Tired of their outdated kitchen and lack of storage and counter space, a Sterling, Virginia, couple decided to renovate. Designer Zied Hammami, on a tight budget of under $40,000, was able to make dramatic improvements. Removing an old bulkhead created room for taller cabinets; a new furniture-style island with a built-in GE Café Series cooktop created better workspace. Shaker-style Wynnbrooke cabinets feature roll-out trays, glass inserts, pull-out shelves and wine storage. To keep costs down, Hammami refinished existing red-oak floors in a lighter shade. Recessed lights brightened the ambiance while Supreme White granite countertops and a gray, glass subway-tile backsplash cinched the polished new look.

Design: Zied Hammami, Abbey Design Center, Sterling, Virginia. 

Details. . . GE Café Series Cooktop: geappliances.com. Faucet: hansgrohe-usa.com. Cabinets: wynnbrooke.com. Countertops: Dulles Granite & Marble; 703-498-2728. Undercounter LED Lighting: kichler.com.