Ever since I moved into my apartment, I've been tempted to redo my kitchen. Since I'm not leaving anytime soon, I've been edging closer and closer to making that dream a reality. But, this is a rental. How can I fix up my kitchen without undergoing a massive renovation or spending a lot of money? Here's what I've come up with.
About the space: The great thing about my galley kitchen is its generous size as well as the economy of movement inherent in this type of set up. But the space has its fustrations. For one thing, it's very dark. The lack of light is not helped by the chalkboard wall or the wooden cabinets. Brightening up the space is high on my list. The work triangle's also small; I definitely need more workspace apart from the three feet across from the stove. The tiled countertops are another frustration; marble countertops (item 5) would be ideal, both pretty and practical (I bake a lot and marble's a great surface for rolling out dough). And, although it looks like there's a lot of storage space, given the fact that most of it's out of reach makes it unusable. And, while we're at it, I could use a new light fixture.
Cabinetry and fixtures
While I'd love to rip out all the cabinets and start from scratch with nice shiny white cabinets, that part of the dream is not in the budget. Instead, the plan is to hire a professional to carpaint them. White cabinets will do a lot towards opening up the space. I'd add Lansa handles from Ikea (item 4) to modernize the cabinets and Maxim undercounter lights (item 6) to help with the brightness issue and add some much needed task lighting. A
Hjuvik Handsprayer faucet (item 7) would replace the old faucet and its constant dripping. The sprayer and high arched profile would make both handwashing and pasta pot filling a lot easier! While I'm dreaming, why not consider replacing the sink? I don't really use the second bowl in my double bowled sink except as a place to hold the in-sink dish drainer. I'd get much more use out of a larger, deeper bowl and, while I'm at it, I'd get an apron front as I've always love them. This
Domsjo single bowl apron sink (item 10) is the style I like at a price I can afford.
To round things out:
Wallpaper: I'm a big fan of Tracy Hiner for Black Crow Studios (item 4): In an all white kitchen, this pattern, custom colored in blacks and greys, flying across the room, underneath the countertops, feels like it would be a fun pop of pattern.
The Michael Graves for Alessi teapot (item 2): Though the version with the colored handle and bird is more common, I like the black or white version of this design classic.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven in White (item 9): a pot I use every day in the colorway I like best.
EVO1 Prevail Ceiling Fan (item 8): It sits lower than my current set up and I love the stainless and the retractable fan (no more blade meets cabinet disasters!).
Last but not least
While I'm at it, I'd upgrade my fridge to a stainless counter depth French door model with an in-door water and ice dispenser (item 3)
(Images: see links for product image credits; ideal kitchen by Phris via Houzz; present kitchen by Abigail Stone)
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I think you have great ideas. However, even the scaled down renovations you have planned are going to require a significant amount of money--and there is no way I'd buy a new stainless steel fridge for a rental. I guess you can take the fridge with you when you leave if the landlord lets you, but it may not fit in a new place.
Why not put the money toward a down payment on a place you will own someday? You may think you are staying in that place for a long time but the landlord can raise your rent or sell the building and there is little you can do about it once the lease expires.
I hate marble in the kitchen for most surfaces. It stains and damages so easily.
I realize the counter-top change is fantasy only and not part of the real reno, but even in your fantasy world, for normal prep areas near sinks and stoves, go with something more durable. For a small, baking only area, dream away - or even go for it topping a baking specific kitchen cart or something.
I wish I had redone the kitchen in my old apartment - where I lived for over a decade. It was tiny and would have been very inexpensive to replace the cabinets and make them more usable. So I hear you on that. But I would never foot the bill for appliances (if something is wrong, however, you can probably lobby for replacements as needed.) And I would not re-do a countertop with something as expensive as real stone. Not to mention, you probably want to be able to do the installation yourself - much harder when you have a custom cut countertop. I would lean heavily towards an ikea one-stop shop, quite frankly. And whenever possible, buy items that can go with you if/when you move.
Personally, I would remove the ceiling fan - if for no other reason than it must get incredibly dirty very quickly. Another great trick to add light and space would be to add a very large mirror - the door would be a perfect spot if you can stow those bags and other clutter elsewhere. Also, if you can't reach a lot of the cabinets - get a nice folding step stool. Making access to storage is like instantly adding square feet.
anybody own that faucet from Ikea? It looks nice...i wouldn't mind replacing the one I have right now.
btw, I hate those handles. I have them and everything gets caught on them...my clothes...my daughter's hair...apron...i ripped a few clothes with those. yikes.
If you carpaint, you need to be prepared to spend a couple nights outside the apartment. The paint will let off fumes for at least a week. I had a master bath and built in closet situation painted in situ, with car paint, and it was gorgeous, but completely unlivable for a week or so. Totally worth it in the end, just don't forget to factor in that potential cost!
Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations is a more affordable DIY option for painting cabinets than having them professionally painted. Marble is too expensive for a rental, either find laminate that mimics marble or butcher block would look nice with white painted cabinets.
I would recommend against replacing appliances in a rental. White appliances really don't look bad, I think the stainless is over done and there's no reason to waste perfectly good working appliances, especially in an apartment you don't own. I would also recommend against a high end counter top. A laminate can give you the same look for half the cost. Since you don't own the unit, you don't need to worry about what it will look like in 10 years and how that impacts the resale value.
Start by simply painting the cabinets, and replacing the lighting and faucet. I think this will make a bigger impact than you think,
Additionally I would pick less expensive faucet/fan/etc that have a similar look. It'll give you the same feel for a lower price.
Here's a similar pull down faucet for $148, so you could save $100 and get a similar look.
http://www.homedepot.com/Kitchen-Kitchen-Faucets-Pull-Down/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbdfw/R-100676579/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
you can also shop around for some neat looking ceiling fans that are much less expensive
http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Fans-Ceiling-Fans-Indoor-Ceiling-Fans/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvlk/R-202594623/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Fans-Ceiling-Fans-Indoor-Ceiling-Fans/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvlk/R-202755002/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
I replaced an old fridge in a rental. Within six months it had paid for itself due to savings in the electric bill. I lived in the house for a couple more years after that.
I'm not sure you can replace that faucet except with another wall-mount option. Even if you redo the countertops it will be tricky -- I had a similar setup and the counter was narrower than standard. We ended up buying a new wall-mount faucet from Overstock.com. It upgraded the look, but the functionality was the same (no nifty pull-out sprayer).
Just painting the cabinets, replacing trim and getting rid of the chalkboard wall in favor of lighter paint will make a HUGE difference. You can also give your cabinets more visual appeal by adding molding or furring strips to the doors before painting -- I did this and people thought it was all-new cabinetry. Honestly, I think the tile counter will take on a cute retro look when these other changes are made, especially with your retro stove. When you choose new hardware, keep in mind you can easily adjust the placement of it by filling the old holes before you paint. That will also make a huge difference in how the cabinets look, and in some cases how they function (some of your current placement looks odd).
Maybe the landlord will help with upgrading the fridge -- what if you bought it and had a rent reduction for a certain period that would cover paying for it? Your french door model won't fit that space unless you lose the storage unit next to the stove. A standard model that is more attractive and a little larger, in stainless if that is what you like, would not run nearly as much money. Shop the Sears outlet for a bargain.
One surprising thing I did to brighten up a dark rental kitchen was to bring in an outdoor rug! My mom thought I was nuts when I bought it at the store, but as soon as I slapped it down in front of the kitchen sink we were both surprised at how much it turned the "kitchen" into a a well-composed Room (with a capital R.)
It does get the occasional drip of food or liquid on it, but it was cheap enough that when I move out in a year or two I can toss it in the garbage... Or go buy a new one!
You could mirror the back wall! For a couple hundred dollars you will add light and (perceived) sq ft! I've seen so many people do this and it's always amazing.
What about butcher block counter tops? For your pastry needs you could just get a x-large piece of marble that you can take with you when you leave. If you had someone that was extra handy you could have them cut out a section of the butcher block counter and replace it w/ the marble - temporarily. Of course you'd need to be smart about placement and take precautions with the seam and all, but it might be an idea worth exploring. After all, a 3 ft long piece of marble could make a nice kitchen island/table.
As a landlord, I have (and will continue) to share expenses on major improvements with tenants who demonstrate they take good care of the property, usually being willing to invest between 1-2 months of rent annually. Landlords can depreciate improvements on our taxes plus the right changes obviously are of benefit when having to find a new renter. After finalizing your list, you might approach your landlord, show what you're willing to pay for, and see if the rest can be given to you as a credit on rent, etc.
Once the cupboards are white, and the blackboard wall is lighter (white?) everything will look better. The white appliances will blend in, the yellow counter and backsplash might even look kind of cutely retro. If not, you could find a big remnant or old piece of marble and just set it on the counter. And those little bits of counter on either side of the stove - could they be covered with 12 x 24" marble tile? That' way you could get your marble. In fact, you could just tile over the yellow tile, too.
The fan is something you could take with you, if you save the existing one. The sink and faucet might be a bigger installation that you want to tackle - I think it would mean taking out the counter and backsplash to replace the plumbing. But the existing ones are kind of nice.
I, too, have those handles and I, too, hate them. The little bit that sticks up is just the height of my pockets and I've ripped them so many times.
I love your inspiration kitchen, btw.
I live in a rental too and as soon as I could afford it, I did a modest update of my tiny kitchen and it made me so happy. I couldn't afford to replace cabinets, so I painted them white and changed the hardware to modern stainless. The biggest purchase was a Corian countertop, which I love, a stainless sink and a beautiful faucet. (but I saved $ on the vinyll floor I did myself). I also painted the walls white and purchased steel shelving which I needed for my baking pans, etc. A couple of years later I purchased a stainless stove online (they finally made a 24" version), and a new fridge (local store that delivered and installed).
If you think you'll be in the apt a few years I suggest you do it, especially if you enjoy cooking. You won't regret it as long as you don't spend a fortune.
if you do anything, make sure you ask your landlord. i would hate for sloppy "improvements"!
white paint will go a long way! a good prime and paint job with a smooth roller can instantly upgrade the look of your cabinets. just be patient and do a neat job.
i love the vintage ceramic tiles, sink and stove. that adds character to a space!
remove the ceiling fan! that makes no sense!
paint the chalkboard wall white and the space will feel brighter. i like the idea of mirror on the back wall, too. you could slightly antique it for an inexpensive, but great look.
get a folding step stool and pull it out when you need to reach the high shelves.
these are things i did in my first house. it all made a big difference!
"I'd add Lansa handles from Ikea (item 4) to modernize the cabinets..."
Item 1 is the handles. Item 4 is the cool purple thing. What is the cool purple thing?
Oh, wait, it's wallpaper. Nevermind.