Too Cramped for Two

Newly-weds Michelle and David Grand meet because they both own a condominium in the same complex. They got married and moved into her condo, so now, they have to sell his condo. Located within commuting distance to Washington, D.C., the one bedroom, ground-floor, corner-unit has an open floor plan that would make a great starter home for any young professional.

Real estate expert Terry Haas pays a visit to evaluate the home’s good and bad selling points. She likes the neighborhood and the condo’s prime location, across the street from a park. Upon entering the home, Haas is overwhelmed by the all-green color scheme and doesn’t like the way the living room furniture is all crammed into one area. The separate dining area gets a thumbs up, but, the dated brass chandelier and cheap-looking blinds must go. Haas calls the kitchen a big disappointment. The cabinets are outdated, the laminate countertops are blah and appliances have certainly seen better days.

Designer Taniya Nayak has a $2,000 design plan that will turn all of Haas’s negative comments into nothing but praise.

Step 1: Give the living room a neutral color palette and rearrange the furniture.
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Step 2: In the dining room, update the window treatments, lighting and furniture.

Step 3: Overhaul the kitchen and bring it into the 21st century.

Contractors John Allen and Matt Steele have the know-how and the necessary tools to get the job done.