The kitchen is the hub of the home, and just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean that you can't give it some personality. Wanting your kitchen to be functional and stylish is a no-brainer.
The kitchen is a wear and tear room. It's also an industry money maker. The total market value of cabinetry in the U.S. in 2017 reached $30.3 billion, of which $19.9 billion was for the kitchen, according to a study conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Ready to spruce up your kitchen decor? We're not talking about ripping out cabinets, since you're a renter and not an owner. But there are design tricks you can use to make adjustments to what's already in place. It is, after all, one of the first rooms everyone sees.
We've organized 10 ideas to help you give your kitchen a refresh. From a farm-style aesthetic or to something more modern, it's up to you to bring your go-to look to life. Think natural elements, or hints of color in unexpected places, plus open shelving and more. Just make sure you get permission from your property manager first!
The ceiling is another wall you can use to change up the kitchen space. Why not glam it up? Adding a hint of color here is on-trend. If painting doesn't grab you, then add wallpaper for drama.
HGTV does it all the time (check out "Hidden Potential"). There are great mural options that are easy to apply (and remove) for a temporary lift of your space's decor, too. Just peel and stick.
Everything matching is not as much fun as mixing it up. Opt for mixing and matching heavy metals, for instance. Think knobs in nickel or brass. Or, for a modern take, go for a black matte finish.
For more of a farmhouse style, look for white knobs. Choose a counter lamp or lighting fixture to complement the metal or matte finishes, but not an exact match.
Paint is the most popular choice for cabinet facing, followed by wood, according to interior design blog Freshome. White will remain a staple, but green/emerald shades are emerging as a popular alternative choice.
Blue is the new "it" color. It offers a perfect base in a kitchen, especially when paired with hardwood floors.
Do you like the look of an open cabinet or shelf in a kitchen? It's a common trend that has a lot of haters, but it's still around! And it's especially strong in modern design and farmhouse looks.
Let's face it, wall-mounted cabinets above your countertops are the norm in most apartment settings. So, change it up by opening up your space! Take the doors off a few for the open shelving effect. Use the open space to show off your beautiful dishes and glassware. You could also DIY an open shelf, tack it to a wall as a kitchen showcase for heirloom collectibles.
Even with smallish kitchen space, the color will pop. Consider painting the walls navy, black or even forest green. These shades are Insta-worthy now for cabinetry. Real Simple recommends using a navy palette paired with gold hardware.
If you don't have enough seating space in your kitchen for a table and chair set, consider putting in a bench. It gives off a built-in effect for dining. Consider this a banquette hack! The bench will give you extra storage underneath. Think of it as a space-within-a-space concept. It will work as a homework station or office area, too.
Not enough storage? Is your counter space limited for prep and cooking? Stage your everyday stuff so it appears there on purpose. By making a stack of dishes, flatware and dish towels look like a still life painting, you're staging for beauty and function.
If you have space limits in your kitchen setup, consider adding in a couple of colorful bar stools. Even just two will provide an instant makeover! The stools will not only provide extra seating for social gatherings but also give you another place to sit to do work or chat on the phone. It's also a great spot for a friend to hang out while you're busy cooking!
Make your kitchen feel more accessible. Un-clutter the space and refresh the aesthetic. Countertops stacked with a microwave and toaster and dishes piled up aren't appealing to you or guests. Use a pantry closet (if you're lucky enough to have one) for storing stuff out of sight.
For a small kitchen, try using geometric patterns to create the illusion of more space. You could hang geometric wallpaper for a refresh of a neutral space, or incorporate a geometric design with a floor runner.
Mirrors are a well-known trick to create the illusion of a larger space. It may not be common in the kitchen, but an over-sized mirror on one wall that reflects a table or countertop could be a real statement maker.
Refreshing an apartment kitchen's decor takes some creativity. Make the kitchen your own by adding color, changing knobs, using a statement mirror on a wall and more. This is the hub of the home and should be a gathering place for you to enjoy, no matter the size of your apartment.
Susan Friedman is a lifestyle journalist with a background that includes real estate, interior design, architecture and kitchen and bath design. The former senior editor of Florida Travel + Life magazine, Susan resides in sunny south Florida and loves exploring the next great place to live, local culture and neighborhoods with cool vibes. Whether it’s in her own backyard or beyond, she has the pulse on what’s trending now in apartment dwelling and more.