$500 Makeover: Dowdy to City Chic

A little reorganizing and a few upgrades infused this condo kitchen with a new look. A fresh coat of paint, a new tile backsplash, and custom built-ins were among the easy alterations that made a big difference.

Part of a former bachelor pad, this kitchen lacked color and personality and felt cramped. Clearing off the top of the cabinets was a simple, inexpensive way to make the lofted room feel expansive.

The white cabinets and appliances were staples in this kitchen, so they stayed. A tile backsplash brought in more color, while new cabinet hardware helped update the look.

A blend of colorful 1x1-inch glass tiles replaced the boring 4x4-inch white porcelain tiles. For $229 from Modwalls, the mosaic tile was a simple way to add color and style.

To add interest without major changes, linear pulls replaced the original drawer knobs. For $118 from Atlas Homewares, the modern pulls gave the cabinets a new look without needing to paint them.

Open shelves installed to the right of the range are ideal for cookbooks and make good use of what was once wasted space between the cabinetry and roofline. The lumber cost only $15.

The skinny upper cabinet to the left of the sink had been awkward and inefficient. Taking off the door and adding $5 worth of shelving created the perfect spot for wine storage.

Painting the sage and eggplant walls a neutral gray created a tailored, cohesive feel that extends to the kitchen's window seat area. The paint from The FreshAire Choice cost $40.

Before, this nook was a cluttered catchall place to store wine, cookbooks, and more.

A seat cushion gives this cozy dormer a purpose and creates a comfortable seating area. The cushion fabric came from Company C and cost $50.

An easy-to-install outdoor light fixture was the perfect style -- and price, at only $30 from a local hardware store -- to replace the original, outdated fixture.