We've all learned by now that money, unfortunately, does not grow on trees. It has to be earned, saved and carefully used so that after you've taken care of all of your obligations, you can run and play.

However, sometimes, unforeseen events alter plans. Your air conditioner goes out. You replace your hot water heater. The list of possible things that might be labeled "catastrophic" in relation to your home where your budget is concerned is seemingly limitless. So sometimes, you just push projects off until "later," hoping that eventually "later" will, in fact, come around.

I moved into my house in August of 2005 when it was a million and a half degrees outside. We painted without AC (perhaps because I forgot to have the power turned on – woops). "Miserable" is a kind adjective to use in that scenario. But in a relatively short amount of time, we had painted over the dark, depressing colors that the previous owners chose and replaced them with shades of blue and yellow. Days later, crews of men came in to replace what was left of navy carpet, inappropriately sized blue tile and unattractive linoleum with neutral tile and carpet. Over time, inexpensive dorm-type furniture has moved out of the rooms and "real" furniture has moved in. Countertops have been replaced, drapes have been hung, rugs have been laid.

"Later" has finally arrived for me. I have waited four years for "later." This is the last of my BIG projects (at least until I dream up something else). You see, my cabinets are a light wood – a wood that has pink undertones, a wood that I do not love, a wood I have been DYING to get rid of. But let's face facts: I'm not a cook. I eat cereal every night for dinner. So why would I go in and spend thousands on new cabinets? I wouldn't. But I'd sure as heck paint ‘em! And that's exactly what I've done.

My once unattractive cabinets are now the dreamiest shade of chocolate brown imaginable. My kitchen and bathrooms look richer, more chic and are far more enjoyed.

Kitchen (Before)

Kitchen (After)

Kitchen (After)

Master Bathroom (Before)

Master Bathroom (After)

Hall Bathroom (Before)

Hall Bathroom (After)

So for those of you who are thinking big and thinking expensive, might I suggest that you reign in your ideas and go back to basic – a bucket of paint, a brush and a lot of patience. The investment is small. The payoff is huge. You'll wonder why you haven't done it sooner. But if I may offer a bit of advice - do not volunteer to be responsible for putting on and taking off the doors and their hardware. That was a nightmare.