Wanted: Family-Friendly Digs

The dining area is now cozy yet classy, boasting a new table and chairs that take better advantage of the space. A new stylish chandelier, window treatments and wall art, plus a standard-size door at the back make it complete.

Cost breakdown:

furniture $1,214
paint and supplies $128
lighting and accessories $235
door and supplies $84
bar top, hood, hardware $295
flooring $44

Total: $2,000

Products from The Coaster Company of America:

leather chairs and coffee table for living room, 8081 and 3788
four barstools for kitchen bar, 4928
dining table and chairs, 3651 and 3656

Products from Lowe's:

Structures drapery rods for living and dining rooms, 213502 and 213593
Eurostone vinyl floor tile for kitchen, Jerome, 219774
Newport semiflush kitchen light fixtures, 166097

Products from Ikea:

art and frame for living room, Reslig frame and 27" x 39" poster
pots and plants for living room, 00063403 and 66804108
Smycka stick flowers in blue and Mustig vases for dining room
Malma mirrors for dining room wall in brown and blue

Products from Kmart:

living and dining room drapery panels, 02896704471
valance for kitchen, Martha Stewart's Flowering Vine ,07665775177

Product from Pride Enterprises:

laminate countertop for kitchen, custom size and color

Products from Anna's Linens:

faux leather brown throw pillows, 829673

Products from Craigslist.org:

dining-room chandelier (purchased secondhand)

Products from The Home Depot:

cabinet hinges for kitchen, 022788785603, 02278885573 and 781266390615
Broan stove hood for kitchen, 78489182774
dining-room slab door, 030151414333
dining-room doorknob, 042049948134
dining-room door hinges, 097523601173
paint for all walls, Ralph Lauren's Dove Coat
cabinets and all trim, Behr's Swiss Coffee