What changes does the landlord actually allow you to make? What’s your budget? $1.98 Thrift store? $998 Target? $4998 Macy’s? $9998 Ethan Allen? $19998 Boutique? Undisclosed Couture?

I had those color tiles in a previous home in San Diego. Are you allowed to paint the walls? A color consultant helped choose a color in the "burnt yellow" family (ie, not "lemony") and it was very pretty. What is your lifestyle in terms of dining? Do you have friends over that like to hang out while you cook? I have this large kitchen island from IKEA that's white, wood and stainless steel: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60323021/ Two stools tuck nicely on the seating side but it's also easy enough to pull some more stools over for a party or casual gathering. I'm picturing like for cocktails or an appetizer/buffet area. We put ours in what was probably originally a dining room off our kitchen but we use as an office/homework/library area. Something like that at counter height might suit your high window, especially if you have the flexibility to set up a small table elsewhere.

Sophie Wheeler, my budget is between thrift store and Target! I love to thrift and am patient enough to wait until the right piece comes along. The only problem is that I don't know what that "right" piece is just yet! I am also a shameless IKEA fan.

m_gabriel, thanks so much for the info and ideas! Painting is fairly flexible - it's a small enough space that painting it back to white wouldn't be a big deal, though the landlord showed me other properties where the previous tenants painted. I don't think they're too picky. I looked up a burnt yellow and that would be perfect for at least some decor/accessory ideas, and would create flow with other yellows/warm colours I have throughout my place. I was thinking of going with copper accessories, but I actually like the idea of sticking to silver for all metals then adding a pop of deep yellow for contrast and warmth.

I don't host a ton; my boyfriend cooks with me and my book club is over occasionally. But I'm now wondering if I don't have a great dining space because I don't host, or I don't host because I don't have a great dining space. In other words, it may not hurt to create that area so it's more welcoming to guests. However, I'm very used to having very little dining space so it's not a complete loss if the dining area is used in other ways.

If you can, I would move that shelving unit to the short wall beside the kitchen so the area is more visually appealing. Then I would look for a "gateleg" or drop leaf table for that area that could serve for two people eating or open up for expanded counterspace/prep/baking space. I would put it up against the far wall with some art above it. Once you understand what the limitations of the landlord are to changes, you can let us know. I don't think doing a contact paper on the laminate countertops is a good option. Distract the eye with some sunflowers or other accessories and don't worry about the countertops. Get a couple of comfortable chairs for the dining/prep area and perhaps some interesting shade for that window.

Liberty Furniture Oak Hill Drop Leaf Table in Tan Smoke/White 517-T4242 EST SHIP · More Info

Something like this could work well depending on the style you want, but this is the concept. You can store some bowls on the shelves in some yellows or colors you love. Two chairs and you have a multi-purpose space.

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A couple small scale chairs like this would work well and serve as additional seating for when you have guests over.