apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I would replace the handles to the cabinets. Then when you move just screw the old ones back one. I think that would help.

New cabinet hardware?

Also, that cream-colored dishwasher isn't helping. Take off the front panels and see what's on the other side. Often, they have black on the back. Flip it around to that side. Or, spray-paint the back black or SS. Then, when you move, you can just flip it back to the cream side before final inspection.

Yes, the hardware is a good thing to change. I actually have to say that woodgrain has gotten SO big, those cabinets almost look new again. Could you maybe paint the backsplash and then repaint it before you move out?

There is a "stainless steel" adhesive material from Alkor that you can buy from Ebay that will transform your appliances and/or countertop, plus the new handles. I also had the same problem when I lived in NYC with the Harvest Gold appliances and dark cabinets, but Alkor didn't have the SS stuff back then.

switch out the hardware (keep the old safe)

Remove some upper doors and use contact paper (or fabric etc.) on the shelves and back.

add a temporary, removable backsplash

The appliances (including microwave) are all different colors. use brenjay's suggestion above.

fun rugs and window treatments

Brenjay's idea about the dishwasher is good (actually, I think that's the range) -- in fact, you can take off the panel, take it down to one of the restaurant supply places around the Bowery and have them cut you a new stainless one right there for about $25.

And definitely change the handles -- also SS, maybe? And paint the walls a great, bright color to offset the steel look. If possible, you should look into new panels for the fridge, too -- I can't imagine the landlord would object to making all the appliances into stainless steel!

It actually looks pretty updated to me. Maybe just some more colors (like orange?) as prints to fill up the wall space.

Depends on your budget. Personally speaking, Id' switch the handles out with nice glass green ones from Anthropologie, then paint the walls a contrasting color. Getting the two appliances the dame color could be a pain, alternate could be having pretty magnets or graphics on ye olde fridge. Enjoy your new pad!

you should also try venetian blinds for that window, or bamboo for a more 'earth-friendly' vibe

If you can't beat em, join em!

I feel your pain, I'm a renter with a horrible 1970's kitchen straight out of the Brady Bunch and I finally decided to just embrace it!

I found bright, funky 70's inspired textiles for curtains and dishtowels and framed art and ran with it.

paint the cabinets black and change the hardware for something more contemporary: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ol-images/chicago/uploads/082007china-cabinet.jpg

Honestly this is a really nice place to start.
New hardware, ditto find a SAFE place for the old stuff.
I think, from the wide shot the fridge is the only white thing, everything else is cream. You can go crazy-go-nuts w/contact paper on the fridge. Paint the walls if that's allowed and add color w/small appliances and window treatments. All that nice light, you might even have room for a row of plants, especially in the ledge for what looks like a interior window.
Gretchen i don't know your style, but i'd considder fun decals for the big appliances.

elongated stainless steel pulls will take the kitchen from 1980 to 2008. The longer, the better.

http://www.kitchen-cabinet-hardware.com/select-hardware.php?man=Amerock&c=AM-SSBoard2&refine=c

You'll have to fill in the holes from the old handles with would filler, and so should likely keep them behind (they will be an improvement, but you may want to mention your plans to the owner or manager).

Paint would be a good backsplash (I second orange), with a thick piece of tempered glass leaning against the wall as Maxwell and Sarah Kate did in their own kitchen.

oops, that "would" should be "wood"

You could attach fabric to the inset panels using heavy starch. When you move, just peel them off and wipe down the cabinets. (Cotton works best for this.)

If you can paint the walls, paint them. If you want it to look up-to-date with those cabinets, think about a tone of turquoise blue or possibly a medium gray. Then go for swapping out the cabinet hardware as suggested above ad infinitum. Stainless or brushed nickel. I think Ikea still has wood venetian blinds and matching the blinds to the cabinet would help tie it all together and make it look more deliberate. Maybe look for some area rugs in bright colors to tie in with your wall color, or provide accent color.

You've got grrrrreat bones there. Some interesting colors on the wall, and a few colorful accessories/art pieces and you'd have a real winner.

Honestly - as a renter - you probably have to be careful about what you do to anything - I would ask before I did anything to the appliances. The way to go is to do the walls, the windows and maybe even a covering for the floor. put up individual tiles that are arty for a backsplash kinda look and change the cabinet hardware.

In addition to the other suggestions, you could add color to the floor: Vario Portable Dance Floor makes a fantastic vinyl smooth flooring that you can just lay directly over your current floor. They have a great bright red and a vibrant blue that might work.

It's designed for dance companies to roll out over dance floors. It lies absolutely flat and is easy to clean. Great for kitchens. It comes by the yard (they actually let me get half yards too) and it's about 6 and a half feet wide. They've got matching tape to join pieces.
http://www.gi-info.com/portable_dance_floor_vario.html

You've gotten a lot of great comments, but you do need to think about your relationship with your landlord. If you paint the walls orange and mess around with the appliances, you could be courting trouble.

I'd paint the kitchen walls/backsplash a nice light periwinkle or steel blue, change out the hardware on the cabinets (as everyone has suggested). I personally like to leave my kitchen windows uncovered, but a bamboo blind would be nice.

If you want to do something about the look of the fridge, I'd personalize with some nicely arranged photos.

These are all great suggestions! Thank you guys so much! I'll have to think about what I want to do with the appliances. Modifying them seems less justifiable to me than switching out hardware and painting (both of which I will definitely do!).

Gretchen

It looks like your kitchen is a C-shape, yes? You have two disparate upper cabinets on the right (if only you could just move those completely...) but your back wall seems open season to become a visual feature. Tiling is out I guess, but some super nice wallpaper or even just painting it an unexpected colour could be great. If I were you I would look through websites that sell designer Italian/Spanish kitchens to see how they use big walls as dramatic focal points rather than just dealing with the cabinetry.

Of course, switching our hardware is always a good idea, and if you're allowed to play with appliances and whatnot, then give it a go.

I love your kitchen. Change the handles, put up some funky early '70s clock, read some back issues of Wallpaper.

I'd leave the window without any treatment on it, or if you do put something on it keep it minimal. Natural light is beautiful. I'd probably put a few plants in that windowsill.

I love JoelMarsh's suggestion of making a visual feature on the wall. You could make some sort of "art wall" out of it, where you hang a compilation of smaller pictures, put up a plate collage, or get some mug racks and creatively display a fun collection of coffee mugs.