Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

In this Leather District loft renovation, the ONY architecture firm kept to a modest budget while updating the kitchen and creating custom built-in cabinetry.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

The other side of the dining area in the Leather District loft.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Joe Sawyer in his newly renovated apartment on Boston's Lincoln Street.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

The dining area and living area of Sawyer's loft.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Inside the newly renovated kitchen.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

The apartment's small office area. The wall does not go all the way up to the ceiling.

Michele McDonald for The Boston Globe

A West Newton kitchen renovation by S+H Construction of Cambridge.

Michele McDonald for The Boston Globe

The West Newton kitchen renovation included new hardwood floors, cabinetry, and granite countertops. To save money, existing appliances – save for the dishwasher – were reused.

A kitchen renovation by Cambridge-based contractor Charlie Allen. “People are much more serious about the dollar figure they have to spend,” he says.