site. You just need an email or Facebook account to get started.

Are you planning on revamping your aging kitchen? Let me know in the comments section below.