Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Gosh, we love kitchen before-and-afters. They are just so satisfying: Dingy to bright, impractical to functional. Here's one that is even more satisfying, because it was done on a serious budget. The transformation is so dramatic, you'd never guess that it cost so little.

See? How immensely better?

Of course, this level of makeover on this budget meant that the homeowners did all the work themselves. (That's the tradeoff, right?) In fact, Bryan, one of the homeowners, actually made all the cabinet doors himself. They left the old boxes in place and just put on their homemade doors. They also added wainscoting and crown molding, which are instant, relatively inexpensive upgrades.

It's a very inspiring cosmetic makeover!

• Read more: A Charming Kitchen Revamp for , 527 - Includes a full cost breakdown. At This Old House.

Do you have a great kitchen before and after to share? We love seeing these in real-life kitchens from our readers!