Bob and Barbara Murray's suburban kitchen was small, dark, and cluttered — not exactly an inspiring place to kick off the day. And with five boys (ages 10, 8, 7, 4, and 1), the Murrays did not have home improvements at the top of their to-do list. Space is at a premium in the three-bedroom house, and the 10-by-12-foot kitchen has to serve as the eating area for the children as well as the household command center for the parents. A little clutter-clearing, some white paint, and a few bulletin-board systems make the busiest room in the house a brighter place to start each day.

Kitchen Solutions

Use every inch of space. The counters were cluttered, but the walls were going unused. A new, much roomier microwave was mounted over the stove, freeing up valuable counter space. (The Whirlpool Gold microwave — $797, www.lowes.com — was provided and installed by Lowe's. The toaster was relocated to the left side of the sink, where there's room to butter toast and assemble sandwiches. A hook rack mounted on the wall beside the stove is the perfect place for frequently used pans, utensils, and pot holders.

Eliminate clutter, and put things where you use them. Strainers, tongs, wooden spoons, and spatulas were organized, contained in Le Creuset utensil crocks ($22 for small, $32 for large: www.homeclick.com), and moved next to the stove, where the Murrays can reach them as they cook. A bread box keeps food fresh and the counter tidy. Bread box, $40, www.williams-sonoma.com.

Lighten the room. The dark, solid-oak cabinets were worn and made the kitchen feel even smaller than it is. Midwest Woodwork and Veneering (courtesy of Lowe's) sanded the doors and drawers, then spray-painted them Benjamin Moore Decorator's White; the frames were painted with a foam roller. A matching white front for the dishwasher was ordered from the manufacturer (cost: $35 and up), and it took only minutes to install.

Let there be light. Removing the fussy valance from the windows let in more natural light, making the kitchen seem larger without compromising privacy.

Eating-Area Solutions

Claim unused space. With the help of wall-mounted components to customize storage, paper is corralled (and organized) in labeled bins. Corkboards at either end display invitations, photos, and reminders. Daily System, $271 for the combination shown here, Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com.

Make it work. A wall-mounted dry-erase calendar helps the Murrays keep up with seven different schedules. A small piece of Velcro attached to the side of the calendar keeps a pen handy. Calendar and top display rod, $68, Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com.

Make it last. Adjustable high-back stools are safer than backless ones and more practical than stationary chairs. The blue seats keep the room from looking too feminine. Royal Seating swivel stools, $122 each, www.schooloutfitters.com.