Kitchen Makeover: Small Apartment, Big Impact

When Evelyn sent us photos of her apartment kitchen makeover, we were excited to share the transformation. Her before-and-after story is a great example of how thoughtful, budget-friendly choices can make a small space feel organized, functional, and stylish—even when major changes like painting or structural work aren’t allowed.

I read your blog every day and your enthusiasm for decorating and great deals is contagious. I also love Target, Ikea, West Elm, and I even had an outdoor wedding with lemons as decorations. Our dining room doubles as our office, an extra kitchen appliance station, and overflow storage. Because we live in an apartment, we can’t paint or make extreme changes; we’re limited to hanging things on the wall and rearranging furniture.

Before the makeover, our microwave sat on the kitchen counter and took up valuable workspace. In the dining/office area it was tucked atop a filing cabinet that was covered with a black fabric—an eyesore—along with a laundry sorter and crates used for recycling. The dining set was functional but uninspired.

For the after: we scored the chairs for free and bought an Ikea Melltorp table for $60. We added an Apsvik cabinet that fit our needs perfectly. Although it’s designed for a printer—with a gap in the back for a power cord—we adapted it to hide the microwave and provide organized storage. I had an electrician run an outlet to the top shelf so the microwave could be plugged in discreetly, and the bottom drawer now functions as a proper filing cabinet. We used an existing curtain hung on an inexpensive $1.50 curtain rod to add texture and conceal the wall, and I waited for a sale to buy a cuckoo clock at Target for just $13. The result feels cohesive, practical, and welcoming.

Evelyn’s makeover is a strong demonstration of smart apartment decorating and small kitchen organization. Key takeaways for anyone facing similar constraints:

• Repurpose furniture: The printer cabinet became a discreet microwave station and filing storage—an efficient dual-purpose solution for limited space.
• Prioritize counter space: Moving bulky appliances off the kitchen counter instantly makes the cooking area more usable and visually cleaner.
• Choose inexpensive focal points: A pop of color in chairs, an affordable clock, and a simple curtain can bring personality without a major investment.
• Use vertical and multifunctional storage: Cabinets, shelving, and covered storage hide clutter while keeping essentials accessible.
• Shop sales and secondhand: Free or discounted finds drastically reduce cost while maintaining good style.

Even without painting or major renovations, Evelyn achieved an impressive before-and-after result by combining thrifted pieces, practical modifications, and a few well-chosen accessories. The red chairs add a cheerful accent, the curtain creates a soft backdrop, and the graphic art complements the space without overwhelming it. The microwave is now concealed, counter space is freed up, and filing needs are neatly addressed.

Fantastic work, Evelyn—we love how much character and function you managed to add on a tight budget. This makeover is a helpful, real-world example for renters looking for small kitchen renovation ideas, apartment-friendly storage solutions, and affordable decor inspiration. What do you think of Evelyn’s transformation? Which budget-friendly ideas would you try in your own apartment kitchen?