Sleek, Modern Masterpiece Kitchen

Chris and Angela Lyle are first-time homeowners who just moved from a 400 sq ft apartment in Manhattan to a large, three-bedroom house in Philadelphia, Pa. They love their new home, but unfortunately, the kitchen brings new meaning to the term "starter home."

The Lyles are working with a budget of $20,000-30,000. Designer Lauren Lake offers them two options, both of which fit the family's budget.

In the first design option, Lauren suggests a bright, bistro style. The wall between the kitchen and dining room would come down halfway to make room for a comfortable breakfast bar. New maple cabinets and a red-and-white backsplash give a bright, cheery look. Dark quartz counters and a warm travertine floor tie the whole space together.

The second option calls for the entire wall between the kitchen and dining rooms to come down, creating a large, open area for dining and entertaining. Lauren suggests cherry cabinets, including a floor-to-ceiling multi-purpose cabinet for much-needed storage. Sleek stainless appliances, a glossy black backsplash and a gray tile floor bring the kitchen a city edge.

The Lyles choose Option 2, loving the way it blends their city style with suburban comfort.

Check out the old cabinets, nasty floor and Harvest Gold appliances. A previous homeowner chinked the cracks between the backsplash and the wall with steel wool, adding to this kitchen's rusted-out look. The corner sink is poorly placed and too small for the Lyles' needs.

Redoing this kitchen will instantly added value to the Lyles' new home. They want to keep their New York style and sensibility, while also creating a space for family fun and grown-up entertaining.