akjr, our range is a Maytag Gemini from 10 years ago. At the time, our DDs were 2 and 3 so I liked the knobs for the stove top away from little hands, even though it decreased the pan area some. We have liked the separate ovens, especially at Thanksgiving and for baking. It has served us well. Knowing it is 10 years old, I just am assuming it will need to be replaced soon. Thanks to everyone for their comments. The desk is further along than this, but I'm working on the top trim for the hutch next to the desk now.

Wow, Kathy, I think I'm as impressed with your "can do" attitude and common sense as your impressive kitchen redo. Thanks so much for sharing. Love all your color sections, especially the way the fabric in your kitchen window curtain pulls it all together. Before, the kitchen was chaotic, and now your colors are so soothing. Also love the way you rearranged the cabinets to maximize your space and storage. By the way, I know what you mean about measuring as that scares me too when I'm spending real money. I do have two suggestions for when you save up more $$$. The first is that you order full extension drawers, or trays, to go inside the large base cabinet with the double doors on the right side of the range. I ordered from Quikdrawers.com for the cabinets in my dining room and am extremely happy with the company and the result. They make a quality product, the guy who helps you (Keith) knows his stuff, and spacing between the trays is fully adjustable to maximize storage for what works best for you. Those pull outs certainly beat standing on your head and rearranging to see what's in the back. The second suggestion is to add a light rail and led puck lights run by batteries that you can just tap to get them to come on. My daughter-in-law knows a number of her neighbors who have used that approach and that it works pretty well if you don't want to go the electrician route. Those lights should be available at the big box stores or online elsewhere. Again, five stars on your project all the way around. It is well worth all the time, stress, and worry. Also, your low budget is hard to believe.

Agree with much of what you said. Forget painting the cabinets. Can you remove the backsplash and change it to something lighter?? Remove the scallop. Change over the sink light fixture. Maybe a can light?? Remove the appliances all over the countertops. As an experiment, remove every single thing off the counter tops and see how light your kitchen actually looks!! You would be surprised. The counter top appliances soak up an incredible amount of light. Is there someplace else they can go? A small not too deep cabinet in the eating area? Look at under cabinet lighting. There is some great LED lighting that can plug in.

Seems like interior stairs to get from the deck/carport to "under the house" and then upstairs to the living space would be a wise investment to make life easier; then save up for the cosmetic improvements..