Design Intervention

Before: Outdated Kitchen
The kitchen needs improving. The all-white theme makes it appear cold and sterile, and pitted countertops don't look as clean as they could be. It's also filled with outdated appliances and accessories. Things like this can be unattractive to potential homeowners, who may not want a fixer-upper.

LaPorta agrees with most of Freeman's points and lays out a three-step design plan to liven up this house:

Step 1: Play the field! Appeal to the widest audience by removing kids' stuff and neutralizing colors throughout.

Step 2: Cook up progress, modernizing the dated kitchen, and other areas.

Step 3: Focus on the features--showcase the strengths to pump up the bottom line.

As usual, she has her team of contractor Jim Collins and carpenters Nick Ralbovsky and Brad Haviland to help accomplish these goals.

Most of the rooms just require a little TLC here and there and some fresh paint, while the kitchen is a big problem area. LaPorta insists that this one room can make or break the sale of a house, so they will concentrate most of their efforts here. New tile and all new appliances will take up most of the budget, but she thinks it will be worth it.