Tired Townhouse

Now, the kitchen has an inviting, contemporary look. The cabinet doors have been painted to match the existing countertop, and a permanent island mimics the existing cabinetry. A stainless-steel backsplash offers low-maintenance style, and new tile completes the crisp, neat look.

Cost breakdown:

floor $115
island and hardware $920
backsplash $65
patio tile $330
landscaping $230
borrowed furniture $0
paint and accessories $338

Total: $1,998

Products from Dollar Tree:

dish towels for kitchen

Products from Bed, Bath & Beyond:

white drapery panels, 2992724116
woven shades, 2116691428

Products from The Home Depot:

hardware for kitchen cabinets, 781266187819
vinyl tile in kitchen, 088969998064
living-room chandelier, 785247406715
microwave oven, 665679001293
kitchen-island cabinet, 719839199839
under-cabinet lights in kitchen, 008938259309
mulch, Natural Red, 032247845274

Products from JoAnn Fabrics:

fabric, twill, 6582167
thread, binding medium, miscellaneous notions

Products from Burlington Coat Factory:

plates, 70083507
dinner napkins, 770-63796018

Products from Pearl Arts and Crafts:

latex paints, canvases, brushes

Products from Marshalls:

toss pillows, 018072709

Products from Linens 'N Things:

rug, hemp, 401786700373

Products from Pier 1:

basket used in kitchen, 2105320
drapery panels used in living room, 2101426
place mats used in kitchen, 2103622

Products from T.J. Maxx:

coffee table in living room, 102181
toss pillows in living room, 723637 and 416818
patio planter, wall, 172542

Products from Cost Plus World Market:

baskets used on kitchen wall, 000000359775, 000000359776, 000000359778

Products from Lowe's:

kitchen chandelier, 208157

Products from Wal-Mart:

planter boxes for patio, 003146261108K
kitchen stools, 005027889154

Products from Pineapple Paint Company:

kitchen wall paint, Benjamin Moore's Pale Avocado, 2146-50
kitchen-cabinet paint, Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy, HC-154
living-room paint, Benjamin Moore's Decatur Buff, HC-38
living-room paint, accent wall, Benjamin Moore's Greenfield Pumpkin, HC-40