It's my turn to get motivated! We've lived in our "builder's special" townhouse since it was new (about eight years ago). I've put my personality into pretty much every room, but I'm blocked when it comes to my kitchen.

The problem is that I hate most everything about it, and given my druthers I'd plunk $50,000 into it (or more), rip it all out and start again. I've been waiting all these years for when the financial time to be right. Well, I have to face it... I could be waiting another eight years!

So, I need tips on how to get the most bang for my buck on an interim facelift. I'm also attaching photos of my cocktail/TV lounge attached to the mess-hall so you can see my real-self. I love bright, funky, mod, psychedelic, comfy, hip spaces. Vintage is my friend (although the lounge isn't really vintage, but my living room/dining room can best be described as "Danish Mod on Acid" I hate traditional. Kitsch is good, but elegant need not apply.

This kitchen is boooorrrring! I've thought of painting the orange-red that is in the lounge TV niche as the "back splash." I also need contrast (hate doesn't begin to describe my feelings about the tile counter tops!). I also hate the cabinets. If I had the bucks I'd have European cabinets with a smooth finish--no moldings. Everything clean and high tech, with a nod or two to just plain crazy.

I also thought of painting either the lower or upper cabinets charcoal gray. Bar stools would be nice, but they have to slide all the way under because space is tight between the lounge and island.

A friend of mine came over for martinis in the lounge and was seated towards the kitchen. She commented that it didn't look like me at all and seemed to say that I hate to cook! I love to cook...as long as it's to entertain friends.

The person with the best suggestion get's my secret to making the perfect martini!

-Jen