Double-Mortgage Dilemma

The kitchen used to cause more traffic jams than gatherings, but now it's a drive-through fantasy with hanging shelves and a refrigerator that's shrunk to fit. What really made a huge impact was opening up the window to the dining room. Painting the kitchen the same color as the dining room connected the two spaces perfectly.

Cost breakdown:

butcher block $200
small refrigerator $350
dining table $150
furniture $495
landscaping $300
window treatments $180
supplies and accessories $322

Total: $1,197

Products from The Home Depot:

geraniums, loriapy, vinca for front yard and porch

Products from Pineapple Paint Co.:

concrete stain, Gray, 07271
paint for outdoor house detail, Aegean Teal, semigloss, 2136-40
paint for kitchen and dining room, Sweet Honeydew Melon, eggshell, 2033-70
paint for kitchen shelves, Wolf Gray, semigloss, 2127-40
living room paint, Straw, 2154-50, eggshell

Products from Lowe's:

holly, arborvitae and red mulch shrubs

Products from Target:

welcome mat, Ipanema, 066000165

Products from Linens 'N Things:

bamboo chargers for dining room wall hangings, 401868383494
barstools for dining room, Lambert, 30" high, 839913002098
5 x 7 hemp rug for dining room, 401786700496
95" panels for dining room, Santiago, 0995417793

Products from Amvets Thrift Center:

glass vase for dining room table

Products from Whole Foods:

fresh flowers, lilies and Gerber daisies for dining room

Products from Ikea:

dining table, Granas, 20022845
dining chairs, Granas, Flax, 5003093
assorted canisters, spice jars, dishes and glasses
kitchen hardware, Bisats, 20061498

Products from Burlington Coat Factory:

napkin rings
toss pillows, 164-703689968

Products from JCPenney:

all products for dining room:
drapery rods, 48" to 84", 070042774023
valance, 732/3634
48" - 86" spring rod, 070042133530
finials, 070042773330

Products from Dollar Tree:

snacks and crackers to fill the canisters in the kitchen

Products from Bed Bath & Beyond:

84" window panels for dining room, Reflections, 89114100203
wall art, 74045925316

Products from Wal-Mart:

stainless trash can, 082342006865
mirror, 003223103816
candleholders, 082161401449

Products from Marshalls:

toss pillows, 089990

Products from T.J. Maxx:

toss pillow, 241257