Ideas, thoughts on how to update my cozy apartment

Wayne787 · 2025-01-21T14:26:25+00:00

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Hello everyone, first time posting, but have been following AT over the years.

I will be moving soon to my cozy lil apartment. Here's some pics of the very 1985 (when it was built) kitchen, open plan living area. I love the older style of this place and the bag rendered walls, but that kitchen?? hahaha, it will work for now but will look at reno at a later date.

Any ideas on how to update the kitchen with a very tight budget? or even if its worth the effort or live with it and save up and do a full reno? I was thinking paint the cupboards, update the countertops and add some shelving to the wall and paint the splashback. not sure what colour yet, If I do any updates it will most likely be over Easter and then other local public holidays which I might use the time the. Any thoughts, ideas greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

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Comments

ahbeaty

If you could come up with an inexpensive way to replace the overhanging vent, that would be a good place to start. The layout is decent…where is the refrigerator? The cost of kitchen renovations has skyrocketed in last few years, so it might be worth it to paint the cupboards, adding some open shelving, changing the backsplash (wallpaper, faux tiles), installing some new LED lights/lamps.

TheWebLion

A very nice layout, and l love the views of palm trees from both windows! You can buy a primer to prime the backsplash tiles, and then paint the backsplash tiles and the entire two walls behind them the same new colour. Just go up vertically at the end by the living room. This will create a defined space. I would paint most of the exhaust fan the same colour, to fade it into the wall. I presume the fridge goes into the nook across from the stove, so a white fridge would match the stove and blend into its walls. Another inexpensive update is to change the door and drawer pulls, just make sure the same size and same hole spacings, maybe to a bushed nickel or chrome. You could paint the cabinets the same or a darker version of a paler wall colour. A dark wall and cabinet colour might be too much in a smaller space like your kitchen, although a navy blue could look really interesting on cabinets and backsplash, and then get a wallpaper that picks up the navy and the beautiful floor tiles colour for the area above the backsplash on both walls, once the backsplash is painted the same navy blue, and the exhaust fan navy blue too. You did not indicate the colours in your living room so maybe consider repeating a bold accent colour that you really love from there, such as teal blue, emerald green, burgundy or coral pink, for example, instead. Or pull in the green from the palm trees, if you like that colour. I would continue with the same countertops for now as they look in good condition and tie in with the floor (maybe they are real wood and just need a sanding down to reveal fresh wood, then oil them)? Then add your toaster, maybe a new coordinating tea towel, your blender etc and see how it all looks together. Adding wall shelving above the backsplash area in a wood to match the counter or painted to match the cabinets would add immediate needed storage for now. You may want some closed cabinets for storage in the future.

Wayne787

Thankyou both for your ideas, it's got my mind buzzing!!. I can't wait to move in. Only a couple more weeks to go now. I'm off to the shops to ook at paint colours, door knobs etc now haha thanks again.

InspiredCFSUK

A neutral-colored 2- or 3-seater couch near the balcony will create a cozy and versatile base for your space. Pairing it with a natural wood finish coffee table and a textured rug will add warmth and charm.

For the TV unit, placing it on the wall opposite the couch is practical and visually balanced. The gallery wall above the couch will definitely add personality mixing frames of different sizes with art or photos will make it pop!

Adding a floor lamp with a wood or light-colored finish is a great touch for soft lighting, especially in the evenings. And yes, plants are a total game-changer! A mix of large leafy greens and smaller tabletop plants can bring the whole room to life.

Finally, the antique mirror on the wall to the right of the balcony is a fantastic idea it will reflect light and make the space feel larger and more open.

All the best with your setup! 😊