Wanted: Room to Roam

Elizabeth and Irwin Fistel are horse lovers who want to move to a place that has plenty of room for their horses. But first, they need to get their current home updated to appeal to buyers. The Designed to Sell team saddles up to help these equine enthusiasts find the money trail.

Real estate expert Shannon Freeman is immediately concerned that the Victorian-style furniture is too stuffy to encourage buyers to linger. Lacy curtains are too frilly to have broad appeal, and the window treatments darken the room, making it appear closed in. Once in the kitchen, Freeman's eye goes to the outdated cabinetry and the need for moderate repairs. Clutter throughout dominates the space, and she's afraid that buyers will interpret that to mean the home lacks storage.

Design expert Lisa LaPorta has a plan that will have this couple filling their saddlebags with cash. The team's work is all centered on playing up the home's best features. She wants to make the living room feel more comfortable with softer furniture and paint. They'll replace the kitchen cabinets to update the look and provide much-needed storage, and they actually expand the size of the space. Here's her plan:

Step 1: Don't distract, subtract. Cut down on clutter to uncover the home's best features.

Step 2: Pump up the plusses. Focus on positives to spotlight the bottom line.

Step 3: Have more in store. Streamline storage to maximize profit potential.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley are ready to do demolish the old cabinets to make way for a whole new look.