I bought an 88yo Mediterranean bungalow last August and knew I was buying the worst house on the block. I rolled up my sleeves, though, and conquered every last detail: raised the ceiling 2 feet (new height is 10'), installed new oak floors, tore out every last inch of that awful cabinetry, custom-designed the color, style and finish of the new cabinetry and hand-picked my appliances and quartz countertops.

Still to do: backsplash and pendant lights above island.

Hope this inspires someone in some way!