Help Melissa’s Kitchen {and on a budget, darn it}

I know the readers of YHOB are a creative bunch! Remember when you helped Laura with her kitchen redesign on a budget? She’s still in love with her kitchen!

Now my friend Melissa in Indiana needs some help. In short, she’s ready to set the roosters free and find a new style for her kitchen. And because we all like a good challenge, she doesn’t want to spend more than $500. The good news is that she and her husband plan to do most of the work themselves.

Can we get a shout out from the DIY crowd!?!?!?

Melissa defines her style as “country, but not TOO country.” Guess we can add a little Rock and Roll to her kitchen, hmmmm?

Ok, so here is her current space (and we have a little surprise for her at the end of this post).

She has lots of counter space. While she would love to remove the lower counter on the island, there is not spousal consent. I think I have to agree with her other half on this one. The lower shelf is ideal for buffet style dinners.

Another view…

They have black appliances, and new appliances are NOT in the budget.

Now before you go thinking contemporary thoughts, I should tell you that they love their Thomas Kincaid painting in the adjoining family room. It would be nice if the color palate plays nice with it, without being too country.

The wallpaper in the eat-in area is cream, green, purple & raspberry plaid. And yes, it’s going. The floors are Fireside Oak laminate.

Now there is wainscoting all along the kitchen/family room.

But perhaps the biggest absolute is the orange brick wall. It stays. There is a rule that “unless both parties agree to the painting of said brick, it stays.” Feel free to suggest otherwise, just letting you know the current status. 😉

What would YOU do to spruce up this kitchen for $500?

Ok, I promised a surprise for Melissa – here it is. Although I no longer live in Evansville, IN, I know a FABULOUS designer in her town who has volunteered to help her turn all the ideas you give her into an actionable plan!

Brenda Pelz from Focal Point Home Staging  and Redesign helps homeowners beautify their surroundings using things they already own to improve their quality of life no matter what phase they may be in (even if it’s a rooster phase).

{Thank You Brenda!}

So please leave your two cents, or a dime, whatever…and let’s help Melissa with her kitchen!