Beauty on a Budget

Written by Mervyn Kaufman • Photographed by Kate Roth

Karyn and Scott Mrosek wanted to give their kitchen an all-new look without making a major investment. Fifteen years after moving into a new two-story house in a Chicago suburb, the couple decided to upgrade what the builder had done and also add their own personal touches. With a young son and two daughters, Karyn runs a busy household. She wanted a more efficient, no-frills kitchen that nonetheless had style. New appliances and plumbing were top priorities; then came some improvements that, through inspired improvisation, Karyn achieved for just under $11,000. "The biggest saving came from the fact that I acted as my own general contractor," she says.

See the Kitchen.

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