Hi, Diana! I'd love to know more about your bathrooms and kitchen. Are you able to share some photos of each of the spaces so we can offer suggestions on how to add some storage and design?

Hi Dalma, Thanks for writing, I appreciate it. Long story, but, short version: I recently purchased a 30+ year old manufactured home with the original kitchen and bathrooms. I am thankful for what I have, but nothing is level, the harvest gold sink is chipped, disposal doesn't work, counter tops are wearing, cabinets are just frames with doors, bathroom cabinets are short and also made of framing with doors, the bathroom floor is "soft" and bouncy. I moved my refrigerator across the room so I could build a pantry. I visit the local habitat often but find their prices are higher than I can afford. Right now I am making do with what I have by painting everything. Thankfully the local Sherwin Williams store provides free mistints that I so much appreciate. If they only knew how much I really do appreciate them. I am not used to walls with no sheetrock. Hanging a picture on paneling is a challenge. Painting panelling "looks" nice, but that's it. I've hung double bars in the tiny closets to add storage. Any other suggestions will be much appreciated. Thank you. Diana

Got some kind of crazy ideas for you and your older home. In the bathroom - yes, you can spray paint laminate countertops. Did it in my extra bath over a year ago and it has stood up well. If you can't take them out to paint, you can paint in place. Mask everything and put up plastic around walls, Get as many fans as possible for exhaust. Lightly sand laminate, wipe with alcohol, paint. When dry, spray with multiple coats of poly. If you have the time, you can use wood filler on the paneling "stripes". After filling, use the knife to wipe off extra. Those walls could then be papered or use sheetrock mud to texture. Just trowel it on, making whatever pattern you like. Once dry, they can be painted. Have done this is multiple homes. As far as cabinet doors, have you thought about taking them off, on the uppers. You see that a lot. Fill hinge holes and paint. You can also get inexpensive tile, and tile right over old counters. You can run wood around edges to hide old counters. Just remember to take out sink, tile under it and replace. Ask at your local Habitat about their sale day. Ours has 1/2 off every 1st Friday. Also, Craig's list is great - search those free ads.

Tightbudget, thanks for all the crazy ideas. I used to faithfully watch Christopher Lowell years ago when he had his "how to" show and have followed and utilized most of his crazy ideas through the years. Loved his faux finishing. As far as mudding walls, I don't have the energy that I used to (brain surgery 3 years ago), but I love the look. My 80 year old mother did exactly that a few years back to her manufactured home, one wall at a time, and it looks absolutely terrific and has held up very well. She's a pistol! And I did remove the doors from my hutch and bought glass shelving, but have not done that in the kitchen. I didn't know about 1/2 off sales at Habitat, but will ask now that you've given me a heads up. I appreciate your input. Thank you very much. God bless.