Sleek and Modern Kitchen

If you're looking for a good home-cooked meal, don't stop by Clare and Steve Morrison's house. They are so fed up with their outdated kitchen, they just pick up the phone for takeout when hunger strikes. Their cramped kitchen is riddled with problems. For starters, the top portion of the stove (not pictured) doesn't work at all. The rear burners on the stovetop are way too low, and the oven is so inaccurate, baking time is a guessing game. The double sinks are too shallow to be of much use, but that would be fine with homeowner Clare Morrison if the dishwasher actually worked. Then there's the dated countertops and cabinetry that doesn't close all the way. Just past the archway is an oddly shaped area that houses the microwave, water cooler and cubby cutout that holds random collectibles.

Host and designer Lauren Lake and carpenters Jeff Devlin and Mark McGraw are determined to turn this lopsided room into a modern, functional space that will have the Morrisons clamoring to get cooking. Lauren lays out two options within a budget of $40,000 to $50,000 — one that includes cabinet refacing and new countertops, floors and a pantry and one that features all new cabinetry and countertops, plus a rocking TV and stereo system — and the Morrisons select Option 2.

For specific product information, click on the first After photo of the room.