I Hate My Kitchen

Siblings Amanda and Kevin Horner knew they could live together as adults without a problem. But now that they've gotten their first house together, the stakes are a lot higher than the typical childhood tug of war about household chores and bedroom sizes. While their negotiations over living room décor have been easy, they're each holding their ground when it comes to the kitchen makeover. Amanda likes classic design and Kevin is into contemporary style. With help from licensed contractor James Young, who has a $20,000 budget, they knock down walls and create a modern-classic mix in the kitchen. New contemporary cabinets with quartz countertops are installed, along with a solid surface panel backsplash. They make a DIY metal table, and create a clever solution to a common kitchen storage problem. A colorful cork floor in a grid pattern anchors the new space, for an eclectic kitchen with touches of modern and classic that both siblings love.

James helps a family with two elementary-age kids turn their dated suburban ranch kitchen into an appealing open-concept space. The couple bought their house because of the great neighborhood and school district. And while they have been able to update the rest of the house, the kitchen remodel was so overwhelming, they didn't even know where to start. It is closed off from the living and dining rooms and has old appliances. The hood vent is comically oversized for the space and doesn't fit with their traditional design taste. The worst part, however, is all the laminate: laminate floor, countertops and even walls! James helps the couple open up their space by knocking down two walls and moving some of the appliances to create a workable space. James introduces some new products in the reno, including a wine-stained floor, vinyl-covered tiles that mimic expensive custom tile, a DIY vent hood and a plate rack the couple makes themselves. A massive kitchen island in a bright burst of color anchors the space. It's a massive and beautiful transformation that comes in with a budget of $50,000.

Licensed contractor James Young helps a young family add personality and function to a builder-grade kitchen with cheap finishes and a boring design. Brian and Shemeka bought their house because they love the neighborhood for their two elementary-school age children. And while they've been able to add a hip touch to most of the house, they haven't done anything to the kitchen because the upgrades seem too daunting for their $27,000 budget. Once James is onboard, the couple tear down a wall and make the kitchen an open concept space that works with their lifestyle. James saves money by re-facing the base cabinets, and adds new horizontal upper cabinets for a modern vibe the couple loves. A funky curved island with quartz countertops will anchor the new room. Brian helps build an inexpensive DIY table from old records and epoxy, and Shemeka helps create a floating bench. Even though James keeps some of the couple's existing kitchen cabinets, the room has a completely different look with a dramatic modern flair the couple had been hoping for.

Licensed contractor James Young helps a young couple turn their ugly, dated, 1980s kitchen into a modern classic space. The kitchen has weird oak cabinets with a button detail, fake butcher block countertops, a tattered faux parquet floor and a dropped ceiling. James helps the couple change the layout of the room by opening up a partition wall between the kitchen and eating area, and relocating the fridge. Since the cabinet boxes are in good shape, James saves money by refacing the cabinets and adding some extra cabinetry to fit the new layout. New molding and wood trim on the soffits adds a sophisticated detail the couple love. In need of a wine and coffee bar, James shows how to repurpose a 1980s armoire, and turn it into an eye-catching piece of kitchen furniture. They install a cost-effective DIY quartz countertop, along with a beautiful mother-of-pearl backsplash. On the floor, a fossilized bamboo floor with a clever metal trim completes the kitchen renovation, all for a budget of $20,000.