Can you use front room as dining room? Is there another room that can be used as the living room?

This layout kinda reminds me of a Houzz video with Gordon Ramsey. Google it. Should give you LOADS of inspiration. If I remember correctly they did a living and dining in the front room the kitchen cabinets went along the entire length of the kitchen. As far as the closet... what’s with the bathroom situation there. Do you want to convert that to a bathroom ?

OP is renting, so I don't think they can convert anything to a bathroom!

I agree with Elaine Doremus. Move the fridge to the opposite wall where all the little pieces are and get a movable island to have a counter to the side where the door opens. With a movable island you can then put it closer to the stove for counter space when you are cooking. If you Google "movable kitchen islands" that should bring up quite a few. Wayfair.com would also be a good place to look. Free delivery!

They are out of stock on the white one, but since you have other black things in there it should be all right. Reasonably priced, too.

Fridge was moved on you, put it back where it belongs on the opposite wall from the sink.

The fridge should be on a separate circuit keep that in mind if you choose to move it.

This is an old house chances are the fridge will not be on its own circuit. That wall mentioned is a perfect spot for fridge and pantry units Ikea has many quite affordable and will make that space a lot better Even a 12” deep cabinet with the fridge away from the doorway could work. Do you need the 2nd bedroom as a bedroom . I like the idea of the large closet ar if you don’t need the closet space a nice spot for a TV and a couple of chairs to take the TV out of the LR. Chances are the stove will need to remain whaere it is since moving that would require a gas line move. If you post a to scale plan of the LR you will probably get some good ideas for furniture layout so a plan that shows all windows, doorways and the FP all measurements clearly marked too.Please make sure in the kitchen drawing you give us the depth of that space where we suggest the fridge and pantries.

Thank you everyone for your input and ideas! I have not yet moved in, so the current furnishings are not mine. After some consideration, I think that adding two or so Ikea cabinets to the empty wall in the kitchen (I obviously need to get measurements, etc)in white and a faux natural wood color (opposite of the other cabinets) would help. I could then add a thin pantry the same height as the refrigerator. I would also add natural wood color floating shelves above the cabinets and possibly also over the fridge/pantry.

Depending on the cost, I might also consider buying a white retro refrigerator and putting the one currently in the kitchen in the basement.

The living room would likely also benefit from some faux (Ikea hacked) built-ins surrounding the fireplace. There is a dining room that I did not include photos of, so the space is not as tight as it may seem.

In the upper closet/small room I will likely take down the shelving and add a more efficient closet rack on the right side. I will install a curtain rod in front attached at each wall to cover the clothes. I will use the left side as a home office.

If any of you have experience with Ikea hacked temporary built-in units, please let me know! I plan to do a mix of DIY and hired help to make the process go smoothly. Any tips for finishing touches to make the final product look more upscale would be appreciated.

Finally, I would love suggestions for: adding storage/covering pipes under a bathroom sink; decorating/organizing a partially finished basement space; making the most of a small backyard patio.

Will you be watching programs in the LR? You might consider chairs instead of a sofa, 3 or 4 around a table in front of the fireplace.

@bpath I think you're right. Chairs or even two facing loveseats would suit the room better. Unfortunately, I have a long sofa that I'm locked into using for the next couple years.

Is there a door to the left of the stove? It looks like the trim goes vertical there. If so, it might get regularly used, thus the bench there.

I would use front room as formal dining room, and use dining room as LR. Can you post a pic of dining room?

@beesneeds There is a door to the left of the stove--to the back patio. This is the primary challenge of the home and the kitchen in general. The walkway takes about two feet off each room and gives the home somewhat of a "shotgun" feel. This is quite a challenge for the kitchen in particular. You should be able to see in some of the pictures I'll include below.

@freedomplace1 A dining room with fireplace could be gorgeous.

I've attached photos of the dining room here. It could easily work as a living room, but I'm worried the living area would lose some of its charm and it would be quite a trek from the kitchen to the table.

I would keep the dining room a dining room. Like you said, you would have to trek through the LR to get to the DR if you reversed it. Plus, there is only that small window in the DR. I think it's a cute house for a rental--full of charm. Are you a single, have kids? Looks like a nice space for one or a single mom with one child.

You could use a serving cart to transport food from kitchen to DR.

Also, could there be a place for table and chairs or banquette seating in kitchen, for more casual dining?

Just some ideas for you. Ultimately a personal decision. Whatever works best for you. :)

If you can swing that fridge over to the big wall... you could keep a bench spot to the right on that wall (and to the left of the door)- keep a spot open for that door out to the back yard, especially with the stove to the right of the door. Maybe a shorter bench, but add in hooks or shelves above for whatever.

To the left of the fridge on the open wall, you could put a lot of cabinet, shelves, etc.

Where the fridge currently is, you could do a set of nesting tables to give you counter space that can be added to as needed. Or perhaps a murphy table on that wall.