Dark, Dated Kitchen

When you walk into the Laurel and John Grossman's outdated kitchen, the first thing you notice are the dark, decrepit cabinets. Not only are they seriously outdated, but the layout is impractical, the floors are a painted disgrace, and the homeowners are ready to change all that.

Host and designer Lauren Lake and carpenters Jeff Devlin and Mark McGraw are on board to help, with a plan to transform this kitchen into a beautifully proportioned space. The generous budget of $55,000 to $65,000 will allow Lake to really get creative with her makeover options. The first option entails bringing in brand new maple cabinets, which will lead to a new functional layout, as well as updated appliances and laminate countertops. Option 2 includes adding high-end appliances and granite countertops and brightening up the existing cabinets with a fresh coat of white paint. The Grossmans select Option 1.

The layout doesn't function well, and the cabinetry, appliances and painted flooring are outdated. The refrigerator even has a counter in the middle of it. The dishwasher door falls off when opened, the oven temperatures are not accurate, and the lighting is very poor.