As a matter of fact, the place could use a little sprucing up.
Try sprucing up your lawn furniture with some discount cushions for outdoor furniture and you'll make your average furniture look like a million bucks.
Sure, you can't put furniture there, but sprucing up the drab space will go a long way to making the room feel more like a home away from home.
If you're looking for a cost-effective way of sprucing up your kitchen, do it yourself kitchen countertops just may be the solution you need.