I like your cabinets!

I think the first thing you should do is declutter. My eye is drawn right to the Honey Nut Cheerios, and you have enough storage that you can put things away that will be still be in reach.

Put some art on the empty wall that will instead be your focal point, and then put some items (decorative or utilitarian) on the counters that echo the colors in the art.

IMHO you should play up the wood instead of try to pretend it's a white-cabinet, steel-appliance kitchen.

The simplest solution would be some art, and a floor mat/runner. Your base is pretty neutral, so I'd start with finding a kitchen accessory you love, whether a chopping board, colander, towel, ect, and let it set the tone for the rest of what you bring in. Would your landlord allow you to put hardware on the cabinets? I would just be dying to paint those bad boys.

Can you change out the light fixture? I agree with the suggestion to declutter. Perhaps a few well-curated ceramic or glass pieces along the top cabinets.

SusanG took the words right out of my mouth! New lighting is key! And you can take it with you when you leave (it's soooooooooooooooo easy to switch out!)

I echo Lynell - start with a patterned rug, and then pull a few color accents for cooking utensils, towels, magnets, etc.
If you can't (or don't want to) paint, you could hang a large piece of art or apply a vinyl decal on the end wall. Decals can go on refrigerators too ... and they come off easily without damaging paint.
If your landlord allows it, you could install decorative pulls on the cabinets and swap out the light for something with a bit more character.
If you have sculptural pieces you love, you could display them above your upper cabinets. My own kitchen has that same wasted space, and I've hidden string lights at the back wall to illuminate our collection of wine glasses from vineyards we've visited. Most of the time I don't need to get to those 18+ glasses ... and they add a bit of sparkle when the lights are turned on.
Good Luck!

I have a very similar apartment kitchen and was faced with the same problem. To add some color, I got accessories (pot holders, oven mitt, kitchen towels) in a bold color (mine are red) so there are little pops all over the room. Then I got one of those stickable wallpaper borders in turquoise and did thick stripes on the walls spaced about a foot apart. It's really cute and bold but not overwhelming. Hope that helps give you some ideas :-)

Try to keep stuff off the countertop as much as possible, especially next to the stove because that's important work space. Except for a thing full of cooking utensils or a knife block or whatever you might actually use right there. The big empty wall would look awesome with some art or a chalkboard or some cute hanging storage (a pot rack maybe, hooks for colorful tea towels, etc). Also I think the cabinets could look kind of cool and retro if you accessorized accordingly, but I know that's not everyone's taste plus you don't really have a ton of room for kitsch here. If you have any fairly large colorful things like big bowls or pitchers or whatever that would look cool up on top of the cabinets, that could bring in color easily and stuff looks much less cluttery up there than on the counter.

I used to have an apartment with a small VERY bland galley kitchen. I made one 'focal wall' covered in individual sheets of vintage-themed wrapping paper. I tied in the red of my Kitchenaid stand mixer and a few utensils on display by choosing a vintage robot print purchased online at www.fineartstore.com for under $35! I hung them using flat mounted thumb tacks in primary colors and placed them on similar colored parts of the wallpaper to make them virtually invisible! It was a fun conversation piece and definitely helped to offset the bland bland rental kitchen that I was stuck with! Another great thing I did (and loved!) was mounting under cabinet lighting. I bought Grundtal spotlights (set of 3 for $24.99) and mounted them using magnets (I had wacky 1940's metal cupboards) - very easy and made a HUGE difference.

Here's a photo of the robot wall in the kitchen: http://twitpic.com/48cw82/full

Good luck!!!

I agree with the some others here.

1. Decluttler. Get stuff off of the counter, top of the refrig. and even those papers hanging on the front of the refrig. Put it all away. I would not put anything on top of those cabinets either. I even put my dish soap away when not is use, sponges too.

2. Change the lighting. Can you add a dimmer to the ceiling light? If not, try less wattage. Also, for warmth and ambience add under-counter lighting if you can. At the very least, add a small lamp on the kitchen counter.

3. Paint color on the walls. Don't be afraid to be bold.

4. Put some art on the wall at the end of the kitchen. I would put something large rather than lots of smaller pieces. Again, keeping it clean and simple. If you prefer many small pieces of art, group them together in a cohesive way.

5. A long runner type rug could be used to add pattern and color. I'm tired of chevron but it would work in that space. I vote for stripes.

6. Personally, I would not add matchy accessories like towels and pot-holders. Keep your potholders in a drawer and just one, nice towel out hanging on your stove.

Hope that helps!

oops, forgot to mention - Grundtal spotlights are from IKEA!

The end wall could be a focal point. Wallpaper in a large pattern? A different paint color? You mention that your options as a renter are limited. In that case, I'd go with what others have said: a nice runner, a picture or pictures on the end wall.

Installing a stretch of T5 fluorescent lights above the top cabinet on both sides (so it shines onto the ceiling) would, IMHO, be awesome. And I'd replace the current light fixture with small a pendant light. :)

you can hang fabric on that back wall, like a pinboard or big piece of art. and put a runner on the floor.

I'll add my voice to the call to declutter - it makes *such* a difference. Our kitchen only has a few cupboards, so we use a Gorm shelf unit from Ikea to store a lot pantry staples; initially, it was a crowded mess of cans and bags and spice containers; reducing, consolidating, and packaging everything up has made it much more attractive *and* more functional. Also ditto on placing artwork on the back wall and investing in some bring and attractive tea towels and a colourful runner.

If you do want to keep pantry items (like the cheerios!) out for easy access, maybe you could consider transferring them to glass canisters or something, instead of keeping them in the original boxes?

I'd suggest putting in a track light system with some hanging pendant lights down the middle of the kitchen (just make sure to figure out how high they need to be placed first). I did this in my kitchen despite quite a few people who though it wouldn't work and now everyone agrees it looks wonderful.

Can you alter the cabinets?
Assuming you don't want to spend a lot of money I'd also consider painting the cabinets or adding a darker finish to them depending on your taste. I'd also add hardware to the cabinets to make them look more up to date.

I agree that you should remove all the clutter from the top of your fridge. If you feel you need to keep things like cereal up there I'd put it in matching large glass containers in the same spot.

Can you change the flooring?
If not I think I'd add a rug. I was able to find a really attractive modern one from home decorators collection in rubber that wipes up really easily and looks great (at least I think so). It also washed really well in case you have pets.

http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Juliette_Area_Rug/310/

Good luck! I owe a condo with the galley kitchen and its far smaller than yours.

A big, colorful basket with side handles could go on top of the fridge & hold your cereal, chips, bread, etc.--easy to take down & put up if you don't have cupboard storage for those. Have the basket match your chosen art & rug.

M. Turner...
I realize it is hard to declutter when you must not have adequate storage. I do not know what your style is, but I recommend putting the cereals, etc above the refrigerator in baskets. You can also put those extra kitchen gadgets in baskets and stash them on top of the wall cabinets. Have tons of baskets. Buy them at the local thrift shop-they usually have a huge selection. It will look nice and cover your clutter.
A nice piece of artwork for the end wall would draw the eye in. It does not have to be big. I suggest a nice oil painting. It is good to invest in some nicer artwork. They will remain with you forever and you can pass them on in the family.

A couple of thoughts not mentioned that maybe are silly, but I'll toss them out anyhow...

You could run a expansion type curtain rod from the edges of the facing cupboards (not the doors, the frames) and use it to hang any kind of textile as art.

Or, you could get one of those shelving units that fit floor to ceiling and are designed for over-the-toilet. It could provide extra storage for something pretty and colorful (big platters? pretty dish towels?) There are lots of styles, some with cabinets, some just shelves, and one might work better than another, but they are totally portable, no holes in the wall, add a bit of storage, and can be tweaked in various ways to personalize and avoid the bathroom connotation.

(Not saying either idea is better than others given, just more alternatives to play with.)

Your kitchen looks very similar to the apartment I lived in last year...guess they all sort of look alike (or you are my neighbor) haha. Anyways, we didn't have a pantry or much storage space so we used our hall coat closet as our pantry. We bought a cheap metal shelving unit that fit in the closet perfectly. I stored all of our large appliances and things (electric grill, serving bowls, baking dishes) in there to free up the cupboards for dry/canned food items and things we used more often. It really made a difference and helped us stay decluttered. : )

Turning off the overhead light and turning on under-cabinet lights completely changes the mood of a kitchen. It will also make working in the kitchen much easier. I agree with all who've suggested those Ikea lights, de-cluttering, and a large piece of art (a framed poster would be cool and inexpensive) for the end wall. I also suggest choosing an appetizing accent color you like (red is the choice of many restaurants, and would look great with your white walls & wood cabinets) and using it sparingly throughout: kitchen towels, a patterned throw rug, a nice bowl or canister that stays out on the counter. Practical kitchen things like bowls or baskets of fruit or onions, a magnetic knife rack and a handsome, orderly spice rack can make the place look put together, functional and warm. You can leave stuff out on the counters - just make sure it's beautiful. Best of luck - and have fun!

I have virtually the exact same kitchen. I removed the doors (and saved all the hardware/doors etc - stored them in a closet). Lined the back of the cabinets with my accent color contact paper of choice and put my white dishware back in. I also got a small square rolling cart to help with working space. Oh and I'm voting for declutter with universal containers (mine are from WallyWorld), do something fun and vertical with that big wall and battery powered stick on lights are your friend. Good luck!

I repeat the vinyl decal suggestion. Something large and graphic for the back wall.

Get a runner that would go most of the length of the floor (or two or three smaller ones stitched together...might be able to find some bathmats that would work). You can get a bunch of fabric bins or boxes in a coordinating color to put rarely used items on top of your cabinets...a bright color would 1) draw attention up and 2) keep the space from looking cluttered.

Agree with so many other posters:

1. Most obviously to me-the blank back wall. Huge scale wall mural like the brich one from IKEA, a very graphic quilt, fabric in big scale like Marimekko. Whatever your taste but big scale.
2. Buy matching woven baskets in interesting texture but rather close in tone to wood..put them rather close together to give the illusion of cabinets that go all the way up. You should be able to use them for storing anything.
3. change out the light fixture.
4. Have mirrors cut so they are nearly the height of your backsplash. Do the right side as we see in in thirds and then frame from an online frame place. On the left do two on either side of the range...they are practical as easy to clean. Keep them clean and they will bounce the light around your kitchen.
5. Your fridge sticks out and can also be less obvious by covering a large rectangle from the top of fridge to near the counter with either a framed mirror or a blackboard.

You don't mention what room opens to this kitchen..make appropriate choices to tie in with that room.

Yeah. You can't. These types of cave-kitchens are a design fail. (not your fault)

Removing the cabinet doors will add a dramatic effect if you are proud of the dishes inside. Buying vintage china will make a pretty display, but you'll have to keep those cabinets nice and tidy if you decide to remove the doors.

You could also replace your light fixture with something prettier! Think chandelier or something of that sort. Lighting can change the mood of a scene -- it may also help to hide the stuff you're not so proud of!

An option to hide the lower cabinets would be to hang a curtain-like fabric from underneath the ledge of the counter top. Velcro is adhesive, so just cut a long piece of fabric that you like to the length of the counter top and stick velcro bits to attach it to the counter ledge. If that's a little too kitchy, hanging fabric strips is pretty in right now ( like this: https://pinterest.com/pin/49117452155612194/ ), and it would be an easy way to match your current colours with some new ones!

Make fancy magnets for the fridge! Here are some that I made that look like polaroids: http://jeezejulia.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/magnets.jpg

I'd definitely put all of your appliances away and only display things that you're proud of. Get a cute cupcake stand, a neat mug tree, or a vintage bread box or percolator. Things like this are kitchen related, and totally adorable! Some aesthetically pleasing cook books would be a great display item, too!

And I agree with hiding the cereal box. Find some big jars and pour the cereal in there instead. Label your jars with chalkboard paint like this: https://pinterest.com/pin/255086766363758467/

Look at the neat plate display here: https://pinterest.com/pin/255086766363725953/ . You could hang plates up on that back wall as the design!

And finally, search around on Pinterest. Make pinboards with all of your ideas, and get totally inspired. Have fun!

xx.

I think "amazing" isn't really possible with this starting point and no ability to re-paint/gut. That's okay. It's a serviceable rental kitchen. Keep it clean and neat and that's as good as it can be.

Find a fabric you like, plain or printed, in a color you love. Use Spray adhesive to fix the fabric to the wall just as if you were doing wall paper. The difference is that when you move, all you need to do is pull the fabric off the wall and wipe any residual adhesive away.
Put some knobs on the doors. The landlords can always change them if they don't like the style.
Take the doors off of some of the cabinets and display your nice dishware.
Put down a colorful rug.
And for Gawd's sakes, change that overhead light. It's hideous. Put it away until you move.

Strippable, paintable wallpaper on that endwall, painted an intense color, with a large framed print hung there. When you leave, the wallpaper just peels off. Yes to the floor runner and cozier lighting...Hide the cereal boxes unless you consider them art.

One way to change the color of the cabinet doors and face frames without painting is with vinyl shelf "paper." It comes in many colors and designs and is pretty inexpensive. For a truly custom look, you could layer different colors or designs. If you're careful and patient, the finished product can look just like a factory applied finish. My wife and I used black on some Ikea cabinets and it looks and wears great. Just make sure the surfaces are VERY clean and free of ANY grease, then wipe with a tack cloth. If you've ever applied a screen protector, you know what small particles can do.

Caution: Make sure the product has "peel & stick" (non-permanent) adhesive, and it should peel off w/o issue when you leave. If you have trouble, or it is a stronger adhesive, just peel a corner back and squirt in a product like "Goo Gone" to dissolve the adhesive as you pull if off. Very effective and easy.

I'd paint the walls gray and put a tall (5-6 feet) and narrow (2 feet) vertical black and white poster right in the middle, something like James Dean taking a stroll... and the rest will follow. I like the idea of a runner, in black/white stripes, which would bring the whole look together. The pale countertops counteract the dark cabinets. Keep them as free of clutter as you can so the pale colour will have more impact.

As far as organizing, I have a theory, developped through observation over the years: people are mostly vertical or mostly horizontal. Horizontals want to see everything they have or need and they will occupy all horizontal surfaces available. Vertical people don't need to see all their stuff because they remember where they put it. They regroup similar things and organize them vertically. They like clean geometric piles, shelves, and they will use multiple hooks to hang their stuff. I may be mistaken but you seem like a horizontal or in a horizontal phase. The solution is easy: Go vertical!!!

The first thing I would do is get your cabinets organized, so your counters stay relatively clean. For things like cereal, flour, sugar, and the such (things you use often) I'd get containers in a similar style and color. I like the look of the cabinets, but feel like the lighting really weighs down the space. Try replacing that ceiling light fixture with something a bit more modern (with a warm natural light cast) . You can always keep the old fixture, and switch when you leave. Under cabinet lighting will also help (there are easy to apply options), but again think about the light cast. You can also add some lighting above the cabinets with a few colorful sculptures, vases, or something more personal to you (for me I collect cameras), but not to many otherwise it will look cluttered. Plants might also be a nice option there, which will bring a little nature into the space. Some of the others suggested bold art for that far wall, but I'd go with a large mirror. It will give the illusion of space, and also reflect light making it feel bright and spacious. You can add a colorful frame to the mirror if you want more color. Truthfully though because of constraints I really wouldn't worry too much about large statements of color, but if color is want you want invest in kitchen containers, utencils, and accessories which serve a purpose and can be taken to your next home. There are plenty of colorful options of good quality. Above all, as you can aleady tell, I think that the biggest, cheapest, and easiest impact you can make in this kitchen with your constraints is to design your kitchen lighting. If you're not sure where to go with it you can check out showrooms and design interiors for ideas. Ikea has a lot of affordable options. As for the floor there are modular floor squares out there.

Do we live in the same apartment complex? My kitchen is practically identical, sans the flat-front cabinets. It's the dreaded apartment galley kitchen circa 1980 (if you're lucky). I agree with all the comments about decluttering, adding a rug (we have 2 small ones), baskets, etc. On our "big wall," I put a wrought iron 3-hook wall thingy and hung my collection of colorful aprons. Functional AND pretty. Above our oven (though you might not have space since you have the microwave), I put a magnetic strip for our knives and hooks for measuring cups and spoons. And I also hung a few potholders on a hook near the oven. Simple fixes, but with such a small space, you have to think function FIRST. And just a little bit of color on the walls can really liven such a tiny space!

Since it's a rental, don't go TOO crazy unless you are staying there for several years. Spend your money (and energy) on things you can take with you after you move, not on things you'll have to tear down, repaint, or leave behind.

I would also suggest a small decorative mirror over the sink, if there's room for it. It looks like the kitchen is all closed off. I did this in mu kitchen right off. Almost identical space but less counter than yours. I put a small square mirror with decorative frame from India over the stove, and opposite that a small round mirror with wooden flower-shaped frame over the sink. It opens things up, and I've always been glad I did it!
You can also make a ceramic tile backwash or decorative piece on a separate piece of plywood that you can hang on the wall and take out, patching over holes, when you leave.