A Family-Friendly Kitchen and Dining Nook Makeover for Under $15K

Photographer Robert Peterson renovated the kitchen of his own 1970s Atlanta ranch with a modest budget of under $15,000. Robert's had a crash course in renovation as the photographer of HGTV Dream Home, HGTV Smart Home and HGTV Urban Oasis, among many other home renovation projects. Daughters Grace and River are always there to lend a hand.

When Robert first bought the house, the kitchen was dated and forgettable. In order to make it more up to date, he needed to completely remove the wall that divided the kitchen from the adjacent living room.

Prior to the remodel, the walls were covered in a contractor grade wainscoting that Robert ripped out himself before opening the dining room and kitchen to the rest of the main floor.

The renovated kitchen is designed with two distinctive zones: the cooking and prep area and the breakfast nook. Although modestly sized, the space feels larger thanks to the open and airy design.