Now that you’ve checked out my kitchen overhaul, I’d like to share some ideas of how to bring out the potential in kitchens that, at first glance, don’t seem all that inviting. The thing is, when you’re house-hunting, you have to have vision. You have to have the ability to look at a room and imagine it in a different color, in a different arrangement, with different furniture, appliances and fixtures. You have to look at a space evaluate both it’s actual state as well as its potential. When I found my house, the kitchen was rough (pictured left) –but I looked at its potential and saw the jungalow within (pictured right) :D. So today, we are going to practice seeing the potential in kitchen. Sometimes, a kitchen doesn’t need too much to bring out some wonderful character…
The Industria-Bo Kitchen
This kitchen has some great features, but needs personality, focus, and color huh? There are some industrial elements that are working in it’s favor, so if I were to redesign this kitchen, I’d go ‘Industria-bo’. (aka Industrial Boho). Here’s What I’d do:
The stainless steel sink is pretty nice and very functional, so I’d run with that and go stainless for the appliances. Since this kitchen is already plumbed for a fridge that dispenses water, I’d splurge on a refrigerator with a water dispenser. To add more work surfaces and storage space I’d choose an island with a built-in pot rack to add some height and visual interest to the space–then I’d hang colorful pots up there for a pop of color. Break up the harsh, industrial vibes with a colorful, patternful rug and paint those lower cabinets, maybe a fun (but not loud) teal. For a final touch, hang a pendant lamp that looks kinda industrial but also very warm.
Get the look: Island | Fridge | Rug | Cookware | Teal Paint Color | Pendant Light
The Retro-Bo Kitchen
Our next kitchen has some pretty serious tile. It’s a statement for sure, and for the purpose of this exercise, we’re gonna keep it–because, well, I love a challenge. And hey, the tile in your new home or your rental may not be your dream tile, but if it’s in good shape you can make it work–especially if you’re on a budget. For this kitchen, we’re gonna bring in a bit of a retro vibe. Let’s call it “Retro-bo”–because that’s fun to say.
First things first, let’s swap out those stools for something more fun and more retrotastic. Let’s hang some delicate pendant lights over the breakfast bar, like these simple pendants that recall the wood and the red in the stools. The simple white cabinetry is great, let’s just bling it up a bit with some fun hardware. Let’s add some visual interest to that back wall with some red and white wallpaper and finish of the look with this honey of a gold faucet.
Get The Look
Stools| Pendant Lights | Knobs | Wallpaper | F
Earthy-Bo Kitchen
This small kitchen may not look like much, but because it’s so small, you can make some more spendy choices without actually spending a fortune. For this kitchen, we’re going to give it an earthy-bo look–with lots of white to make the space feel and look larger.
First, let’s paint the whole room in a bright white, but right around the windows, where there is that interesting architectural detail, let’s highlight that frame by painting it a slightly darker, greyer shade. Next, those countertops have got to go. Instead, to go with our earthy vibe and for the sake of saving some cash, we went with butcher-block counters. Another economical, earthy choice, bamboo blinds for the windows. Now for our splurges: First off, a cement tile backsplash. Cement tile is pricey but you don’t need a whole lot of them in this kitchen to make a big impact. Secondly, a counter-depth refrigerator. Since the room is so small a counter depth fridge will create more open floor space. And then let’s throw in a graphic rug and a fun light to finish off the look.
Get The Look
Butcher Block Counters | Bamboo blinds | Rug | Paint| Cement Tile | Light Fixture | Refrigerator
And if you’re in a rental or you own your home but don’t have the funds to invest in a whole remodel right away, head on over to the Trulia blog where I’ve outlined some easy, affordable and not-so-permanent ways to update your kitchen.
*This post was created in partnership with Trulia.
ah, i love these 20-30s spanish style homes! perfection. ……are you going to get rid of that carpeting????
gotta be able to see that potential (watching house hunters is a nightmare. people just don’t see potential).
for SURE. the carpeting is the next thing to go–it’s already out of the living and dining room–now we gotta get it out of the bedrooms. Just waiting on our next paycheck ;)
Love the rugs you have on the inspirations boards. I’ve been looking for fun rug for my kitchen/dining space.
Melanie! If you’re looking for a fun rug, you should definitely keep kilims in mind! They’re great for kitchens — real hand-woven wool rugs are meant to last so they can usually be cleaned and repaired. The bright colors and many patterns are also good to mask spills — AND since many handmade kilims are usually the same on the back as they are the front, you can flip it over when there’s a really bad spill. We just brought a fresh batch back from Turkey — you can check them out on our instagram/floorplanrugs/
Awesome advice! Your kitchen looks amazing too! I’ve been there and it can be a lot of work, but it’s all worth it in the end!
Thanks so much Eden! It is certainly a ton of work–but every time I look at it it makes me happy!! so yes!! So worth it!! <3!
Woah, what an eye-opening and inspiring post! Seeing the potential in a not-so-great space is definitely not my strong point. But when you lay it out like this, it totally seems doable!! Need to remember that when it’s time to move out of the really cute rental I live in now. ;)
Hello Justina,
I litterally felt in love with the green tiles from your kitchen. It would be so nice of you to tell me where you found them ?! Can you please !?
A french fan ;)
Cyrielle
Hello Cyrielle! All of the tile in Justina’s kitchen is from Badia Design here in LA. (http://www.badiadesign.com/)
thank you so much for featuring our zenith cement tile! these combinations are gorgeous.
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I love the look of your kitchen! What color paint are you using above those lovely moroccan tiles? I’m trying to sort out a paint color in my own kitchen, taking the light at different times into account, and any suggestions/insights would be more than welcome.
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It’s a statement for sure, and for the purpose of this exercise, we’re gonna keep it–because, well, I love a challenge.
Well Said! Thanks for Sharing Such an Amazing Blog!
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