Depending on how long before the real remodel, making just the smallest change you need to might be the smartest choice. A small cart in place of the microwave table might be useful. New, inexpensive hardware would freshen it up. In stock Formica countertop might be doable. If the change was for the longer term I'd pull the fridge cab forward, put on a full side panel next to the fridge and perhaps put a real base cab in to put the microwave on. Or even move the fridge over to be at the end of the counter,, but it's kind of hard to tell space available from the pix.

I don't think I'd paint an accent wall. The cabs might be birch plywood cabs.

View from the other side. Kitchen has double oven, so obviously it would save space to switch to a regular range. Maybe a shelf for the microwave?

Hard to believe, but that leggy counter top was actually put in all these apartments.

Boos makes great carts, but ikea is better value. I'm thinking a cart, paint the cabs, fun runner, new sink and faucet, hardware. How much do you want to spend?

It's a rental, which will rent very easily, so any updates are just to be nice to the prospective tenant and to instill some "home pride."

Already planning on installing new faucet and sink, light, maybe some IKEA Grundtal shelves.

The cabinets look like birch to me. The kitchen is bright and clean looking. The white refer fits right in - I wouldn't worry about it at all. I think some new pulls would go a long way, maybe the cart you're talking about and a white microwave? If the counters are in good shape, I wouldn't change them either. It's not the "latest" in looks, but lots of good tenants don't care - they want a clean, well maintained, affordable space.

Dishwasher and double oven are both black.
What kind of pulls would you recommend? I'm not particularly keen on drilling new holes.

Also, the walls definitely need to be painted. The white is an "optical illusion."

What an odd thing to do in a kitchen. Too bad you can't get matching base cabinets. That would be the best fix. The cabinets look in good condition, why do you want to reno?

Yes to Grundtal shelves (love them!!) and a cart. I always appreciate your inclusion of IKEA stuff. It's fun!

I think your plan is just right; you don't need to do too much. Could the fridge be scooted over to the end of the cabinets, and put the rolling cart in its place? That would make a landing spot for the fridge and ovens. A microwave shelf is a good idea, too.

You could do dark pulls to tie in with the appliances that are black but I think it might look too busy so I would probably keep them a matte stainless or nickel. The cabs look like they are in good shape....I wouldn't go to the trouble of painting them...a good cleaning and polishing should suffice. I would paint it all the same color..maybe the same color as the rest of the apt. If you're painting the whole apt I would probably pick a color that is warmer but still very neutral.

I'd look for a tall microwave cart which puts the MW at eye level, provides shelves for storage underneath and will fill in the space more...not dwarfed by the fridge.

Thanks so much for all the feedback.
I was thinking about sampling SW Agreeable Gray, Accessible Beige, BM Edgecomb Gray, maybe Manchester Tan, and some off white.

Any suggestions for light fixture? I personally like track lighting in galley kitchens

I actually like the cabinets a lot the way they are. I would take out the thing with the legs, although that was probably for a stool: prepping and is there a phone jack nearby?

Track lighting would be good, the lighting in most of the photographs is a bit harsh and unflattering.

You could go all Mad Men on that kitchen. It's cute! It's trendy!

Yes to track lighting.....or 3-5 lights on a rail and you can just change it out using the same opening that is there now and not have to reconfigure anything.

Nosoccermom,

Are you in the DC area? A lot of the decisions have to do with where you are renting and who you are renting to. What is your budget?

I also think the kitchen looks pretty good -- I recall from a previous post you mentioned it wasn't that great, but it's a lot nicer than the falling-apart 70s kitchen we used to have :-)

Replacing the counter with legs is a great idea, we have a custom butcher block rolling cart my DH made and it's super functional. If I were a renter, I'd be really pleased if the kitchen came with a rolling butcher block cart!

I think the fridge is okay as-is. Tenants would probably just stick notes, pictures, and magnets to the side. Maybe that's what you could do, use some strong magnets to hold up a cute poster or something -- maybe one with inspirational words LOL. I can't tell if there is a broom rack nearby, so that is another idea for something that could somehow attach to the side.

If the ovens and stove are functional, why change them? Your idea to put the microwave on a shelf is very thoughtful, maybe the shelf could be mounted above the spot where the microwave currently sits, since there is not very much counter space available. Ours is on a shelf and I really like it. If the microwave is on a high shelf next to the fridge, with rolling cart underneath, then that will probably take care of the white fridge issue as well.

Track lighting can make the kitchen seem updated, so if you are replacing the lights I think track lighting, where you can aim the lights, would be quite nice.

That fridge would bug me. If you can find a counter depth in black to match the ovens and dw, I would go that route. It also seems like having it at the end of that run would be better than right next to to ovens. Then put a tall shelving unit for the mw where the fridge was.

Great feedback. Thanks so much!
Target tenant is a young professional, so maybe Mad Men would be trendy. What do I need for that?

It's hard to say for renters. Retro style might be limiting?

There are some cute retro laminates out, like these: http://www.formica.com/en/us/landing-pages/ja/homeowner/ja-homeowner-homepage/collection But an inexpensive granite might make more sense.

I like the hardware (from what I can see), but then I would, wouldn't I?

I agree with Errant the only thing that bugs me is the sticky outy frig. I would also want a faucet a bit higher to wash out large pots.

Are the countertops in good condition? Maybe they don't need to be changed but updating the faucet would be smart. Those Formica patterns that Fori linked to are fabulous and fun. If the "linen" one works with the cabinets in the kitchen it would make great neutral counter top.

The fridge as others complained is sticking out too far. Are there any safety laws for rentals or homes as to the minimum width of aisles in the kitchen?

If the walls are painted white to match the fridge, then the fridge won't feel so glaring. I like the idea of blackboard paint and it's certainly trendy although perhaps over used and on the way out. Plus the white fridge matches the cooking hob and fan. If you are keeping a microwave in the rental, perhaps buying a white one would continue to help integrate the white fridge.

I do like your idea of replacing that odd counter with a nice cart from IKEA.

I think if you could find a counter depth fridge on craigslist, that would be a huge improvement for that kitchen. Agree that it need to be on the end. Perhaps put a blackboard/cork board on the side of the fridge with magnets. I think recessed cans in the ceiling would be a huge upgrade and a big bang for the cost. A few stick up lights mounted to the underside of the cabinets, battery operated, would go a long way with renters.

I love the idea of a rolling or stationary cart. There are quite a few at Ikea. If you are already going there, maybe consider one of their countertops. They look nice and are affordable as well. I have accessible beige in my kitchen and most of my home. I really like it. It reads pretty beige/gray, but in my house I would say more beige than gray. I got some cute knobs for under 2.00 at knobsdirect which is part of build.com.

If you could find a great deal on a counter depth fridge that would be a wonderful and huge improvement for the kitchen. I like the idea of track lighting. I would throw a runner or small rug in their too. You could buy one for cheap on overstock.

Here is a crude mock up. I couldn't find a cart to add except this one due to the position in the photo. I tried to make your fridge look counterdepth and ss. I also added a neutral rug and changed your wall color. I thought maybe a map of your area framed would be cute. I am big map lover. Particularly the more sepia toned. Hope this helps in some way.

Wow, this is wonderful!
I'll definitely sample the Accessible Beige and the Agreeable Gray.
I've looked at pictures of others apartments, none of which have CD fridges. What makes this one visually more prominent is the little cabinet above and the empty space next to it. But, yes, I agree, a CD fridge would help.

I have Agreeable Gray, it's very easy to get along with and almost all decorating colors jive well with it. Nice mock-up Akt!

Is there a danger that a rolling cart could be mistaken for tenants' own furnishings when they move? Movers might take anything not nailed down.

It would be included in the lease, and there's a deposit....

I don't know...I kind of like the legs on the counter thing! Can't you
just stage it with a stool instead of a cart? That kitchen has nice
storage (although it's all over my head--one more reason for a stool in
the kitchen!). (You aren't supposed to stand on bar stools, though, are
you?)

I think a laminate backsplash (assuming you got something more interesting than the current laminate) would look good. Obviously that kitchen is screaming for a Smeg fridge, but that's not practical. Keep in mind that some CD fridges won't have nice sides (unless you stick with black or white, which you might as well anyway).

I think the fridge dominates as the ceilings appear dark and the walls have a tone to them, the photo above changes the balance of light color in the room and that's what you need.

I think you need the counter space, so I would mount the microwave under that cabinet, and then add a nice rolling cart.

Yes, I thought I'd add a shelf for the microwave right underneath the cabinet and add a kitchen cart.
A stool may be cute, but those legs are pretty scary looking in real life and not sure how sturdy that contraption is.

The ceiling is actually a little higher than standard --- advertised as a cathedral ceiling, haha....

Oh, and I actually started looking at used Smegs. Can you imagine that they sell for around 300.00 on UK Ebay?

I think your cabinets are cute! And if you want to "perk" them up a bit, I would suggest trying Howard's Restore a Finish. For about $10 you can really make them shine. Then use their Feed and Wax to make cleaning them a breeze. If you want to go a little beyond Howard's, General Finishes makes some excellent gel stains. They are known for their Java, but in your kitchen that would be too dark. But the lighter colors would really accent the wood nicely. Then you can use their water-based poly (can't poly with Howard's) for extra durability.

I think a microwave shelf would be great then tuck the rolling cart underneath it. I am attaching a picture of one I made. Cost about $300 to make, but you could do it so much cheaper with a butcher-block countertop remnant from IKEA or even a piece of laminate.

Enjoy your refresh.

Below is a brief excerpt and a link to an article I read today.

“…Peter sold me on stainless
steel.” He meticulously measured the counters and had a metal fabrication shop
cut the stainless steel to fit. A roofing company that made metal flashing
turned down the edges, and the couple attached the new countertops right over
the old laminate with Liquid Nails. Total cost for this DIY project? Just $350!
Read more: http://www.countrywomanmagazine.com/home-garden/kitchen-design-ideas/diy-budget-kitchen-makeover/#ixzz3au1M05GL

@Walnut. What a great little kitchen. So welcoming.

Wanted to post my update. Here's the after. I have to say that it is not that yellow in real life, the floor, in particular.

1. Removed the leggy thing. It was wobbly and ready to collapse. Added IKEA kitchen cart. Ignore the blue tub. Bottom black thing is the door drying after gel staining. I added a shelf for the MW. IKEA Besta, 5.00, has the ideal measurements.

2. Ended up gel staining the lowers because they were in rough shape and just sanding and varnishing didn't work. The veneer was thin and cracked in places and plywood started showing throw. Love, love GF gel stain. It was very easy and looks great, even from close-up. I ended up with three coats of polyvarnish, so we'll see how it holds up.

3. New cooktop (SS), counters, sink, and faucet. And, yes, I know, the 4" backsplash is BAAAD and outdated, but I couldn't decide on a backsplash so quickly and didn't want to risk leaving nothing in a rental, especially behind the sink.

4. New track light from IKEA. And new paint, one lighter than SW Agreeable Gray (Incredible White). The rest of the apartment is Agreeable Gray (LOVE IT).

5. I may replace the fridge with a SS counter depth. Or was even thinking about a huge black and white photo on the side. In the meantime, the IKEA Grundtal space containers will be useful and perhaps a magnetic knife holder.

It rented to the first person.

No wonder it rented so quickly - it's absolutely lovely! Well done!

The most dramatic change was painting the whole place in SW Agreeable Gray. I love, love that color!

Oh, and new light fixtures plus reworking this thing by removing the glass panels and putting a shade over it. Actually looks pretty neat with the brass peaking out. I tried several other light fixtures, but none that had more than 1 or 2 light bulbs, looked good, and was less than several hundred bucks and looked ok. Unfortunately, I have no close-up.

Looks great. I can imagine that the squared breass peeking out from under a shade on that fixture would be a very updated look. Good call. Just finished moving my son into an apartment. Wish his kitchen looked this good.

I have had 2 of those little Ikea carts...Gosh, I bet they are 10 years old now. Sturdy as heck. I put a few coats of varnish on top which made them easier to wipe when something spilled. They've held a microwave, pots and pans, and most recently free weights and a little tv. I just during this most recent move "donated" them to my little brother.

Really nice update and I'm not surprised it rented easily!