How can I redo my kitchen?

Laurie
by Laurie

I’m stuck in an ugly 50s galley kitchen with metal cabinets in a ren. It has ugly not flat butter cream walls, brown out dated flooring, white metal cabinets . I’m on a tight budget and limited by this being a rental any ideas? No wall space for pictures or ornaments

  13 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 30, 2019

    Because it's a rental, you may be forbidden to paint. If the landlord permits you to paint, there may be limitations on color choices. I doubt he'd agree to any changes without prior authorization. He may even demand that paint be returned to original color if you decide to move.

    You may only be able to introduce color via dish towels, curtains, appliance colors.

    If shelving is permitted, accessorize there. You can always change thins, seasonally. Add fresh flowers, area rugs, throws for your sofa, colorful pillows, etc.

  • Laurie Boboltz Laurie Boboltz on Jan 30, 2019

    Removable contact paper. Cover whole surface of cut out designs.

  • William William on Jan 30, 2019

    Before you do anything make sure you get permission from the landlord in WRITING. As a rental paint is your friend. Paint walls, cabinets. Throw rug on floor.

  • Pamela Pamela on Jan 31, 2019

    Hi ! Painting the walls or even just one wall works wonders , but with this being a rental you must get permission IN WRITING !!!!! even if it is in text form , screen shot it and have it printed !!! ( put with your lease so it doesn't get misplaced . I wouldn't use any drastic colors. I think the best thing you might be able to do is cover your cabinet door fronts with removable wallpaper . You can find everything from plain , traditional , or really funky prints , check out sites like wallsneedlove.com , tempaper.com , or artiswall.com. Then pick up one of the colors and use it around the kitchen..lot holders , dish towels , large bowl or vase , utensil holder , flowers..rug...Good luck !!!

  • Owl Lemgo Owl Lemgo on Jan 31, 2019

    Spray and emulsion

  • Shamrock Shamrock on Jan 31, 2019

    Definitely get permission in WRITING. You might want to try covering cabinets or walls with fabric. Use liquid starch to adhere to surface. When you move or want to change it, just sponge with warm water. You can even wash and reuse fabric. Cotton fabric works best. And cutting fabric with pinking shears is best for cabinet fronts.

  • Mary Mary on Jan 31, 2019

    The cabinets would have to be sprayed to look good. In my opinion I would work with the white cabinets by installing removable wallpaper or backsplash. First take everything out of the kitchen and paint if allowed. I would paint white walls as the kitchen is small. Coordinate storage on top of cabinets with baskets to store items. You may be able to change the pulls and light fixture and just replace the original when you move. You could replace the blind and window treatment with a Roman shade made from a fabric of your choice or woven wood to coordinate with baskets. Where the chair is install shelves or a rolling cart to put appliances on. Edit what you place in the kitchen as decorative accessories. A tray to gather coffee items and create a coffee station would work well. Have fun and just look at your space with fresh eyes. I think you could make it charming! Good luck.

  • Brian Daugherty Brian Daugherty on Jan 31, 2019

    Since you have metal cabinets you try decorating with magnetic coverings.

  • NotHermione NotHermione on Jan 31, 2019

    Dollar Tree has magnetic tins in 2 different sizes. I use mine for spices and some items like paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, punch pins, etc. Maybe fill with seasonal confettis. Magnets, smaller dry erase boards... I'm big on magnets, already made, or make your own. You can get strip or circular magnets that you can glue to various decor at dollar or craft stores. Pick vibrant color theme that strikes a fire within you...


  • NotHermione NotHermione on Jan 31, 2019

    You could change the color of those overhead fluorescents to a warm white. Would people grow better under plant-gro bulbs? LOL. Fluorescent tubes are cheap. The plant-gro lights are a tad more expensive. But you can take all of these with you...

    The same goes for replacing bulbs of a standard table lamp, or adding a free standing light with a colored light bulb. A light meant to be pointed upwards, would change shadows at night or on gray dingy days...

  • NotHermione NotHermione on Jan 31, 2019

    I put a piece of green marble berween the two sets of top burners. It used to be part of a cheese set. It also gives you another place to put a hot pot. How about towels that hang off your base cabinet pulls? They usually have bright colored crocheted hangers. If you're artsy craftsy you could make them yourself. I guess that the theme should be as proper or as casual as your spirit dictates!

  • Lizbeth Lizbeth on Feb 01, 2019

    I agree written permission is needed for many changes.


    I'm with Shamrock that using starch with fabric could work. I'd be careful about using even removable contact paper. Since the cabinets are old, it could pull paint off or damage the cabinet surface when removed. And you don't want to be charged for damages.


    I'd edit what is left out on the counters if you can, perhaps using a cart as others have suggested. Mary is also correct the area on top of the cabinets can offer a wealth of storage space. A kitchen friendly rug that coordinates with colorful accessories may take the focus off the outdated flooring.

    Maybe a plant near the window?

  • Ama Ama on Feb 02, 2019

    Use VINYL wallcovering. Wall covering adhesive that's appropriate to the actual

    fabric and metal (this will make the product strippable when you move or change to

    another style). A friend did this and turned her white metal cabinets into beautiful

    and washable woodgrain looking cabinets. Good way to cover old metal boxes (works on plastics also).