Pressing Problem No. 2: A Kiddie-Size Kitchen
Oh, where to begin? I am 31 and still have a mini-fridge. And the oven barely fits a Cornish game hen I was able to put a few plates in the 1975-ski-condo cabinets, but most of my pots, pans, and dishware remained in moving boxes (just beyond this photo's frame). My utensils were stuffed into Ziploc bags, since the kitchen was drawer-less (don't be fooled by those bottom cupboards -- they are one tall narrow compartment), and all the glasses were still tucked away in their packing paper. As for food what food? Prepared dishes from Gourmet Garage had become my nightly staples (even more than they were before). One last point, lest it go unnoticed: The kitchen was a real eyesore -- an affront to the living area. You can understand why the editors have their backs turned to it in the picture.

Impressive Solutions: Now You See It, Now You Don't
Recognizing that there was no way to improve the look of the actual kitchenette unit (short of tearing it out entirely), and to make the living area more serene, Rebecca installed a sheer linen curtain with hospital tracking to hide the kitchen when not in use. (Zarin Fabrics and Home Furnishings sells the supplies for around $50 total; call 212-966-6690.

Impressive Solutions: And When You Do See It, It's Quite Beautiful
With a few basic steps, the outmoded cabinetry turned modern: The team first removed the doors, then they painted the frames white and the back of the cupboards the same blue as the walls. Painting makes even the cheapest-sorry, Sarah-wood laminate look better, Kendra says. And when you remove the doors, the kitchen feels more open." I now store my food in the white canisters on the shelves (though tortilla-chip bags have sneaked their way back into plain view since this photo was taken-sorry yourself, Kendra), and those large storage boxes above hold platters and holiday decorations. ceiling track system, $42 for 8 feet, end caps, $1.50 each, snap tape, $4 per yard, and snap carriers, $1 each, all Zarin Fabrics and Home Furnishings, 212-966-6690. Warsa linen fabric for curtain, $7.50 per yard, graylinelinen.com. High-gloss paint (White Dove), $46.50 per gallon, benjamin moore.com for stores. Gemak" tins with lids, $20 each, ikea.com for stores. Canvas-covered storage boxes, $59 each, westelm.com.

Impressive Solutions: Shelving Saves the Day
Here is the MVP of the makeover: The team installed floor-to-ceiling shelves on either side of the fireplace -- finally, a place for my stuff! The shelves' symmetry makes the apartment feel orderly," Kendra says. And their height makes it feel lofty." While freestanding shelves may work for some, cut-to-fit, wall-mounted versions were essential here-not only did they allow us to use every inch of space, but also nothing prebuilt would sit flush (the floors are tilted and the walls are lumpy).

Impressive Solutions: Another Lesson Learned Here?
Storage can be beautiful. The team stacked my books horizontally by color, re-moving dust jackets when the titles looked better topless (this English major has come a long way -- though my professors might not agree). My utensils now live in egg-shaped vessels. And the white boxes hold votives, cookie sprinkles, etc. Eight-inch shelf brackets, $2 each, lowes.com. Asker" containers, $6 to $8, ikea.com for stores. Similar boxes, $22 each, containerstore.com.