What we did: One reason we purchased our 50-year-old home was the lush, generously sized lot that had us at hello. And the spacious sunroom, which we updated with paint and new furnishings, is the perfect place to look out at all that land.

DIY Tip: Look beyond the cosmetic shortcomings of a home. Grimy carpets can be ripped up, dated light fixtures can be switched out, and walls can be painted (or even knocked down!). No one else saw the potential in our home, but their loss was totally our gain. Another tip: For free eye candy, don’t toss colorful beverage bottles into the recycling bin. Instead, save your favorite wine or sparkling water bottles, remove the labels, and display them on a tray for a 3-D stained-glass effect.

Next: Room with a View