1. Sunny paint color: Judy and Mike tried another shade, but it didn't feel right. So they repainted the walls the same upbeat yellow they'd always been.
2. Mint green countertops: The retro-hued granite was a happy find: "Brown or gray would have felt too dark and gloomy," says Judy.
3. Cheerful pops of red: Bright accents, like the range, hood, metal chairs ($280; dwr.com), and knobs, perk up the room.
4. Farm-style kitchen table: Without a formal dining room, Judy wanted a large wooden table instead of an island. The couple uses it for every meal, from casual breakfasts to holiday dinners.
5. Built-in paper towel roll: To keep the kitchen staple off the counters but not out of reach, the designer inset a rod into the front panel of a top drawer.
6. Homemade cafe curtains: Judy made hers from vintage napkins she found on Etsy and added craft-store trim for extra length.
7. Schoolhouse lighting: Red stripes and shapely glass shades ($235; rejuvenation.com) are a nod to the room's original 1930s feel.