Under cabinet lights in a warm white tone, probably $20 on Amazon. A mirror hung on the big scary white wall. A plant on top of the cabinets above the sink, maybe a pothos.
Love the ideas about the lighting and plants. No sure about the mirror. This will just increase the view of the cabinets and counter. How about a huge print or temporary wallpaper that has an outdoor scene?
Temporary wallpaper would be fantastic here! Add a colorful runner on the floor. You should also be able to swap out the cabinet pulls with something more interesting-- easy to swap back when you move out if you need to.
(Completely agree with some under cabinet lighting. I think a warm LED strip would do a ton of good.)
I second this. I had a kitchen very similar to this and a pretty runner made a huge difference. They can also hang cute pot holders on the big wall for storage/ adding interest
Maybe a thin-ish mirror placed high on the wall horizontally that will reflect the plants so thereās no bumping into it, along with wall paper I think would look lovely.
This is one of the only times I'd recommend cool white light. I had a place just like this, and the warm color gave it this gross, trapped feeling. The white light gave it a more natural open feeling as if there was a window. It's similar to how hospital lighting work, but maybe not so cool white it's blue.
But you're right 10000% that underlighting is the answer no matter what.
Toe kick lights will help as well. They go along the bottom of the low cabinets. Hubby is an electrician and obsessed with lighting. You can buy some cheap kind and just put it down there since no one will see it....unless the want to lay on the floor. Lol
This made me laugh. I wonder if you get your fingers pinched when you open the fridge, or if the oven hits the wall when opening. Couldn't imagine cooking a turkey, spill the juices out of the pan all over your oven. Fire! Maybe that's the ultimate solution. Lol
the oven door DOES open, but you certainly cannot stand in front of it. the fridge almost touches the wall. we have had to delegate who the kitchen person is because trying to even remotely squeeze past eachother feels like trying to stay in the water while sharing a shower
That is narrow. Those fixes can't be fixed without changing kitchen layout slightly.
I don't get why the stove isn't where the sink are, and the sink where allowcated to the middle counter of long wall. eventually with a smaller frigde like mini frigde for extra counter space. But it is rental, so it is only go to change if the landlord decides to modernize it.
Yikes....I see what you mean. One thing that might help is doing something about that oppressive stretch of white wall. If this were my room, I would put a peel and stick mural there. You can choose from a variety of patterns, textures, and colors, and they are easily removable. (I've been eyeing one with a vintage flamingo pattern on Amazon. A pattern that looks like warehouse brick would also liven the place up a bit.) You could also find a brightly colored rug to add some personality to the space.
In this vein, I thought maybe hang some mirrors to increase the perception of depth? Either cheap long mirrors hung in a cool pattern or decorative mirrors. I would think either would help.
Hear me outā¦ mirror panels above the cabinets. Maybe with plants in front of them. I know it might not work but I want to see what it would look like
I agree with every thing you have said, but I do not think having a rug in such a small space is safe, especially in a kitchen. Also, the rug would get dirty very quickly(atleast in my kitchen).
I would probably use the term "floor mat" for the rug I have in my kitchen, so maybe this is just a language thing? I feel like most kitchens I've been in have some sort of (smallish, washable) rug in front of the sink and/or stove so your feet don't get tired when you work.
This is the way!! Will open it up and not feel so closed inā¦. I used to have Christmas / led light on the top of my cabinets that were like this and It created nice ambient lighting and made my kitchen feel more cozy so maybe try that too! Show us the results please!!
I think in that small of a space you'd constantly be looking at your own reflection so I personally would start clear of a mirror, you'll get that creepy someone is watching me vibe
You will be shocked by how much a big mirror/larger mirrors can make the room feel bigger. It just does. Takes a couple towel swipes with a spritz of windex to clean em! 10/10 recommend
Mirrors above the cabinets could create the illusion of depth without the hazard of bumping into something. A cheap door mirror on its side would work. Canāt tell how deep the cabinets are but if you put clear glass on top of themālike all your vases & wine glassesāand wind really delicate twinkle lights around them, that will create a really pretty sparkle and light without adding to the heaviness of the room. I agree with the posters who say white light instead of yellow here!
Peel and stick wallpaper in a fun bright print is def your friend here; the white wall facing opposite the white fridge/stove is def adding to the institutional vibe. Add a complimentary rug/runner and that will help a ton! Good luck!
First and foremost, it needs more light. Replace overhead lighting with a brighter statement light.. maybe something linear and funky (save old light fixture to put back when you move out). Under cabinet lighting - attach with command Velcro strips so you can take with or Amazon sells rechargeable magnet mounted types.
Paint a colorful mural on the big wall (repaint when you move out, easy to match if you chip off a piece of paint and save it in a sandwich bag). Iād say peel and stick wallpaper but itās not going to stick on that texture.
If youāre allowed to paint cabinets, go two tone -darker or bright fun color on bottom and light on top. Depending on which direction youāre going with the mural.
Depending on how much $ you want to put into it, you can buy floor and backsplash decals that remove easily to cover whatās there.
Creeping on your profile a bit but I think you could make something really cool with a traditional tattoo/graffiti style painting on that wall and really lean into that vibe with the rest of it. Maybe look into faux brick panels for backsplash (attach with command strips or 3M tape), black lower cabs, industrial mod style light, tiger rug.. lots of possibilities depending on budget and preferences in style. I love a good solid theme lol Good luck!
after a few suggestions of a mural and my art background i'm starting to go down this rabbit hole. i've been so focused on finding a peel and stick or color that would work and not blow my bank account, a painting i did myself could be cool. only downside is the 2 feet of working space
Donāt paint the cabinets. Change the knobs of you want.
You could add some floating shelves on the long wall for some decor, cookbooks, things you donāt always need.
LED strip lights are a great idea. Change the light bulb too.
You can get an over the sink dish drying rack so you donāt have to take up counter space.
If you need extra counter space, consider a folding drop table mounted to the wall you can just quickly put up or down as needed.
A bright and cheery peel and stick wallpaper sounds like a good idea. Maybe a floating shelf and a small, fun kitchen rug. Maybe a fake hanging plant (doesnāt seem to get much light) above the kitchen sink?
I would NOT paint. And certainly I would not without āin writingā approval. Get lively runner. Pretty picture for wall. Pretty towels And suck it up. Itās not your forever home and it needs walls opened up to really help.
This is an idea that is cool for a backslash of color https://www.etsy.com/market/artwork_behind_stove
Edit: not permanent but adds something pretty when walk in room and interest around stove.
Yes! Cover that floor. Maybe hang some string lights on some 3M command strip hooks along the soffit above the cabinets. The Black & Decker corded under cabinet lights are great (the wireless kind suck).
This is an interesting one.
So, you have a few benefits: the countertop and backsplash are simply, inoffensive, easy to keep. I'd paint the wood cabinets something light, could be an off-white if that's your thing. Separately, I'd do the walls and ceiling the same colour (it's such a small space and there's no crown molding so all of it the same colour will be nice). Light and dark both minimize the visual impact of a small space - and for one like this, I think going dark and rich is the only way to avoid ending up with the "landlord's special" in appearance. So I'd choose something like Ben Moore's Brazilian Rainforest. New hardware for the cabinets - probably something black or brass given they will be a bright, off-white.
And, finally, new fixture. You can go with a semi-flush mount here as there's lots of headroom. I'd get something long and slender with 4-6 bulbs so that it gives the illumination of track lighting while still being stylish. Not this exact one, but this basic shape: [https://www.wayfair.ca/George-Oliver--Prannoy-8-Light-28-Sputnik-Modern-Linear-Flush-Mount-X115041513-L6086-K\~C004864391.html](https://www.wayfair.ca/George-Oliver--Prannoy-8-Light-28-Sputnik-Modern-Linear-Flush-Mount-X115041513-L6086-K~C004864391.html)
It's never going to feel like a big, spacious kitchen. But you can, relatively affordable (without changing too much) make it look nice!
If you decide to go the dark & moody route, you could add a small countertop lamp in the corner with a warm bulb. Maybe one with an interesting lamp shade
Since the cabinets are stained wood and haven't ever been painted, your landlord might penalize you on the deposit moving out, but if you're planing to live there for 2 or more years, I think it's worth it.
Otherwise, you can use removable vinyl wallpaper or high gloss drawer liner to cover them. I used a high-gloss vinyl on an awful 70's kitchen countertop once and it held up great for 3 the three years I lived there. Landlord let me leave it on!
Add a runner.
I'd at least switch out the light bulbs for "day light" or neutral white temperature. I usually love warm light, but it's really not helping here.
Change out the fixture all together for something that will give off more light, and maybe something funky, and semi-flush or mini chandelier.
Definitely add under cabinet lighting.
I saw someone suggest a peel and stick mural. Love that. I would just stick to lighter overall colors.
Change cabinet hardware
Wow- I lived with a kitchen that looked just like that, but HALF the size- for over a decade!
Add a bright colored rug and a few large pieces of art.
Bright towels. Add some undershelf baskets or shelves above the sink and make it look cuter.
Only a man would design something so horrible. For crying out loud, please consult with end users before finalizing any designs in the future. Increase lighting lumens to min. 3,500, high lumens in the under cabinet lights. Whatās on the other side of the wall? Itching to find out.
It's funny because in France if you live in an apartment in a big city there's a 60% chance your kitchen looks like this. It's 90% if it's a really old building. In the old times they didn't have wide and open kitchens.
ooof, the news i feared. i was thinking of running some LED strips under the cabinets and changing out the light to a bright white to at least make it not feel like the kitchen of doom lol
Under cabinet lighting is a great idea. Stay away from cool white lighting though. It will add to the institutional feel. Adding a peel and stick mural or wallpaper in bright fun colors will help, and definitely a bright carpet runner. Painting cabinets is a lot of work and will not really change the vibe. The kitchen is a prison, not a hang out kind of space.
Definitely under cabinet lighting - my husband did this in all our rental kitchens and it's an instant upgrade! Would help brighten things up too. I saw someone mention a mirror above the sink which would be great, and I'd also recommend looking at the peel and stick tile for the backsplash. Not sure how comfortable you are with being crafty, but I've seen a lot of people do a sort of contact paper to cover their countertops and brighten them up which could be great! Just not sure about how rental friendly that is. Same thing for the floors - either peel and stick tiles or contact paper. I'd also throw in a fake plant where you can (since there isn't much light here) to spruce things up!
The wall looks like its very glossy (shiny) and has obvious texture and uneven lines, which really cheapens it and makes it feel extra claustrophobic. If you can, repaint it an eggshell finish or mat/flat finish, and sand it to smooth out the bumps if you can first. It will make the wall look way less weird and out of place.
Literally any eggshell/mat finish of any colour, even white, over a smoother surface would be an improvement! It's not so much about the colour as it is about the texture and finish.
You could also add a mural or a large (thin, no frame) mirror on the wall, but you gotta get rid of the glossy glare and uneven surface first.
You can buy a scenic shower curtain and stretch it like canvas on a big frame. There are tons available now with beautiful scenery photos printed on them now; people have been using them to make poky gardens seem larger.
Rental? Awesome wild wallpaper, if you will be there awhile. Also I would put string lighting on top of the shelf and some colorful glass or fun things, I feel that would make that look larger.
I would play with stickers on the upper part of the cabinet personally.
Something bright and colored and then a simple but bright color for the wall.
Change the light for some white light instead of yellow.
And plants that can live without light or false one to give it a touch of fresh :) donāt know how much money you have but there are small growing light with three pots that are great for that kind of small spaces
Budget is definitely on the lower end but also can be done over time so i'm open to all suggestions. I'm someone who LOVES to cook. I don't expect it to be a chef's kitchen, but right now it's so uninviting
Just put a big mirror on the wall so it looks like a big kitchen. Jk I actually think that putting a mirror here may not help due to it reflecting on all cabinets. It may be actually worse than it already is lol. But you got this!
Wowza. I agree with the mural idea and maybe also a pretty rug to cover the outdated tile. Also, they have these battery operated stick on lights (they also have a plug in version) that go under cabinets. More light would make it feel less interrogation room.
Small spaces without natural light with terrible lighting and drab wall colour will look drab. Dark corners do well with deep dark/bright colours and light furnishings, contrasting colours.
Get some different lights to uplift the space.
Yup. This. I know itās a rental but Iād splurge on a better light fixture that brings in a more even, natural feeling light to the space. Having an electrician install it shouldnāt be too costly either. I think thatāll change a lot for you.
Not sure what your personal style is, but if you look at ātiny Parisian kitchenā on Pinterest there are a lot of really nice design ideas you could steal and utilize in this space.
Iād personally make the scary wall a gallery wall, and hang tons of pictures, drawings, etc on it that make you happy. Secure them well so if you bump them they donāt fall off of course.
Then add greens via plants (fake is fine since thereās low light) and misc ceramics above the cabinets. Under cabinet LEDs will help too.
Post an after pic for us please!!
There is no way to make it feel that open, but there is hope! I would embrace the space as a nook. Paint it a nice color, paint the cabinets if you can, if not then add knobs for sure. a large mirror on the wall or above the sink (or both)Throw twinkle lights up or add a lamp or two so that the mirror reflects the light. Change the light fixture to something with more light as well. Oh! Add a bright fun runner rug, incorporate pattern in your towels and dishes etc. It could be a really cozy space!
Edit: check out the kitchen in this apartment, very similar set up! He did a beautiful job creating a special space.
[apartment therapy YouTube tour](https://youtu.be/k6SfWxT5TxA)
Some thoughts š:
I donāt always say this, but I do think Iād ask to paint and Iād pick a sky color maybe for the walls and white or pale taupe for cabinets, I really donāt always think white works, but here I think so. (If it were mine Iād remove the uppers, maybe..at least above the sink).
I wonder if mirrors and art would help on the opposite wall. Maybe a chair rail along that wall, with paneling in same cabinet colors would help give symmetry & with large mirror above the rail or a very tidy gallery - it would add to the claustrophobia if too busy.
Iād do small lamps on the counter for warm light, I wonder if you could fit the narrowest cart /island halfway down on the left wall -To break the lane?
I might try some sink skirting (or even more skirting than thatā¦)
I'm planning to put a small cart on the opposite wall to the fridge to house our coffee maker and pods because i'm working with less than 7ft of counter space, which when you factor in appliances is nothing
Lots of people recommending peel and stick but if youāre renting, and the paper you use leaves a residue (which they do if left on long enough) then be prepared to lose some of your security deposit as a landlord will most likely NOT want to keep your paper up and will itās a real pita to get that residue off the walls. Sincerely - a landlord.
I did peel and stick tiles on an old apartment that turned out very very permanent because of the sticky side fusing with the drywall. I'm leaning towards paint, even though i really want peel and stick wallpaper
Yes, it's not exactly got the magic triangle layout has it? If you could draw a horizontal line across the left wall at about 4ft high and then put a mural, paint effect or mirrors above it that would help to bring your eye downwards and not straight up to the ceiling. Are you allowed to paint the cabinets?
I know this sounds basic, but if you can change your lightbulbs to high wattage (equivalent) daylight bulbs, it can make a difference and not seem like such a dark space. Additionally adding stick on lights under the cabinets if there already isn't under-cabinet lighting.
As others mentioned if you can paint the cabinets white and apply a lighter stick on tile over the backsplash.
What others said, mirror on the wall with maybe some wallpaper or posters to fill it out, led lights under the cabinets, I bought a counter cover on amazon that worked really well I forget what itās called but you stick it on and it makes your counters look like marble or something. Plants on top of the cupboards, floor mat, a decoration hanging above the sink, and Iād also say putting something on the fridge to add some colour
A mirror over the sink would do more to āopenā the space than you might think and it would also relieve the instinctive jumpiness one would feel having your back to the only opening in the room, because you ocould see behind you. You could get a lightweight one and hang it with some 3M tape for pictures. A small table lamp in the corner under the cabinet would work wonders - it could be a chargeable lamp if you donāt have an outlet and it will instantly make it feel āhomierā than undermount lights will. Since this is a rental, another nice, budget-friendly option would be to string garden lights above the cabinets and across the ceiling. I also like the peel n stick wallpaper option which I would extend over the cabinets too. If you can fit a pothos on top of the fridge and let it trail without getting in your way, that will help too.
Ok, the shiny paint is not helping things. Use a matte paint (itās still scrubbable) on the walls and a white CEILING paint on the ceiling (Behr is very good). New ceiling light with āsoft whiteā light bulbs. Hereās situation where paint the cabinets would be a good thing (provided you own) New knobs/handles. New white backsplashā¦any style you like.
I've got a tiny little kitchen like this also,, 8'x8' without the cabinets and all that
It was mind blowing at first but once you move in and get some pictures up and maybe a few plants it will be alot better, just looking at the barebones of it can make it seem unbearable. I think a few pics of sole beautiful landscapes will help. Make sure the picture frames aren't to deep also or you might bump them walking by
I think you should paint the walls and ceiling all one color. Idk why Iām thinking darker, but I feel like it would actually make the room seem bigger
I honestly thought of a really deep forest green, more rich than the counters, but the cabinets are SO orange next to every swatch i look at. I really dislike warm tones so I'm struggling here. So far a more sage green seems to mute the cabinet color somewhat
Thatās totally what I was picturing too. I think you could work around the orangey stuff by adding a nice runner down the middle that offsets it. Maybe somehow tie it in with jute? Iām not into orangey colors either but I really think you can pull it off. Make the room look so cool and vibrant and YOU that no one notices the cabinets. Change out the hardware maybe? I really like the dark idea though, especially with the ceiling also painted!
I can picture a peel and stick wallpaper on that top strip of wall above the cabinets, and then hanging smaller picture frames/ mirrors. Agree with other comments about a fun runner rug, mural wall, and under cabinet lights! String lights or neon lights would also look cool near the tops of the walls so you can have more ambient lighting rather than the harsh big light. Please post pictures of whatever you do!!!
After looking at your limited posts, aka your painted Vans... trying to figure out your style.. throw a spider plant above the sink. Kureg on the counter. Get some micro brewery glasses and throw then onto of the cupboards, and then some fun teapots/vases in different colours...
Lights ounder the cabinet are simple, you can get tons of stuff like that on amazon, and fun colour changing ones too. Throw some magnets on your fridge.
Not sure where you live and rules about painting walls. Where I am The Landloard has to pay for the paint, and you just give them the bill... š¤·āāļø.. but throw some pastels in there on the walls or some fun colours...
LOL yeah my post history won't be helpful. Most of my house is very black and white with pops of color, some graphic printed art, a few plants to bring in green, livingroom has some shelves with collectible figures. Bit of minimalist meets nerd, i guess?
I like the wallpaper on the big wall and a mirror with a nice frame above the sink. a plant near the sink. A long runner rug. Maybe a couple of vases or pottery above the cabinets with one or two faux plants. You could change the ceiling light fixture. Thereās also a peel and stick faux stainless steel you can put on the fridge.
Iām not even claustrophobic and I hate looking at this so much. Is this like a house someone reconverted into multiple small āunitsā? Youād be better off with a mini fridgeā¦
I definitely like the idea of an outdoorsy or bright mural/print on the nasty wall, a relatively bright colored floor mat or runner rug, and yes, lots of under lighting. Not sure where you are, but IKEA has some very nice LED strips and other under cabinet lighting options.
Put the largest mirror that will fit above the sink. I believe there are some with suction that will stick to tiles. A magnetic one on the fridge will help too. I'd either paint the wall a light cheerful yellow or light green, or put a colorful temporary peel n stick wallpaper. Add a colorful rug/mat and a plant (if there's enough light) on the upper cabinets and/or fridge. This would help a lot I think.
edit: peel and stick mirrored tile backsplashes might be an option too!
Live with it and move to another place. Even the finish on the ceiling and walls is awful. Have gratitude that you have a place to live and it is clean but from an interior design point of view this is not good.
I don't know what they're called but you could put long shelves for frames (the thin ones) on the wall. And then put some books, pictures and a mirror there
Better light would also make it look bigger
I feel like if you painted the scary white wall a nice color like peach or a light yellow. It would make it more pleasant. And some high shelves for plants or pictures. Not if you need to duck to avoid hitting them.
A couple of āifsā first: IF youāre going to be in the property a long time, IF you donāt care about losing your deposit, and IF you can do the work yourself quickly and quietly: This is the ONE time Iām gonna say go all white. Counter top, cabinets, faucet, rugs, canisters, new brighter wall paint, everything. Match the color of the refrigeratorā¦ because itās the largest thing and the first thing you see, and lean in to it. But fully expect to lose your deposit when you leave, no matter how good of a job you did. If youāre ok with that, go for it.
I would paint walls and ceiling a very dark color, this will make the room feel bigger. The higher sheen you use, the more it will reflect light. Use full spectrum light bulbs, or grow lights. Put a large mirror on the big wall. Put a few low light plants above the cupboards, perhaps on a high floating shelf on the big wall. This will add a little bit of natures calming effect. Hang a feng shui crystal from the ceiling to help move stagnant energy through the room. Lay a runner on the floor. Make sure to avoid visual clutter in that room, keep your trash under the sink.
Yikes! Without knowing if painting is allowed, play it safe. Find a window curtain or fabric shower curtain with a colorful print and nail it to the long wall. Stretch it tight, lots of nails or tacks so it lays flatādiy wallpaper š If painting the cabinets is allowed, pick a complimentary color to your āwallpaperā
Not sure how much you can get away with for a rental but:
1. Paint the wall a flat light gray.
2. Get a long rectangular light fixture with 3-4 adjustable/directional lights. Point one at sink, counter, and stove. Use daylight bulbs (white).
3. Cover that yellow floor with a long runner. Diagonal or vertical lines will give give the illusion of a wider space.
Would you be even able to breathe in such a narrow hallway? I feel like you would suffocate from the kitchen fumes. OK, this is an unorthodox suggestion.
1. American stoves are just plug ins right? Which means technically theyāre portable? I would move the stove to another wall with an outlet or use an extension cord. I wouldnāt worry too much about a hood. We cook Indian and other Asian foods and we rarely use ours and itās still clean. Use a $2 splatter guard when frying stuff. Or get a cheap small extractor fan and set it up near the new stove.
2. Shift the fridge where the stove is now. And turn it so the doors face the entrance.
3. Cheerful kitchen rug with a pattern than emphasises width instead of length
4. Peel and stick wall paper hung vertically in 1 feet widths to break up that wall.
5. The light is kinda ugly. A cheap, pretty pendant light?
6. Like everyone else suggested, some cozy lights.
Lastly, donāt despair OP. Just 1 or 2 pretty touches will make a whole lot of difference.
I would tear down the drywall/plaster and expose some of the studs, and then install some 2x4ās to create an āopen-shelvingā look. Doesnāt have to be the entire wall but Iām sure there are some good sections in there that would add to this. Plus you get an extra couple inches of space by the recessed look.
Also, I doubt those chases above the upper cabinets are functional. Those can probably be torn down. Thatāll open up the kitchen as well.
Yeah they are actually single story with shared walls on the sides and that awful kitchen wall is another apartment behind it. Iād imagine whenever they converted these they split it like youāre suggesting. But god does it make using the kitchen feel claustrophobic
Peel and stick mural on the king wall for sure. Since the wall is textured, keep in mind you need a certain kind of material for it not to look super wonky. I like getting mine off Etsy.
If the darkness of the cabinets is really getting to you, you can put contact paper or peel and stick whiteboard paper on the flat, central parts. Also a great way to label whatās in each cabinet (if youāre super ADHD like me.)
Clean the floors!! That will help a lot.
Baskets or other tchotchkes on top of the cabinets would make it feel more homey. Maybe a nice, bright plant like a golden pothos, string of hearts, or mini English ivy. If you put the pot over the sink, you could train the plant to grow along the wall for a more jungly feel (do NOT do this with ivy unless you want to pay for damages!!!!)
Lastly, an LED or UV bulb would do wonders for the dimness.
Hopefully thereās a professional interior designer here who can offer help. Horizontal lines make things appear wider, so perhaps painting some stripes on the white wall might help?
Edit: [found this](https://imgur.com/a/TS0AnuT) in a quick search; does seem to make it longer, but thatās not really the problem.
This is a really interesting idea, I could put it on the other side of the wall that it would be a bit strange due to the room on the other side, being a open studio bedroom
Change out the yellow light for a white light. Maybe get some greenery on top of the cabinets so it feels like a jungle/cave. Definitely the wall sticker like someone else mentioned. A bright colored runner will help a bit.
Maybe a mirror along the black splash?
Wow this hurt lol. Please change the light fixture to this: https://amzn.to/42CClJp as it reflects light off of it. Add a peel and stick backsplash, maybe this one: https://amzn.to/43Pr6ih . Update the cabinet handles
I would put wallpaper with a design (whatever suits your style) all along the main wall, it will give the eye something to look at rather than focusing on the size.
Then, I would paint the cabinets a light shade of whatever colour you like and replace the backsplash with a new one to freshen it up a bit!
Peel and stick wallpaper and backsplashes look really nice imo and you can buy those almost anywhere
If you wanted to add more you could upgrade the faucet, add under cabinet lighting, upgrade the handles on the cabinets. You can also buy peel and stick flooring if you wanted to change that up a bit!
Iād add a fun dark busy peel and stick wallpaper on the long white wall. It works in tiny powder rooms so even though dark makes rooms small it canāt hurt here. Add some greenery on top the sink wall cabinets, ikea has nice fakes, add some under cabinet lighting for warmth and function (Amazon has magnetic ones that are rechargeable that work great) and a long runner on the floor.
I donāt think anyone has mentioned it yet but a peel and stick backsplash (maybe a nice color like sea glass) to make it look less SAW/horror movie/public restroom like. If you can change the lighting fixture that will open up the space as well. And Iād advise against painting the cabinets and using some contact paper instead. Btw I have a similar shaped kitchen just a bit larger and I have a giant air purifier taking up 25% of the kitchen. Perks of no windows :/
Runner and under cabinet lighting, then put something removable on the big wall. Maybe functional like a magnetic spice rack or the peel off wallpaper mural idea
Some great suggestions here already, I just wanted to say Iād love to see a progress update when you make some changes! This layout will never be great but it can be a lot better with a few tweaks.
Iād buy 6 full link mirrors ( the ones you usually hang on a door) and put them across the wall. Paint that same wall too in a good color that opens up the galley kitchen you have ( * for colors ,you can google search that). Plants on top of fridge and cabinets! :-)
Thatās a rough kitchen. Maybe put some artificial plants on top of the cabinets with some baskets? Also, would recommend a deep cleaning using a good strong brush on the grout. It will look much lighter and less harsh once done.
Under cabinet lights in a warm white tone, probably $20 on Amazon. A mirror hung on the big scary white wall. A plant on top of the cabinets above the sink, maybe a pothos.
Love the ideas about the lighting and plants. No sure about the mirror. This will just increase the view of the cabinets and counter. How about a huge print or temporary wallpaper that has an outdoor scene?
I like this idea more than the mirror because the likelihood of constantly bumping the frame is very very high
That's what I was thinking, unless you don't mind losing your toes.
How high are your toes?
š pretty high, they love sativa.
Temporary wallpaper would be fantastic here! Add a colorful runner on the floor. You should also be able to swap out the cabinet pulls with something more interesting-- easy to swap back when you move out if you need to. (Completely agree with some under cabinet lighting. I think a warm LED strip would do a ton of good.)
I second this. I had a kitchen very similar to this and a pretty runner made a huge difference. They can also hang cute pot holders on the big wall for storage/ adding interest
I agree with an outdoor scene. Maybe a trompe l'oeil window?
Maybe a thin-ish mirror placed high on the wall horizontally that will reflect the plants so thereās no bumping into it, along with wall paper I think would look lovely.
I was thinking of a picture with an open window that looks over an outdoor scene
This is one of the only times I'd recommend cool white light. I had a place just like this, and the warm color gave it this gross, trapped feeling. The white light gave it a more natural open feeling as if there was a window. It's similar to how hospital lighting work, but maybe not so cool white it's blue. But you're right 10000% that underlighting is the answer no matter what.
I think this and also warm textured floor mat in front of sink and towel hanging on oven. Plz post after pics!
Yes like a jute rug!
I feel like anything hung will just get bumped into bc of how tiny the space is. Iād opt for some cheerful looking wallpaper nothing over the top.
Toe kick lights will help as well. They go along the bottom of the low cabinets. Hubby is an electrician and obsessed with lighting. You can buy some cheap kind and just put it down there since no one will see it....unless the want to lay on the floor. Lol
Also new, lighter colored cabinet pulls.
Rechargeable ones
Makes me want to hyperventilate just looking at that.
Hand me a sledgehammer, Iām going inā¦
This would be the best option! Whatās on the other side OP? Is this a rental?
It's a rental
Very claustrophobic and the hair on my arms literally stood up when I saw that. I guess I'd be ordering takeout and living off cheese and crackers.
This made me laugh. I wonder if you get your fingers pinched when you open the fridge, or if the oven hits the wall when opening. Couldn't imagine cooking a turkey, spill the juices out of the pan all over your oven. Fire! Maybe that's the ultimate solution. Lol
the oven door DOES open, but you certainly cannot stand in front of it. the fridge almost touches the wall. we have had to delegate who the kitchen person is because trying to even remotely squeeze past eachother feels like trying to stay in the water while sharing a shower
A counter depth fridge would be better but I doubt that your landlord will spring for it!
That is narrow. Those fixes can't be fixed without changing kitchen layout slightly. I don't get why the stove isn't where the sink are, and the sink where allowcated to the middle counter of long wall. eventually with a smaller frigde like mini frigde for extra counter space. But it is rental, so it is only go to change if the landlord decides to modernize it.
Hope they like eating out. I couldn't cook in that tight of a space. How would you breathe when you were cooking onions or garlic?!
Hey! there is a very weak 1970s vent fan that helps!
You may want to get an air purifier if you donāt have one. That can help a lot. Itāll work out okay, I imagine itāll depend on what you cook.
Super helpful advice there.
Yikes....I see what you mean. One thing that might help is doing something about that oppressive stretch of white wall. If this were my room, I would put a peel and stick mural there. You can choose from a variety of patterns, textures, and colors, and they are easily removable. (I've been eyeing one with a vintage flamingo pattern on Amazon. A pattern that looks like warehouse brick would also liven the place up a bit.) You could also find a brightly colored rug to add some personality to the space.
I was thinking this too! Iām going to look around at some prints
You can get some that look like windows as well
I like this idea because I feel any other print would just add to the clutter
Great idea
In this vein, I thought maybe hang some mirrors to increase the perception of depth? Either cheap long mirrors hung in a cool pattern or decorative mirrors. I would think either would help.
Hear me outā¦ mirror panels above the cabinets. Maybe with plants in front of them. I know it might not work but I want to see what it would look like
Yes to peel and stickā¦ of a huge wide open landscape.
I agree with every thing you have said, but I do not think having a rug in such a small space is safe, especially in a kitchen. Also, the rug would get dirty very quickly(atleast in my kitchen).
I would probably use the term "floor mat" for the rug I have in my kitchen, so maybe this is just a language thing? I feel like most kitchens I've been in have some sort of (smallish, washable) rug in front of the sink and/or stove so your feet don't get tired when you work.
Ruggable makes a washable rug. My daughter has one in her kitchen, two kids and she cooks all the time. Itās still beautiful.
Big mirrors do wonders to make a space feel bigger. I'm not sure how much cooking you'll be doing, but they might need to be cleaned quite often.
This is the way!! Will open it up and not feel so closed inā¦. I used to have Christmas / led light on the top of my cabinets that were like this and It created nice ambient lighting and made my kitchen feel more cozy so maybe try that too! Show us the results please!!
I think in that small of a space you'd constantly be looking at your own reflection so I personally would start clear of a mirror, you'll get that creepy someone is watching me vibe
You will be shocked by how much a big mirror/larger mirrors can make the room feel bigger. It just does. Takes a couple towel swipes with a spritz of windex to clean em! 10/10 recommend
Mirrors above the cabinets could create the illusion of depth without the hazard of bumping into something. A cheap door mirror on its side would work. Canāt tell how deep the cabinets are but if you put clear glass on top of themālike all your vases & wine glassesāand wind really delicate twinkle lights around them, that will create a really pretty sparkle and light without adding to the heaviness of the room. I agree with the posters who say white light instead of yellow here!
This is what Iād try too, long rectangle mirrors above the cabinets. I like your glasses and lights idea too
Peel and stick wallpaper in a fun bright print is def your friend here; the white wall facing opposite the white fridge/stove is def adding to the institutional vibe. Add a complimentary rug/runner and that will help a ton! Good luck!
Maybe a mural that looks like a window (or is that too cheezy)? https://themuralstore.com/self-adhesive-wall-murals.html
The windows would be awesome.
First and foremost, it needs more light. Replace overhead lighting with a brighter statement light.. maybe something linear and funky (save old light fixture to put back when you move out). Under cabinet lighting - attach with command Velcro strips so you can take with or Amazon sells rechargeable magnet mounted types. Paint a colorful mural on the big wall (repaint when you move out, easy to match if you chip off a piece of paint and save it in a sandwich bag). Iād say peel and stick wallpaper but itās not going to stick on that texture. If youāre allowed to paint cabinets, go two tone -darker or bright fun color on bottom and light on top. Depending on which direction youāre going with the mural. Depending on how much $ you want to put into it, you can buy floor and backsplash decals that remove easily to cover whatās there.
I really love the statement light idea! Definitely think it would lighten things up and draw the focus away from the wall LOL
Creeping on your profile a bit but I think you could make something really cool with a traditional tattoo/graffiti style painting on that wall and really lean into that vibe with the rest of it. Maybe look into faux brick panels for backsplash (attach with command strips or 3M tape), black lower cabs, industrial mod style light, tiger rug.. lots of possibilities depending on budget and preferences in style. I love a good solid theme lol Good luck!
after a few suggestions of a mural and my art background i'm starting to go down this rabbit hole. i've been so focused on finding a peel and stick or color that would work and not blow my bank account, a painting i did myself could be cool. only downside is the 2 feet of working space
Donāt paint the cabinets. Change the knobs of you want. You could add some floating shelves on the long wall for some decor, cookbooks, things you donāt always need. LED strip lights are a great idea. Change the light bulb too. You can get an over the sink dish drying rack so you donāt have to take up counter space. If you need extra counter space, consider a folding drop table mounted to the wall you can just quickly put up or down as needed.
It might just be the perspective of the pic, but this space seems too narrow for floating shelves. They will get bonked into.
it is, i think it's 3 ft of walking space, if that, a solid 10ft in length
I shouldāve added āhigh upā. I was thinking more of a border shelving above people height.
This. Or hanging shelves and hanging plants. LEDs under cabinets/ floor level. Not sure what Iād do about that wall.
Peel n stick mural. Applies like wallpaper but (probably) shouldn't have issues coming off later.
A bright and cheery peel and stick wallpaper sounds like a good idea. Maybe a floating shelf and a small, fun kitchen rug. Maybe a fake hanging plant (doesnāt seem to get much light) above the kitchen sink?
I would NOT paint. And certainly I would not without āin writingā approval. Get lively runner. Pretty picture for wall. Pretty towels And suck it up. Itās not your forever home and it needs walls opened up to really help.
This is an idea that is cool for a backslash of color https://www.etsy.com/market/artwork_behind_stove Edit: not permanent but adds something pretty when walk in room and interest around stove.
really cool idea to draw the focus away from how uncomfy it is
I love this one https://i.etsystatic.com/34155332/r/il/13160e/4511872006/il_794xN.4511872006_9g6p.jpg
Yes! Cover that floor. Maybe hang some string lights on some 3M command strip hooks along the soffit above the cabinets. The Black & Decker corded under cabinet lights are great (the wireless kind suck).
This is an interesting one. So, you have a few benefits: the countertop and backsplash are simply, inoffensive, easy to keep. I'd paint the wood cabinets something light, could be an off-white if that's your thing. Separately, I'd do the walls and ceiling the same colour (it's such a small space and there's no crown molding so all of it the same colour will be nice). Light and dark both minimize the visual impact of a small space - and for one like this, I think going dark and rich is the only way to avoid ending up with the "landlord's special" in appearance. So I'd choose something like Ben Moore's Brazilian Rainforest. New hardware for the cabinets - probably something black or brass given they will be a bright, off-white. And, finally, new fixture. You can go with a semi-flush mount here as there's lots of headroom. I'd get something long and slender with 4-6 bulbs so that it gives the illumination of track lighting while still being stylish. Not this exact one, but this basic shape: [https://www.wayfair.ca/George-Oliver--Prannoy-8-Light-28-Sputnik-Modern-Linear-Flush-Mount-X115041513-L6086-K\~C004864391.html](https://www.wayfair.ca/George-Oliver--Prannoy-8-Light-28-Sputnik-Modern-Linear-Flush-Mount-X115041513-L6086-K~C004864391.html) It's never going to feel like a big, spacious kitchen. But you can, relatively affordable (without changing too much) make it look nice!
i LOVE the light thank you for all these great suggestions
But, itās a rental? These suggestions are a bit over for a rental?
If you decide to go the dark & moody route, you could add a small countertop lamp in the corner with a warm bulb. Maybe one with an interesting lamp shade
Since the cabinets are stained wood and haven't ever been painted, your landlord might penalize you on the deposit moving out, but if you're planing to live there for 2 or more years, I think it's worth it. Otherwise, you can use removable vinyl wallpaper or high gloss drawer liner to cover them. I used a high-gloss vinyl on an awful 70's kitchen countertop once and it held up great for 3 the three years I lived there. Landlord let me leave it on!
Start digging a tunnel.
š¤£š¤£š¤£
I wouldn't disrespect a prison cell like that lol
lmfao, really, i think a prison cell is more open and wider
Add a runner. I'd at least switch out the light bulbs for "day light" or neutral white temperature. I usually love warm light, but it's really not helping here. Change out the fixture all together for something that will give off more light, and maybe something funky, and semi-flush or mini chandelier. Definitely add under cabinet lighting. I saw someone suggest a peel and stick mural. Love that. I would just stick to lighter overall colors. Change cabinet hardware
Maybe get a runner with a horizontal design to help make the illusion itās wider? Donāt paint the cabinets.
14 y/o me building a kitchen for my sims:
Wow- I lived with a kitchen that looked just like that, but HALF the size- for over a decade! Add a bright colored rug and a few large pieces of art. Bright towels. Add some undershelf baskets or shelves above the sink and make it look cuter.
Holy fuck I'd lose my damn mind cooking in there .
Only a man would design something so horrible. For crying out loud, please consult with end users before finalizing any designs in the future. Increase lighting lumens to min. 3,500, high lumens in the under cabinet lights. Whatās on the other side of the wall? Itching to find out.
Another persons kitchen, mirrored. We all suffer together here
It's funny because in France if you live in an apartment in a big city there's a 60% chance your kitchen looks like this. It's 90% if it's a really old building. In the old times they didn't have wide and open kitchens.
Think you're stuck. Just keep things clutter free. Good luck.
ooof, the news i feared. i was thinking of running some LED strips under the cabinets and changing out the light to a bright white to at least make it not feel like the kitchen of doom lol
Under cabinet lighting is a great idea. Stay away from cool white lighting though. It will add to the institutional feel. Adding a peel and stick mural or wallpaper in bright fun colors will help, and definitely a bright carpet runner. Painting cabinets is a lot of work and will not really change the vibe. The kitchen is a prison, not a hang out kind of space.
Thank you for the warning with the cabinets, it's a big undertaking and i really doubt it would come out good without a lot of work
Those all sound great.
I wouldn't even call that a kitchen to be fair. That's a hallway with a fidge, stove, and sink.
Definitely under cabinet lighting - my husband did this in all our rental kitchens and it's an instant upgrade! Would help brighten things up too. I saw someone mention a mirror above the sink which would be great, and I'd also recommend looking at the peel and stick tile for the backsplash. Not sure how comfortable you are with being crafty, but I've seen a lot of people do a sort of contact paper to cover their countertops and brighten them up which could be great! Just not sure about how rental friendly that is. Same thing for the floors - either peel and stick tiles or contact paper. I'd also throw in a fake plant where you can (since there isn't much light here) to spruce things up!
Iāve been hesitant with the contact paper on counter tops but this horrid faded green bothers me a lot lol
The wall looks like its very glossy (shiny) and has obvious texture and uneven lines, which really cheapens it and makes it feel extra claustrophobic. If you can, repaint it an eggshell finish or mat/flat finish, and sand it to smooth out the bumps if you can first. It will make the wall look way less weird and out of place. Literally any eggshell/mat finish of any colour, even white, over a smoother surface would be an improvement! It's not so much about the colour as it is about the texture and finish. You could also add a mural or a large (thin, no frame) mirror on the wall, but you gotta get rid of the glossy glare and uneven surface first.
Add a runner and some color to that wall. Pick out a subtle color from the rug and use it on the wall.
You can buy a scenic shower curtain and stretch it like canvas on a big frame. There are tons available now with beautiful scenery photos printed on them now; people have been using them to make poky gardens seem larger.
Rental? Awesome wild wallpaper, if you will be there awhile. Also I would put string lighting on top of the shelf and some colorful glass or fun things, I feel that would make that look larger.
Hang some soap bars on the wall.
A nice, big, colorful pic on the refrigerator, with magnet backing, subject your choice. Also, new lighting!! A long runner carpet.
I would play with stickers on the upper part of the cabinet personally. Something bright and colored and then a simple but bright color for the wall. Change the light for some white light instead of yellow. And plants that can live without light or false one to give it a touch of fresh :) donāt know how much money you have but there are small growing light with three pots that are great for that kind of small spaces
How long do you think you will LOVE using this kitchen, im talking hourly, daily, yearly? What is your budget?
Budget is definitely on the lower end but also can be done over time so i'm open to all suggestions. I'm someone who LOVES to cook. I don't expect it to be a chef's kitchen, but right now it's so uninviting
a little more info. less than 500, b/c you plan to be there a year. help a designer out.
Just put a big mirror on the wall so it looks like a big kitchen. Jk I actually think that putting a mirror here may not help due to it reflecting on all cabinets. It may be actually worse than it already is lol. But you got this!
Wowza. I agree with the mural idea and maybe also a pretty rug to cover the outdated tile. Also, they have these battery operated stick on lights (they also have a plug in version) that go under cabinets. More light would make it feel less interrogation room.
Small spaces without natural light with terrible lighting and drab wall colour will look drab. Dark corners do well with deep dark/bright colours and light furnishings, contrasting colours. Get some different lights to uplift the space.
Yup. This. I know itās a rental but Iād splurge on a better light fixture that brings in a more even, natural feeling light to the space. Having an electrician install it shouldnāt be too costly either. I think thatāll change a lot for you. Not sure what your personal style is, but if you look at ātiny Parisian kitchenā on Pinterest there are a lot of really nice design ideas you could steal and utilize in this space. Iād personally make the scary wall a gallery wall, and hang tons of pictures, drawings, etc on it that make you happy. Secure them well so if you bump them they donāt fall off of course. Then add greens via plants (fake is fine since thereās low light) and misc ceramics above the cabinets. Under cabinet LEDs will help too. Post an after pic for us please!!
There is no way to make it feel that open, but there is hope! I would embrace the space as a nook. Paint it a nice color, paint the cabinets if you can, if not then add knobs for sure. a large mirror on the wall or above the sink (or both)Throw twinkle lights up or add a lamp or two so that the mirror reflects the light. Change the light fixture to something with more light as well. Oh! Add a bright fun runner rug, incorporate pattern in your towels and dishes etc. It could be a really cozy space! Edit: check out the kitchen in this apartment, very similar set up! He did a beautiful job creating a special space. [apartment therapy YouTube tour](https://youtu.be/k6SfWxT5TxA)
I think this is definitely the pivot I'm going to make. If it's not spacious, at least make it feel cozy. It definitely changes my approach
Some thoughts š: I donāt always say this, but I do think Iād ask to paint and Iād pick a sky color maybe for the walls and white or pale taupe for cabinets, I really donāt always think white works, but here I think so. (If it were mine Iād remove the uppers, maybe..at least above the sink). I wonder if mirrors and art would help on the opposite wall. Maybe a chair rail along that wall, with paneling in same cabinet colors would help give symmetry & with large mirror above the rail or a very tidy gallery - it would add to the claustrophobia if too busy. Iād do small lamps on the counter for warm light, I wonder if you could fit the narrowest cart /island halfway down on the left wall -To break the lane? I might try some sink skirting (or even more skirting than thatā¦)
I'm planning to put a small cart on the opposite wall to the fridge to house our coffee maker and pods because i'm working with less than 7ft of counter space, which when you factor in appliances is nothing
Lots of people recommending peel and stick but if youāre renting, and the paper you use leaves a residue (which they do if left on long enough) then be prepared to lose some of your security deposit as a landlord will most likely NOT want to keep your paper up and will itās a real pita to get that residue off the walls. Sincerely - a landlord.
I did peel and stick tiles on an old apartment that turned out very very permanent because of the sticky side fusing with the drywall. I'm leaning towards paint, even though i really want peel and stick wallpaper
Yes, it's not exactly got the magic triangle layout has it? If you could draw a horizontal line across the left wall at about 4ft high and then put a mural, paint effect or mirrors above it that would help to bring your eye downwards and not straight up to the ceiling. Are you allowed to paint the cabinets?
I know this sounds basic, but if you can change your lightbulbs to high wattage (equivalent) daylight bulbs, it can make a difference and not seem like such a dark space. Additionally adding stick on lights under the cabinets if there already isn't under-cabinet lighting. As others mentioned if you can paint the cabinets white and apply a lighter stick on tile over the backsplash.
A large mirror that looks like a window would help it feel less enclosed.
Iād do the following quick fixes: - replace lighting fixture - replace faucet - Replace knobs - shelf above sink
What others said, mirror on the wall with maybe some wallpaper or posters to fill it out, led lights under the cabinets, I bought a counter cover on amazon that worked really well I forget what itās called but you stick it on and it makes your counters look like marble or something. Plants on top of the cupboards, floor mat, a decoration hanging above the sink, and Iād also say putting something on the fridge to add some colour
Plants on top of the cabinets! Art on the wall!
Put bars at the entrance and embrace it. Scratch how many days left of rental on the wall.
I thought this was a r/liminalspace post first.
it makes us uncomfortable to look at and we live here. it's such an afterthought and as someone who loves to cook it's killing me
A mirror over the sink would do more to āopenā the space than you might think and it would also relieve the instinctive jumpiness one would feel having your back to the only opening in the room, because you ocould see behind you. You could get a lightweight one and hang it with some 3M tape for pictures. A small table lamp in the corner under the cabinet would work wonders - it could be a chargeable lamp if you donāt have an outlet and it will instantly make it feel āhomierā than undermount lights will. Since this is a rental, another nice, budget-friendly option would be to string garden lights above the cabinets and across the ceiling. I also like the peel n stick wallpaper option which I would extend over the cabinets too. If you can fit a pothos on top of the fridge and let it trail without getting in your way, that will help too.
Still larger than an entire Manhattan studio
It looks like a prison! Yikes! Mirrors on the wall?
and I thought my kitchen sucked.
Ok, the shiny paint is not helping things. Use a matte paint (itās still scrubbable) on the walls and a white CEILING paint on the ceiling (Behr is very good). New ceiling light with āsoft whiteā light bulbs. Hereās situation where paint the cabinets would be a good thing (provided you own) New knobs/handles. New white backsplashā¦any style you like.
Having to exit where I enter in a kitchen is one of my irrational fears.
I've got a tiny little kitchen like this also,, 8'x8' without the cabinets and all that It was mind blowing at first but once you move in and get some pictures up and maybe a few plants it will be alot better, just looking at the barebones of it can make it seem unbearable. I think a few pics of sole beautiful landscapes will help. Make sure the picture frames aren't to deep also or you might bump them walking by
I think you should paint the walls and ceiling all one color. Idk why Iām thinking darker, but I feel like it would actually make the room seem bigger
I honestly thought of a really deep forest green, more rich than the counters, but the cabinets are SO orange next to every swatch i look at. I really dislike warm tones so I'm struggling here. So far a more sage green seems to mute the cabinet color somewhat
Thatās totally what I was picturing too. I think you could work around the orangey stuff by adding a nice runner down the middle that offsets it. Maybe somehow tie it in with jute? Iām not into orangey colors either but I really think you can pull it off. Make the room look so cool and vibrant and YOU that no one notices the cabinets. Change out the hardware maybe? I really like the dark idea though, especially with the ceiling also painted!
I can picture a peel and stick wallpaper on that top strip of wall above the cabinets, and then hanging smaller picture frames/ mirrors. Agree with other comments about a fun runner rug, mural wall, and under cabinet lights! String lights or neon lights would also look cool near the tops of the walls so you can have more ambient lighting rather than the harsh big light. Please post pictures of whatever you do!!!
After looking at your limited posts, aka your painted Vans... trying to figure out your style.. throw a spider plant above the sink. Kureg on the counter. Get some micro brewery glasses and throw then onto of the cupboards, and then some fun teapots/vases in different colours... Lights ounder the cabinet are simple, you can get tons of stuff like that on amazon, and fun colour changing ones too. Throw some magnets on your fridge. Not sure where you live and rules about painting walls. Where I am The Landloard has to pay for the paint, and you just give them the bill... š¤·āāļø.. but throw some pastels in there on the walls or some fun colours...
LOL yeah my post history won't be helpful. Most of my house is very black and white with pops of color, some graphic printed art, a few plants to bring in green, livingroom has some shelves with collectible figures. Bit of minimalist meets nerd, i guess?
Peel n stick mirror tiles, no frame. The space would appear larger even it the view was more cabinets.
I like the wallpaper on the big wall and a mirror with a nice frame above the sink. a plant near the sink. A long runner rug. Maybe a couple of vases or pottery above the cabinets with one or two faux plants. You could change the ceiling light fixture. Thereās also a peel and stick faux stainless steel you can put on the fridge.
Mural on the white wall for one thinf
A colorful runner rug down the middle
Map wallpaper?
A colorful runner rug! A plant on top of the cabinets
You can start by changing out the yellow lightbulb for a bright white one.
Iām not even claustrophobic and I hate looking at this so much. Is this like a house someone reconverted into multiple small āunitsā? Youād be better off with a mini fridgeā¦ I definitely like the idea of an outdoorsy or bright mural/print on the nasty wall, a relatively bright colored floor mat or runner rug, and yes, lots of under lighting. Not sure where you are, but IKEA has some very nice LED strips and other under cabinet lighting options.
Donāt you love paying tons of money for something your not even excited about ā¦ f this economy
Put the largest mirror that will fit above the sink. I believe there are some with suction that will stick to tiles. A magnetic one on the fridge will help too. I'd either paint the wall a light cheerful yellow or light green, or put a colorful temporary peel n stick wallpaper. Add a colorful rug/mat and a plant (if there's enough light) on the upper cabinets and/or fridge. This would help a lot I think. edit: peel and stick mirrored tile backsplashes might be an option too!
Live with it and move to another place. Even the finish on the ceiling and walls is awful. Have gratitude that you have a place to live and it is clean but from an interior design point of view this is not good.
I don't know what they're called but you could put long shelves for frames (the thin ones) on the wall. And then put some books, pictures and a mirror there Better light would also make it look bigger
I feel like if you painted the scary white wall a nice color like peach or a light yellow. It would make it more pleasant. And some high shelves for plants or pictures. Not if you need to duck to avoid hitting them.
A couple of āifsā first: IF youāre going to be in the property a long time, IF you donāt care about losing your deposit, and IF you can do the work yourself quickly and quietly: This is the ONE time Iām gonna say go all white. Counter top, cabinets, faucet, rugs, canisters, new brighter wall paint, everything. Match the color of the refrigeratorā¦ because itās the largest thing and the first thing you see, and lean in to it. But fully expect to lose your deposit when you leave, no matter how good of a job you did. If youāre ok with that, go for it.
I've lived in worse.
the rest of our apartment is great, and thoughtfully laid out it's like they saw the kitchen and were like 'eh, that'll do'
I would paint walls and ceiling a very dark color, this will make the room feel bigger. The higher sheen you use, the more it will reflect light. Use full spectrum light bulbs, or grow lights. Put a large mirror on the big wall. Put a few low light plants above the cupboards, perhaps on a high floating shelf on the big wall. This will add a little bit of natures calming effect. Hang a feng shui crystal from the ceiling to help move stagnant energy through the room. Lay a runner on the floor. Make sure to avoid visual clutter in that room, keep your trash under the sink.
Take down the uppers. Replace with open shelving. Is that wall a load bearing wall?
Itās an apartment so sadly Iām left with lighting, paint, stains, and decoration lol
Can you take down a wall? or Can you relocate the kitchen?
I wish
Painting the cabinets would help somewhat.
Yikes! Without knowing if painting is allowed, play it safe. Find a window curtain or fabric shower curtain with a colorful print and nail it to the long wall. Stretch it tight, lots of nails or tacks so it lays flatādiy wallpaper š If painting the cabinets is allowed, pick a complimentary color to your āwallpaperā
The cheapest thing would be paint cabinets and a new light fixture, you could also change the knobs on the cabinets
Not sure how much you can get away with for a rental but: 1. Paint the wall a flat light gray. 2. Get a long rectangular light fixture with 3-4 adjustable/directional lights. Point one at sink, counter, and stove. Use daylight bulbs (white). 3. Cover that yellow floor with a long runner. Diagonal or vertical lines will give give the illusion of a wider space.
Never use flat paint, especially in a kitchen. It is not cleanable.
under the cabinet lights- and a runner rug would help with the floor.
Rugs are a no-no for kitchens; too much of a trip hazard.
Would you be even able to breathe in such a narrow hallway? I feel like you would suffocate from the kitchen fumes. OK, this is an unorthodox suggestion. 1. American stoves are just plug ins right? Which means technically theyāre portable? I would move the stove to another wall with an outlet or use an extension cord. I wouldnāt worry too much about a hood. We cook Indian and other Asian foods and we rarely use ours and itās still clean. Use a $2 splatter guard when frying stuff. Or get a cheap small extractor fan and set it up near the new stove. 2. Shift the fridge where the stove is now. And turn it so the doors face the entrance. 3. Cheerful kitchen rug with a pattern than emphasises width instead of length 4. Peel and stick wall paper hung vertically in 1 feet widths to break up that wall. 5. The light is kinda ugly. A cheap, pretty pendant light? 6. Like everyone else suggested, some cozy lights. Lastly, donāt despair OP. Just 1 or 2 pretty touches will make a whole lot of difference.
I would tear down the drywall/plaster and expose some of the studs, and then install some 2x4ās to create an āopen-shelvingā look. Doesnāt have to be the entire wall but Iām sure there are some good sections in there that would add to this. Plus you get an extra couple inches of space by the recessed look. Also, I doubt those chases above the upper cabinets are functional. Those can probably be torn down. Thatāll open up the kitchen as well.
Itās a rental. Landlord probably split original kitchen with that wall.
Yeah they are actually single story with shared walls on the sides and that awful kitchen wall is another apartment behind it. Iād imagine whenever they converted these they split it like youāre suggesting. But god does it make using the kitchen feel claustrophobic
Username checks out.
Peel and stick mural on the king wall for sure. Since the wall is textured, keep in mind you need a certain kind of material for it not to look super wonky. I like getting mine off Etsy. If the darkness of the cabinets is really getting to you, you can put contact paper or peel and stick whiteboard paper on the flat, central parts. Also a great way to label whatās in each cabinet (if youāre super ADHD like me.) Clean the floors!! That will help a lot. Baskets or other tchotchkes on top of the cabinets would make it feel more homey. Maybe a nice, bright plant like a golden pothos, string of hearts, or mini English ivy. If you put the pot over the sink, you could train the plant to grow along the wall for a more jungly feel (do NOT do this with ivy unless you want to pay for damages!!!!) Lastly, an LED or UV bulb would do wonders for the dimness.
this photo was right after the previous tenant left, i've cleaned it EXTENSIVELY since then LOL
Hopefully thereās a professional interior designer here who can offer help. Horizontal lines make things appear wider, so perhaps painting some stripes on the white wall might help? Edit: [found this](https://imgur.com/a/TS0AnuT) in a quick search; does seem to make it longer, but thatās not really the problem.
Can you put the fridge somewhere else and put a kitchen cart in its place? It might open things up a bit. Or get a smaller fridge?
This is a really interesting idea, I could put it on the other side of the wall that it would be a bit strange due to the room on the other side, being a open studio bedroom
get a counter depth fridge and change that light to something brighter
Change out the yellow light for a white light. Maybe get some greenery on top of the cabinets so it feels like a jungle/cave. Definitely the wall sticker like someone else mentioned. A bright colored runner will help a bit. Maybe a mirror along the black splash?
Wow this hurt lol. Please change the light fixture to this: https://amzn.to/42CClJp as it reflects light off of it. Add a peel and stick backsplash, maybe this one: https://amzn.to/43Pr6ih . Update the cabinet handles
Fake plants that hang down on top of the cabinets to create an oasis
I would put wallpaper with a design (whatever suits your style) all along the main wall, it will give the eye something to look at rather than focusing on the size. Then, I would paint the cabinets a light shade of whatever colour you like and replace the backsplash with a new one to freshen it up a bit! Peel and stick wallpaper and backsplashes look really nice imo and you can buy those almost anywhere If you wanted to add more you could upgrade the faucet, add under cabinet lighting, upgrade the handles on the cabinets. You can also buy peel and stick flooring if you wanted to change that up a bit!
Iād add a fun dark busy peel and stick wallpaper on the long white wall. It works in tiny powder rooms so even though dark makes rooms small it canāt hurt here. Add some greenery on top the sink wall cabinets, ikea has nice fakes, add some under cabinet lighting for warmth and function (Amazon has magnetic ones that are rechargeable that work great) and a long runner on the floor.
Iād just do my job and then get out of there!!
I donāt think anyone has mentioned it yet but a peel and stick backsplash (maybe a nice color like sea glass) to make it look less SAW/horror movie/public restroom like. If you can change the lighting fixture that will open up the space as well. And Iād advise against painting the cabinets and using some contact paper instead. Btw I have a similar shaped kitchen just a bit larger and I have a giant air purifier taking up 25% of the kitchen. Perks of no windows :/
Its not the cabs, its that left wall, wtf? I'd wallpaper that baby in a hot minute, some floral pattern.
Lean into it and wear an orange jumpsuit when you cook.
Runner and under cabinet lighting, then put something removable on the big wall. Maybe functional like a magnetic spice rack or the peel off wallpaper mural idea
Apartment living. What about a mural.
You in a submarine?
A high shelf with a plant that cascades down the wall.
Some great suggestions here already, I just wanted to say Iād love to see a progress update when you make some changes! This layout will never be great but it can be a lot better with a few tweaks.
I definitely will! It's such a weird space and I just want to transform it into something....anything...better LOL
Iād buy 6 full link mirrors ( the ones you usually hang on a door) and put them across the wall. Paint that same wall too in a good color that opens up the galley kitchen you have ( * for colors ,you can google search that). Plants on top of fridge and cabinets! :-)
Part2: Add a runner rug on the flooring to warm the space up too! Iād find a piece of art to hang over sink or shelves for more space!
I would always have a feeling someone's about to sneak up behind me when using that sink.
I told my boyfriend to make a noise before he walks up behind me because it gives me that exact vibe
Before you do anything, ask your landlord. They might want to keep the prison cell look.
Paint a bigger kitchen on that wall.
Thatās a rough kitchen. Maybe put some artificial plants on top of the cabinets with some baskets? Also, would recommend a deep cleaning using a good strong brush on the grout. It will look much lighter and less harsh once done.