Empty Nesters Downsize

Real estate expert Donna Freeman has a look around and point out areas that need work, starting with the exterior: Trash cans should be out of sight, the landscaping needs updating, and the dark front door is not welcoming.

Freeman says the furniture placement in the living room blocks the front view from the large windows.

Inside, she finds that the wonderful open space in the living room needs furniture rearranging to allow in more light. The bedrooms are cluttered and feature unattractive window treatments, and the bathroom decor is outdated! See for yourself:

Next to inspect the house is designer Lisa LaPorta, who devises a three-step plan for the Cernanskys, their friends and her crew to implement:

Step 1: Play up the positive and uncover the hidden features throughout the house.

Step 2: Maximize the floor plan, creating a layout that showcases the home's potential.

Step 3. Break out of the past--update the aging full bathroom.

Most of the money from the $2,000 budget will go into the bathroom--the old wallpaper needs to come down, and the cabinets and walls need painting. The lighting needs to be updated, and new window treatments are in order. The other main problem area is that backyard. Grass needs to be planted ASAP, as it takes at least two weeks for it to grow.

After completely clearing out rooms to provide a clean slate, then painting, rearranging existing furniture and adding some new pieces, each of the problem spots start to come together. The backyard is even looking better.

The grass in the backyard grew in beautifully. Not only does it look great from the inside, but it is also an ideal spot for family activities and gatherings.

The muted new colors on the wall, draperies and shower curtain as well as modern track lighting give it a fresh new look.

Remember that bright blue and burgundy bathroom? LaPorta decided there wasn't time to completely re-tile, so she and her team decided to just soften up the room a bit. There was enough money in the budget to knock out the far wall and allow natural light to flow into the room.

The largest concern in the bedrooms was the window treatments or lack thereof. Personal accessories don't have wide appeal to potential buyers and appear more like clutter.

LaPorta decided to put the bed in storage in a corner bedroom, play up the large set of windows and turn it into a home office. She's betting less furniture will draw the eye to the beautiful windows.

The dining room needs a table that's more complementary to the space and shows off the view.

With the workstation gone and new round table and accessories in place, it is now great location for entertaining.

Here's the breakdown of total costs:

window treatments $530
furniture $500
lighting $335
bedding and accessories $260
front doors $235
paint and supplies $80
grass seed and fertilizer $45

Total: $1,985

Products from Peninsula Glass & Mirror:

2 panels, 3/16" reeded and tempered glass

Products from Coaster Company:

living-room coffee tables--wood, Sandy Nickel, glass, 7131
living-room end tables--wood, Sandy Nickel, glass, 7132
dining-room table--silver-gray base with 48" round beveled glass top, 7057
dining-room chairs, Hunter Green fabric, 4550HGN
two master-bedroom lamps, metal base, round fabric shade, 1151

Product from Target:

master-bedroom bedding skirt, 060100072

Products from Anna's Linens:

living-room throw pillows, Camel quilted faux suede
bathroom window treatments, Corn Silk quilted faux suede, Promenade Harvest
Bathroom shower draperies--Jacq Victorian Blue Ascot window valance and rods and Jacq Vict Blue Ascot window panel pairs and rods
master bedroom pillows, 002636081
office window treatments, Black Tempo valances and valance rods

Products from Ikea:

living-room candleholders, stainless steel
dining-room window treatment rods and brackets, metal
dining-room art frames, stainless steel

Products from Lowe's:

dining-room light fixture, Laguna stainless steel ceiling pendant with glass
master-bedroom window treatments, Elegance Green Silk curtain panels, Hammered Ball curtain rods and brass rods
office light fixture, Semi-Flush ceiling pendant

Products from The Home Depot:

bathroom wall paint--Benjamin Moore Decatur Buff HC-38
bathroom cabinet, two recessed lights with switches, IC 662400654759
ceiling and trim paint, Behr Harvest Tan
bathroom light fixtures
office paint, Benjamin Moore Grand Teton White OC-132
grass seed

Product from Marshalls:

master-bedroom duvet, Green Silk