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Cassie's new kitchen, before the move-in

Unpacking the kitchen is always one of the very first projects on our list to tackle after a move. A new home just doesn't feel relaxed until we're able to cook and eat comfortably in it. But setting up the kitchen is also one of the most exacting and potentially annoying steps of the unpacking process. So here's a little inspiration from Cassie Lynne, who got her new kitchen up and running (and adorable!) in no time...

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A few tips we gleaned from studying Cassie's choices in her new kitchen:

• Even if your oven is floating, like Cassie's, store all the essentials you need for cooking close at hand. It's easy enough to put up a shelf or shelving unit to hold your olive oil, salt and pepper, spoons and spatulas, and the like.

• Indulge in some color. Many rental kitchens are not exactly cheerful spots on their own, with cabinetry and linoleum that looks drab without any touching up. Try bringing in some color, in the form of pretty tea towels, a shelving unit, even the canisters and pots and pans themselves. If you have nice-looking tools, like Le Creuset pots or an enameled teakettle, store them in the open.

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• Hang artwork. Once you've taken care of the practical parts of unpacking the kitchen, don't forget to spice it up with some artwork. It's tempting to put off making the kitchen look and feel nice when you're beat up from spending so much time getting tools and food put away. Adding houseplants is another great way to make your kitchen feel warm and homey right off the bat.

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We love all the sweet vintage touches in Cassie's kitchen; to see more throughout her new home, visit her Flickr page. Lucky for us, she also collects vintage housewares and other items and sells them on Etsy.

Tell us how you like to set up your kitchen! Do you store items in the open, like Cassie Lynne? Do you hang artwork first or last?

(Images: Cassie Lynne)