Are those the Miami Dolphins colors? Erk! I think you should go with white (or black and white since the appliances are black), and focus on the back splash, and, if possible, the counter. The wood handles could have a nice MCM look if they weren't in the NFL color-scheme.

Hm...looks like they were trying to go with some sort of weird Southwest flair here...so don't go with Southwestern inspired decor or you run the risk of looking too dated and kitchsy. The backsplash and floor is actually kind of cool, but god those counters are kind of awful. There's some sort of laminate product you can get at Home Depot that covers countertops and is removable - you might want to invest in that. Also maybe cover the dishwasher with some sort of removable vinyl too, just for continuity's sake. I think it's workable. Odd, but workable. Good luck!

Call me crazy, but I kind of like the tile... I would probably look at a light aqua, airy color that can bridge the two with a more modern feel. Your vinyl idea for the cabinets sounds solid... there might be a way to tie in a darker color to add some contrast, maybe a few shades darker on the brown?

WOw, I know its dated, but its actually really well tied together color wise. You're pretty fortunate. A lot of kitchens are just a mishmash. The teal and the brown are throughout. The colors and the texture of the tiles kind of remind me of a Southwest palette. If you don't mind being funky, I'd just go all in and make it a statement.

Wow, this kitchen looks exactly like my cousin's before she did the renovation....

well, first you need a rug...

wear dark sunglasses in the kitchen, unless your landlord wants to update it. Otherwise, if you really really love this place(and plan on being there a while), work with the landlord. Maybe suggest he buy a new backsplash and you'd install it.

Hot glue might damage those floors. Try the self-adhesive vinyl tiles. I think those come off a bit easier.

As for the horrific tile backsplash, you can temporarily wallpaper the tile. Just use adhesive strips. If you're going to go with vinyl to hide the "wood" part of the cabinets, I think you should play off the blue counters and use black vinyl on the entire cabinet front and wood trim so your cabinets blend with the appliances and not stand out as being so outdated.

I say embrace the SW feel and get a Mexican rug or rugs and maybe take it in an Argentinian textile direction with bright colors. If you can't beat um, join um.

I have similar cabinets in my kitchen with pink countertops. I went with a dark red theme in the kitchen which ended up making the pink look more like a beige than a pink. Sometimes, your best bet is to try to work with the colors rather than against them. I would try to highlight the blue of the countertops rather than hiding them. Get a large rag rug in a complementary blue or teal. Take the cabinet doors off to reduce the amount of melamine and go with open shelving. Maybe put a dark teal paper in the back of the cabinets?

Maybe paint the wood on the cabinets white. You can cover the teal tile on the floor with some new cove molding which is pretty cheap & easy to do. And get a rug.

@KAYCEEPARKER - the poster says they're not allowed to paint, so that's unfortunately out of the equation.

Move in and live in it awhile. Maybe once you've got the counter cluttered with stuff you'll find it far more bearable.

... and no offense meant with "cluttered." Just think about how different that blue counter and the backsplash will look once you add toaster, coffee maker, paper towel & holder, some, utensils in a canister, etc.

I must be weird. I think this kitchen looks lovely.

Once your stuff is on the counter, you won't notice the backsplash as much. I think putting a rug or two down is all you need to do. It's just not as bad you think it is.

I think the biggest problem is the backsplash, and maybe the bright blue kickplate, too. You could use double sided tape or industrial velcro to put something over the backsplash - for example, whiteboard, cut to size from 4x8 sheets.

Once the backsplash is covered, I think it will be more tolerable. Then just choose either the blue of the counter or the wood/terracotta color for accents.

Have you thought about just putting cheap wooden counter tops from Ikea (Lagan) on top of the existing counters? I've seen that done and it looked amazingly nice. You might have to do a bit of tinkering to cover the counter edges, but I think it would be pretty easy.

You're going to have to go bohemian with this one.

You may find some inspiration from this Small Cool 2012 entry with the same cabinets: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/geoffs-southern-exposure-studio-168461 .

I wouldn't do anything right now, it's actually nice, live with it for awhile and really think, is it really necessary to change anything. The floors are beautiful don't touch them. The only thing I think to change would be the counter with butcher block. The wood would bring everything together. You can get butcher block counters at IKEA for a fairly good price. I think this would be the best and easiest thing to do. Don't do anything else but that, if you do anything.

Why hide what makes this kitchen interesting? Don't fight the boho grandeur that this kitchen is begging for. I would layer textiles and stick to a black and white color pallet since there is already so much look built in. You need some of the black and white Pendleton prints or African beer baskets in there. Maybe some mud-cloth?

I think some of you may be missing the point...you may like it, but THEY don't.

The cheapest and most effective way to deal with this would be to stop watching HGTV and all the other resources that encourage people to say, "Ewww, it's so DATED. I can't live with it." There's nothing wrong with those cabinets, and I'm having a hard time imagining how some temporary sheath over the wood would be an improvement.

The floor looks a bit worn (which is not the same as dated; "worn" can be a bad thing), But that's easily disguised with a couple of mats. Other than that, this is a bright, clean, functional kitchen and the only complaint is that some parts of some of the surfaces are less-than-perfect colors. They're not even worst-case awful colors like harvest gold next to hot pink. They're just medium-awful (and only to some people), and yet this seems to be a source of grief. I would have been thrilled if any of my apartments had had this, or any kitchen that wasn't blandified beyond belief.

Live with it, learn to love it, call it "vintage" instead of "dated," and let it inspire you to save money to buy your own home.

Ikea has a backsplash product in a few different patterns. You could attach it with those new adhesives ( I think they are "Command" brand maybe by Scotch) and then take it down if the landlord wants when you move. The saltillo tile floor is lovely. I have the same awful cabinets and can't afford to replace them yet, so I am looking at just painting the wood part and attaching regular type hardware (I have lost count of how many broken fingernails have happened from opening the doors using those grooved wood slots). Please post again when you have made your changes!

You could add adhesive tile stickers to the blacksplash. They come in patterns and peel off. Or maybe use double-sided tape to add wall tile as a backsplash? I assume you could cut it to size. Depending on your budget, I wonder whether you could temporarily replace the cabinet doors using the existing hinges. Then you'd just be down to the drawers.

Don't glue anything onto the saltillo tiles...they are super brittle and hard to replace. Maybe cover them up with an eclectic throw rug. I also agree with other comments and find a temporary backsplash you can adhere with removable adhesive. Use the same product for under the cabinets. I would leave the cabinets alone. Too bad you cannot change the counter....the color just throws everything off. You can leave the dishwasher black or put white vinyl to match the cabinets.

If you can't do too much to change the space, it sounds like accessories are your best bet for toning down the color and injecting the room with some of your own style. Although this may not be your ideal kitchen, it sounds like the rental is a good fit, so I would start by deciding how to make the kitchen work with the rest of the space. Personally I think that adding some new elements such as wood or metal would help break up the space... then think about textiles and rugs that have a touch of the existing colors but bring in some new elements such as pattern and texture. A statement piece, like a beautiful fruit bowl on the island, may help anchor the style. With a kitchen I think function is paramount - ask yourself what you need to make this space work for you, and make these necessary pieces part of the design. Good luck :-)

So you hate the much coveted Saltillo floor tiles, eh? Does it make a difference to know that many people rip out flooring to install them? Love the one you're with! (Especially if your landlord won't let you change them anyhow!)

I think the backsplash is the total problem, too busy, too contrasty. (I like teal, and even though I am not a Formica fan, I have lived with SO MUCH worse, that this, in good condition at least, is totally livable... ) Anyhow, I'd get some of the 3M Command velcro stickers and cover the backsplash with something you like better -- how about silver colored embossed "ceiling" tiles (available at places like Home Depot)? With the velcro hangers, you can firmly attach them and yet easily remove them without harming the porcelain tiles. Leave the cabinets alone -- I had that kind and I know how annoying they are, but if you can't paint them, you need to just make them blend. At least the wood works with the floor tiles!

After you disguise the backsplash, some well chosen accessories will distract from the rest. Maybe a throw rug, canisters, and platter on a plate stand, all in a new favorite color... three pops of the same bright color would probably do it.

It will be fine! Good luck!

I just bought a house with the EXACT same cabinets and I have one piece of advice, do not touch the cabinets first. Yes, they are horrible and dated, but in my case, the horribleness was magnified by all the other outdated stuff in my kitchen. Once we redid the backsplash, the cabinets actually weren't so bad. They went from "outdated" to "vintage" and "kitschy". Start with the backsplash and then reevaluated the cabinets.

The whole thing is dated, obviously, but it was well conceived. I think the black appliances are the killer here. They break up the visual cohesion and clash like crazy with the other colours. Can you vinyl the front of the dishwasher in white to make it blend in better and hide the stove with some nice tea towels that fit the colour scheme?

I don't think vinyl on the wood cabinet trim will hold up. I'd suggest sweet talking the landlord and seeking permission to paint out the wood bits in white (or whatever best matches the cabinets) to make them disappear. It's a pretty easy fix, I've done it in several apartments.

I think dealing with the appliances and the cabinet trim will kill a lot of visual clutter and make the countertop and backsplash seem less problematic. The remaining details tie together well and could be brought into the modern age with quirky/worldly accessories from Homesense (Home Goods in the U.S.?), Anthropologie, or similar. I think Pleiovn is right, you need to lean towards a bohemian vibe here.

Good luck.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoRQlgxkL50/T3BJzoIvOfI/AAAAAAAABCM/h8cma8ZAPnM/s1600/kne%25C5%25BEevi%25C4%258D7.jpg

Put a glass on the tiles, and new worktorp in wood, and a carpet?

The floor isn't as bad as you think...perhaps the undulating tile backsplash is helping to make this a southwest nightmare. My suggestion is as follows. Leave the floor, it isn't THAT bad and carpets in the kitchen are all levels of icky. Invest in some stainless steel looking laminate, have it cut and run it across the bases as a new kickplate as opposed to the dastard tile. Then get sheets of glass measured to go from countertop to underside of cabinets; back paint it with good quality benjamin moore paint. Perhaps a silver, grey or even white colour. This can be friction fit and held in palce with beads of silicone on the top and bottom (not on the painted glass itself).This is easy to remove when you relocate. Then......if at all possible paint out (a colour that matches the doors) the wood rail pulls and crown. This can also be "undone" with some paint remover and sand paper when moving. No fuss, no muss and some great updates that can easily be changed back.

Cheers,
Laurie B

Cover the backsplash first. Just might do it.

You have to embrace it. You will create a mess for yourself trying to cover much of that up. Play with the teal and the terra cotta of the floor tiles, do shades of those. Maybe some wood accents. Put some art up along the backsplash so you have something else to look at. Don't do black and white because I can tell those cabinets aren't white, and because black will draw attention to another problem - outdated appliances. Plus, that kind of contrast will just make everything else look dingey. You could probably put some contact paper on those cabinet fronts, but then you'd have to find something that would compliment the tile colors, which maybe you don't want to do. I'm not sure about taking the doors off - depends on whether it will be even more busy than the backsplash.

I am also a renter, I would work with it, a rug for sure, like a Navajoes, maybe some terracotta pots to store utensils etc, is removing and storing a few of the upper cabinet doors an option?

p.s. A great AT feature for these Good Questions, would be a follow up post w/pics of what the person ended up doing.

Look at the bright side: the brown floor will hide dirt.
We once stuck shelf liner/contact paper to a back splash. It was cheap, came of easily, lasted a few years and it comes in a ton of colors and patterns. Our back splash wasn't tile though, so I would advise to try it in a small spot first to see if it works for you too.

If the countertop was black granite it really wouldn't be that bad.

Plus look at all the storage you have. I dont' even have a place for dishes!

I say EMBRACE IT. Maybe get some native american art and a southwestern looking outdoor rug, put some dream catchers hanging around.

Honestly, I have no idea. That kitchen is amazingly ugly, best wishes on whatever you can do!

I would make a durable temp glue -flour and water combo- and find the most fun complimenting light weight fabric to cover the backsplash- maybe even bottom cabinets. I'm not sure if tissue paper is a good solution- but fun use on furniture. Maybe the upper cabinet doors can be removed/stored and a contrasting paper can be slipped into the backs of the upper cabinets behind dishes etc. Sometimes with newer appliances, you'll find that the black face is actually just a sheet slipped behind the glass front. It can sometimes be flipped to the reverse color.

i like busybhive's suggestion.

I just quickly copied a picture into an editor and "removed" the backsplash, replacing it with pure white That made an enormous difference! Even the tiled "kickplate" doesn't draw too much attention.

So I would suggest starting there. White contact paper (shelf liner) can cover all of the coloured tiles, and the "white" ones if the shades don't match too well. Also hang a nice-sized white tea towel on the stove to add another pop of white, make sure all of your light bulbs are the brightest wattage allowed and pure white.

Then re-evaluate. The rest isn't too bad.

The remaining "blue" tones (the counter and the kickplate) could be covered with contact paper as well, or you could buy a chunk of butcher block (like a large cutting board) and place it overtop a significant section, or just the island. If that won't hold up to the amount of use you see in your kitchen, you can contact-paper just the small "backsplash" section of counter" and make the it blend into the tile backsplash.

As for the brown, It would be nice if you can paint the cabinet handles white, but it's not necessary. The floor is good-quality and a neutral, but if you find it's too much brown, you can put down a rug on top.

I kind of like this kitchen myself, but I do like "busier" rooms. Minimalist I am not!

The floors are actually pretty nice and agree with what some of the others have said - the back splash is the real problem. Even the colors in the back splash are fine - it's the wonky pattern that looks sort of weird.

I like what another poster said about hanging some pictures up over the back splash to camouflage it. Anything else is just going to make it look like you are hiding an ugly back splash. Use the 3M command strips to hang up kitschy vintage pictures. Red might be nice. Check thrift stores and garage sales - I recommend wooden frames to coordinate with the brown on your cabinets.

Then when you have that done and your stuff out on your counters, step back and see how it looks. I agree with whoever said that once you have this kitchen filled with your stuff, the counter top won't look so bad. I think the kitchen will look better if you play up the colors and don't try to hide it. I wouldn't put anything stainless steel looking in this kitchen - it would clash horribly with what you've got going on here.

Lots of white accessories. Your eye will see the white and the backsplash will kinddddd of 'fade' back, especially if you do not use those colors as an accessory anywhere..I think a darker hued 'busy' rug, turkish etc..will also take the eye away from the backsplash...but mainly...keep the cabinets as they are, clean and simple, along with the rest of the kitchen. White counter items, white airy curtains if used, an eye catching simple arrangment in a white or clear tall vase on your table of simple silvery white small branches.. keep it airy and light!

wow. just... wow.

I'm so so sorry. Gross. First and most major change is cover the tile. Go to home deeps and get yourself a roll of aluminum flashing. Hot glue that shizzle over that dreadful tile. It will look like stainless steel and will come off super easily.
Good luck. I would love to see this project tackled!

I'm in the oddly beautiful camp on this one. Mexico, South America, Navaho or Southwest that kitchen up!

I haven't seen this one suggested yet... What about something to cover up just the orange tiles? AT has some sticker-type temporary cover-ups shown here in this post partway down the page: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/temporary-removable-fussfree-p-138010 These are quite pricey but you may be able to find something comparable to cover up the orange tiles.

Maybe the cover-up idea could be adapted some way... I attached plain white garbage bags to the back of my fish tanks using olive oil. They looked good through the water, didn't smell bad even though I used olive oil, and held up for about 8 years, until I pulled them off a short while ago. Maybe you could find some light weight coloured plastic film, cut it to size, then attach it over the orange tiles. Maybe try attaching one with oil and see what happens. I think I read about attaching film to windows with a bit of liquid soap too...maybe do a bit of research if you like this idea. If the plastic film had a bit of turquoise or robins egg blue in it, it would blend well with the blue and get rid of some of the south western motif. The blues may be easier to work with once they are alone and not contrasting with orange.

If you keep your accessories in mostly white with a bit of black, it should help to neutralize the kitchen and blend in the appliances. As well, a graphic or striped carpet, floor cloth, or mat in black and white will break up the redness of the tile. Personally, I think your tile floor is a lovely neutral but can also understand if it is not to your taste. Once you get rid of the orange tiles in the back splash, I would imagine the tile floor may not look so vibrant.

I truly empathize with you over the cupboards. I lived with them in a previous place and just about ripped my nails off countless times trying to open them. The earlier suggestion of painting the wood and installing handles is fabulous, if your landlord would agree to do so.

Happy decorating!

I think you need to bite the bullet and go full southwestern.

I don't think anyone else asked yet... what are the colors and decor like in your other rooms? Especially those that adjoin the kitchen? I would take those into consideration with how to decorate.

Girl, colored contact paper. Cover those cabinets with colored contact paper. I know Lowe's sells some that have really nice textures.

I would go with the southwest feel. There's no amount of contact paper that can cover that all... and it's the countertop that's the worst part, and no easy fixes there.

Kinda like the people with the pink baths – don't fight it, go with it!

At least teal is a nice color, can look modern.

I'd go with a funky Mexican hippy vibe with lots of natural materials. You maybe could even find some Fiestaware in those colors.

Can someone honestly give insight into how clean and easy to remove contact paper or vinyl sheets actually are? I have the same cabinets, but in a much more clean, loft space. I'd like to add something for a backsplash. I'm thinking a solid orange or something. Would the contact paper or vinyl be difficult to remove from drywall?? I might cover the wood on the cabinets if it still needs something after the backsplash.

Also, those Ikea countertops, how do you implement them w/o removing the current countertops and dealing with the sink?? That one confused me.

Awful floor? The floor is great; a classic that will go with whatever color/design theme you decide on......

It's crazy but sort of interesting. the floor is nice.