Fabulous Makeover For a '50s Kitchen

Erinn and Mark Quinlan love their home — but hate their kitchen. The cramped, disjointed area has no flow or style. Designer Lauren Lake and the Spice Up My Kitchen team plan to turn it into the comfortable, updated kitchen the Quinlans crave.

With a budget of $20,000 to $30,000, Lauren offers the Quinlans two options. The first option reuses the cabinets, refinishing them in a glossy white. Updated black appliances, glossy black granite counters and a glass backsplash give it the look of a charming coffee shop. To complete the upgrade, the breakfast area is transformed into a seating nook.

Option two proposes a Napa valley theme, with the cabinets refinished in a dark cherry stain. Stainless appliances and stainless steel countertops brighten it up, while the cabinets play off of the Brazilian cherry floor. The plans call for the breakfast area to be transformed into a wet bar.

Because Option 1 gives the Quinlans additional seating, they choose it.

In this poorly planned kitchen, the refrigerator blocks the door. And if you make it past the fridge, you'll eventually run into the oven. While the cabinets are stylish and of good quality, they can't hide the faux marble laminate countertop and backsplash. The breakfast sports peeling wood paneling, so even if it did feel like part of the kitchen, the Quinlans wouldn't want to eat there.