how to hack your tiny apartment kitchen

Sometimes, an apartment or starter home kitchen is flat out unattractive. But when you’re renting a space or designing on a dime, a total remodel isn’t practical or, in some cases, allowed at all. Not to worry, there are over a dozen easy hacks to upgrade your generic kitchen.

take off the cabinet doors

One of the easiest ways to streamline and style your kitchen is to install

open shelving

When a total demo isn’t an option, just remove the doors on your existing cabinets!

funk up your hardware

The standard hardware in your apartment kitchen is probably nickel or chrome and the cheapest knobs that the owner could find. Replace them with something that suits your taste! Just remember to store the hardware that came with the place, as you’ll have to reinstall it if you move out.

add additional storage without drilling

Shoe racks, desk shelves, and other small storage pieces will do the trick. Here, a tiny shelf fits perfectly behind the sink for additional storage space.

hang your pots and pans

There are several ways to hang and style your pots and pans. Overhead hanging grids are one option, or try a chic color-blocked ladder. The best part? More cabinet space for your baking essentials and dry groceries!

style your dishes and counter appliances

Don’t sacrifice style just because your space is small. Pare down to just the dishes and serving platters you need, then stack and style them as you wish. Don’t try to cram everything in!

hang a gallery wall

If your kitchen wall color is a bit heinous, hang a

gallery wall

to cover it up! Art in the kitchen is always unexpected and inspiring.

embrace the cabinet color (even if it’s unattractive!)

If you live in an outdated space, chances are your cabinets could be, say, burnt orange or mossy green. Don’t fret… just embrace the shade! Here, chinoiserie-style platters and orange accents were chosen to accentuate the blue cabinetry.

try a small-scale island

If your space is wide enough, add an island for more counter space. They come in stainless steel, wood, and even acrylic! You can even scoot benches or barstools beneath for additional seating when guests come over.

don’t forget a rug

If your kitchen tile or wood floors need to be covered up, consider a bright patterned rug or runner! They’ll add texture and color to your neutral kitchen, for sure.

hide those outdated counters

Hiding counters can be tricky, as you don’t want to clutter your surface too much. Try a larger cutting board for size. That way, you can use it as an everyday surface and cutting board if you’re preparing a meal!

conceal your outdated backsplash

If your kitchen has an unsightly tile patterned backsplash, you can easily hang a cutting board to conceal it! Try removable plastic hooks so you won’t damage the tile.

consider pegboard

If you’re stuck with minimal cabinet storage, install pegboard to the walls. It’ll give you an excuse to find cute and colorful cookware to display!

greenery makes everything better

If all else fails, add a small houseplant to your open shelf Greenery adds a bit of cheer to any space!

hang your produce

For dry produce, try a hanging basket! Storing it this way will free up more counter space for small appliances or fresh flowers.

hide your old appliances

Nobody really wants to look at your circa-2003 refrigerator. Take note of this kitchen and cover it with cork! You’ll still be able to display photos, recipes, and invitations, and say goodbye to kitschy magnets and that fridge exterior that’s seen better days.