In the pre-IKEA Dark Ages of Decor, those of us who didn't have a fortune to spend on our dream kitchen just had to keep dreaming. And eating out. And ordering in. Because nobody feels like cooking in a cluttered, disorganized kitchen.

We all want a well-planned, pleasant kitchen with good lighting, plenty of storage, and sufficient counter space to work on. Shelter magazines love to feature expensive and expansive kitchens with islands, multiple sinks, six burner stoves, and a second Sub Zero fridge just for the sodas.