This Small Boston Apartment Has Renter-Friendly Kitchen Decorating Ideas

published Dec 10, 2021

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Name: Kristina Eicholzer
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Type of home: Apartment
Size: 800 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years, renting

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Credit: Marissa Young

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: Almost nothing in my home was bought brand new.

Credit: Marissa Young

My favorite view is the morning sun that comes pouring in my southeast-facing windows.

Whether it’s thrifted, a beloved hand-me-down, or a free find on the side of the road, every piece has its own story.

Credit: Marissa Young

This Mexican Pine Dresser is my favorite Facebook Marketplace find of all time. Dressers aren't only for the bedroom!

Collecting pieces for your home over time is the best way to make it feel like you. And what better way to collect slowly than to have some fun finding secondhand items and in turn becoming a part of their story?

Credit: Marissa Young

Every home needs a cozy corner chair!

What is your favorite room and why? My living room is the best place to catch the morning sun. I’ll sit in there for hours on weekend mornings, sipping coffee, listening to music. And when the sun goes down, the candles come on, and it’s the coziest place for a glass of wine.

Credit: Marissa Young

While the downstairs is super light and airy, the upstairs is a converted attic with fewer windows. I played into the dimly lit space by using a dark green wall color to make it cozier and more restful.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Cozy, Collected, Layered, and Bright

Credit: Marissa Young

It feels like everyone needs a desk at home these days. I filled mine with things that inspire me while also trying to keep it clutter free.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The Van Gogh sunflowers framed poster above my desk — $5 well spent at the thrift store. It brings me so much joy to look at. Plus, it’s a great place to stick mementos and cards instead of using a bulletin board.

Credit: Marissa Young

To make a rental apartment kitchen feel more like my own, I removed the doors to some cabinets to make it feel lighter and brought in a peel-and-stick backsplash for a cleaner look.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t rush — don’t just order the trendy thing online to fill the space. Take your time creating a space you love with things that you love so every corner brings you joy.

Credit: Marissa Young

I wanted the dining room to have a more fun, relaxed feel so friends can feel comfortable sitting around the table for hours. Enter the vintage bar sign and old album covers I framed myself.

Also — lamp light simply cannot be beat, so dim those overheads, and stock up on outlet remotes to make lamp-o’clock that much easier.

This house tour’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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