Welcome to my apartment’s tiny kitchen, which used to be the tiniest, ugliest room in the apartment! Despite its flaws, I saw the potential in this space when I first moved in. The building, dating back to the 1950s, had charming original details but needed some love after receiving the “landlord special” treatment multiple times. While the living, dining, and bedrooms were spacious, the major downside was the small kitchen. As someone who loves cooking and shares the space with a roommate, the cramped kitchen posed a challenge, especially with the initial fridge placement. Let me show you.
BEFORE
The Fridge Debacle
One interesting fact about this kitchen was that it didn’t come with a fridge. The fridge you see in the “before” photos was an old one that we acquired from a friend’s boss. It was not only unattractive and leaky but also too large for the space. The placement of the fridge made the room feel even smaller, especially when cooking on the stovetop. Determined to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the space, I decided to address the fridge situation first.
By removing the old fridge and investing in a new one, I was able to free up space and improve the overall functionality of the kitchen. The new fridge not only fit perfectly in its designated corner but also resolved safety concerns posed by the old fridge. The decision to upgrade the fridge was a worthwhile investment, considering the benefits it brought to the kitchen.
The kitchen transformation continued with replacing the linoleum floor with peel-and-stick tiles, which proved to be a quick and effective upgrade. The new floor tiles added a fresh look to the space. Additionally, repurposing an old ironing board into a spice cabinet provided much-needed storage and a pop of color to the kitchen.
Furthermore, adding beadboard wallpaper to the walls and incorporating personal artworks enhanced the charm of the kitchen. The beadboard wallpaper was a cost-effective and visually appealing solution to cover imperfections on the wall. The final touches, including DIY curtains and a prep table for appliances, completed the kitchen makeover and turned it into a functional and beautiful space.
With a mix of practical upgrades and creative solutions, the kitchen was transformed from a challenging space to a delightful area for cooking and gathering. The renovation process not only improved the functionality of the kitchen but also added personality and style to the room. By making strategic changes and utilizing DIY techniques, the once neglected kitchen became a focal point of the apartment.
*Design by Mallory Wackerman
**Photography by Lyle Nelson