The kitchen often becomes the hub of activity during any home gathering, so give it a fresh look with a few quick, cost-effective updates that don't require help from a professional. Some easy DIY projects include changing your cabinet hardware, updating the paint color or replacing your window treatments. When looking for a paint color, choose one from a color palette that coordinates with your existing decor, and then hang window treatments to add the finishing touch.

The kitchen is also where you will spend a lot of time cooking and prepping during the days leading up to a party. A new sink or faucet can instantly modernize your kitchen and even help make your tasks easier. New designs, technologies and innovations, along with a new appreciation for the overall look in the kitchen, have made the faucet a more important component. Plumbing manufacturers continue to develop products that can make cooking a fun, effortless experience.

Delta Faucet's Touch2O Technology makes it easy to stay clean and multi-task in the kitchen. The intuitive technology enables you to turn the faucet on and off with just a touch anywhere on the spout or handle. If hands get messy during food prep, then the flow of water can be controlled by a simple tap with a forearm or wrist, helping to keep the faucet clean while helping to reduce the potential for cross-contamination. The tap feature also makes it easier to turn off the water flow when it is not needed between tasks, potentially saving water.

Touch2O technology is available on the Pilar Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet and the new Addison Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet. The Addison faucet also features Multi-Flow Technology, which provides the user with the opportunity to toggle between the standard flow of 2.2 gallons per minute and a more water-efficient flow rate of 1.5 gpm.

"The best part about Multi-Flow Technology is that it helps users conserve water, without sacrificing their overall experience," says Susan Fisher, director of brand management at Delta Faucet. "It provides you with the ability to use less water on a daily basis, while at the same time not be inconvenienced when you need to fill up a large vase or pot."

The powder room may seem to be the last room you need to update, but it can be a great place to showcase personal taste and style. With a variety of decorations and fixtures available, you can easily make the restroom a beautiful place. Many manufacturers produce full bath collections that offer coordinating fixtures, accessories and mirrors.

If you are hesitant about installing a new lavatory faucet on your own, then check out helpful installation videos online for step-by-step instructions. Taking the installation into your own hands can not only be cost-effective, but also provide you with a sense of accomplishment. Guests will be using the powder room all throughout the party, so make sure it is a space that shows-off your DIY skills and intuitive design sense.