Best Budget Redo Before and Afters 2011

Who: Hope H.S.
Where: Cottonwood, Ariz.

Some high-quality paint, door removal, and taking off the classic 1980s scalloped molding over the sink transformed our cabinetry, together with new bronze hinges and knobs. I found an attractive and extradeep sink for $25 at a thrift store. When we couldn't find a bargain glass mosaic that had all the colors that I wanted, I bought several different color schemes in the same size and crafted my own. We scored granite tile for the countertop for less than $2 a square foot.

Who did the work: I did most of the work myself.

Cost: $1,000 to $5,000