"We're lucky to have a great kitchen but sometimes it feels too big and unmanageable. How can we make the most of our space?" - Amy Mascarina





THE HOMEOWNERS
The Mascarinas

BEFORE
While the Mascarinas love the amount of space their big kitchen provides, the wide countertops create dark, unusable corners. And though they have a formal dining area and stools in the kitchen, they would also like an additional casual eating area for family gatherings at their home. The real issue here -- even though they have a big kitchen, they still need to maximize space to make it work for their family.

Enter Bob Richter -- the Minute Makeover guru -- who sees several lighting opportunities to brighten the kitchen. He starts with easy-install under-cabinet lighting that eliminates the dark corners and highlights the decorative tile. Over the breakfast bar, he replaces the existing pendants. Not only do these new pendants provide more light, but the bronze finish also compliments the kitchen's accents.

As for a casual dining option, he transforms a vacant wall with a simple, sleek table set. A standing lamp is also added for additional light.

One final step -- he hangs family photos above the table for a personal, decorative touch. We love it.

AFTER
The Mascarinas have a well-lit kitchen and a casual dining area to utilize for everyday meals or as additional seating when family and friends visit.

THE GOODS
For IKEA product information, scroll over the items in the video, or visit our shopping guide for details!

And check out the rest of our Minute Makeover series for more terrific ideas!