Initial Budget: $25,000

Final Cost: $25,846. The budget grew after the client chose recessed lighting instead of a ceiling fixture and upgraded some appliance selections.

Client's Goals:

• Make kitchen more efficient using existing space

• Increase cabinet storage

• Improve lighting

• Update appliances, add a dishwasher, and change range from electric to gas

• Create a look that is more 1950s retro than the actual 1950s kitchen that existed in the house

Designer's Solutions:

• Moved stove to a longer wall, creating more workspace around the stove while maintaining adequate landing space at the refrigerator

• Increased storage by using frameless cabinets, a full and a ½ round lazy Susan in the base corner cabinets, and full round lazy Susans in the upper corner cabinets

• Installed a microhood to free counter space

• Installed a new dishwasher to the left of the sink and a new self-cleaning gas range with sealed burners

• Added new recessed lighting in place of a single, two-tube fluorescent fixture

• Created a retro 1950s look with polished chrome cabinet pulls, 1950s memorabilia and removable colored cabinet door inserts

Cabinets: Frameless custom maple cabinetry in a Shaker door style with clear conversion varnish and removable green Formica panels. Accessories: Roll-out shelves, lazy Susans, tray dividers, cutlery insert, adjustable shelves, tilt-out sink tray and polished chrome pulls.

Appliances: GE gas range, dishwasher and over-the-range microwave.

Countertops: Laminate with square edge treatment. Using a separate laminate backsplash glued to the wall instead of an integrated one saved money.

Flooring: Vinyl

Sink: Kohler self-rimming sink; disposal

Faucet: Delta faucet; soap dispenser

Other: Paint, nine recessed lights