Initial thoughts and ideas?
Okay, I haven't even moved in yet, and I'm not allowed to make any permanent changes as my in-laws own this home. But I'm just itching to make renter friendly updates to this house with it's fun early 80s bones and obviously outdated scaryness!
🙀
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Can I just say how excited I am to see this transformation already?! Such good bones — it's darling. I love the wavy divider between the kitchen rile and carpeting 〰️ Assuming your in-laws are okay with any true reversible upgrades, here are my suggestions:
- Make peel-and-stick paper/tile your best friend! Add a kitchen backsplash in a contrasting "tile" color to create an eye-catching moment between your kitchen cabinets. I used Smart Tiles for a backsplash in my old apartment, and they held up great. You can also find good options on Wayfair, but always check the reviews in case. I would also suggest using peel-and-stick on your fridge. Bold, I know! But I love how big of an impact this makes on appliances
- Cabinet hardware swap: It looks like the hardware blends in with the cabinets here. I would choose something a bit more modern that pops against the wood. For hardware, I love Plank, Schoolhouse, and Etsy for unique/colorful finds
- Light fixture swap: Would your in-laws mind if you swapped your light fixture? I always changed mine in my rental and kept the original safe in a closet to change back when I left. A different pendant light would look great here
- This last suggestion totally depends on your design style, but I love a skirted kitchen island! I can picture it in your kitchen as a fun way to add more of your personality into the kitchen and hide some of the wood from the island
Keep us posted once you move in. I'm invested 😅
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what a great spot. If you can remove the wallpaper and border, you will see a big difference. Maybe paint it a green, as I’m a lover of black I would leave the light fixture, add a new blind or curtain, perhaps black wood tone. I’d consider covering the appliances as mentioned by DanielaAraya, for the countertop of the pass through could you cover it with a live edge wooden piece. Thinking some fresh flowers or a plant there would be seen from both rooms - double value. When selecting a backsplash if using faux tiles, and why not, perhaps attach them to foam board that you can wedge into the spot. If it were possible to frame over the island and change the counter top there - perhaps a large tile matching or coordinating with the backsplash it could easily become your focal point. Such a fun spot, hoping you enjoy the challenge, and your family appreciates the efforts.
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i have a very similar looking kitchen in my apartment! i haven't made a ton of changes (since i can only do so much as a renter), but styling the countertops has made a huge difference. i splurged on a Smeg toaster and it's been such a cute little focal point. you could also get some fun spice jars or a pretty utensil holder to make the kitchen feel more personalized/decorative. mine also came with a little built-in coffee mug holder (something like this) mounted underneath one of the cabinets, which is great for storage and adds a homey feel.
i'm all for decorating the fridge, too — here's a very easy magnet project that looks vintage and super chic!
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hi @DanaLeianne4869! I'm obsessed with the wavy divider between the kitchen and living room. have you considered contact paper for the cabinets and countertops? that could make a huge difference! if you're looking for an easier project, I agree with @DanielaAraya that swapping out the hardware would add some fun to the space. some greenery on the countertops would also add some color!
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So much potential!! @DanielaAraya said everything I would say. So really, I'm here for the results now 🍿 haha. Would love to see what you do!
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Would you ever vinyl wrap your appliances? I’ve seen designer Leanne Ford do it to a range that she wanted to be a copper finish, and people also temporarily cover fridges, too. The vinyl wraps are similar to the peel and stick wallpapers that feel more like contact paper versus paper-paper; they’re just thicker and more industrial strength, but they don’t interfere with cooking at all and are totally reversible. Just some other food for thought!
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Another option if you like the cottage core vibe is to lean into what you have. That wallpaper could be really cute if you played it up! I love the idea of covering the fridge. You could remove a couple of cupboard doors (save them to put back when you move out) and wallpaper the inside and create faux open shelving, add some cute rugs, switch out the bar chairs, add some cute vintage art and accents in the colors from the wallpaper, and switch out the hardware on the rest of the cabinets.
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@DanaLeianne4869 my eyes immediately go to the island! i'm really inspired by this renter-friendly island refresh by Katherine Thewlis. she covered her dated wooden island with 3D peel-and-stick tile. you could do peel-and-stick tile or even pole wrap!
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@DanaLeianne4869 I agree with the above comment, I think lean into the cottagecore since you know the wallpaper has to stay!
- try some new hardware! you can go more vintagey or try something a little more unexpected. i love these dainty pulls!
- hang some art! this would be a great way to turn the fridge into a display piece.
- swap out the valence for lacy or sheer panels
- plants!
- decorate with vintage/thrifted finds like glass bowls, ornate frames, brass candlesticks, baskets!
can't wait to hear what you decide! PLEASE send photos!
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Love this kitchen. To start - I LOVE a ranch and am an anti-fan of cottage-core. (Just had to get that off my chest). and tho you have some pretty intense parameters about what can't be changed, if you have the budget, I would experiment with removable wallpaper (testing a small hidden area first to make sure removing it won't damage the original paper). That will open worlds of opportunity for you. and yes - I agree with above suggestions of rugs, plants, varied directional lighting (sconces, lamps, etc); avoiding using the overhead will give the whole space more dimension and interest. (My overhead has never worked in my kitchen and the wall lighting I have is plenty great for snacks to feasts).
Congratulations - can't wait to see how you grow the space2 -
What this kitchen needs most are COLOR and some more light.
Will your in-laws allow you to paint the walls - or even the cabinets? I also agree with vinyl wrapping the appliances. Can you swap out the ceiling fixtures for something better?
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I guess adding a peel-and-stick backsplash behind the stove might work nicely - it would break up the wood and add a modern touch. Also, since the island is the focal point, maybe dress it up with a fun runner or some plants to bring in some greenery?
I’d also consider swapping out the cabinet hardware for something more contemporary to give the space a fresh update. Looking forward to seeing the results!
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Loved every single one!
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Oh I'm so glad! Thanks Lilly
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I believe you can buy new front panels for appliances to make them match. I might have found them on Amazon, but definitely online someplace. I also question whether peel and stick would wreck the wallpaper on the backsplash, if it actually is wallpaper, but if it is tile, you are in luck. If you want a bigger island, could you build or find a table, possibly on wheels, that is tall enough to slide right over the island? You could seat more people than two then. And keep the table after you move out.
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