Apartment Kitchen- Help me redecorate

[hotty_blond2000]

I did some major extreme spring cleaning by taking out all furniture etc in my kitchen (food is still there).

I plan to redecorate {rental unit so no painting etc}.
They are going to put in new floors and cupboards within the next 5 or so years.
The floors will be a dark walnut like, and the cupboards nearly the same dark wood.

What I'd like to accomplish:
*more storage- mostly for appliances
*a small place to seat 2 people
*colors would be bright pastel like, in my mind 50's nostalgic like 'The Wonder Years'

Here's photos....













So my question to all of you is how would you set it up?
I need some Ideas, layouts, links to possible furniture, etc
Any help is appreciated.

[hotty_blond2000]

Here's some ideas I've come up with so far


This is a rough layout of possible cabinet units I could make.
I'd most likely do them in 3-4 sections to make moving them easy.
It would solve storage of appliances and possibly some pots and pans.


This is a complete overhead layout of kitchen and backroom; except for cabinets above sink and fridge. With a layout of possible storage and table units.


These are layouts of other options like using plastic drawers with wood on top instead of a wooden 'bookcase' like units.

*I'm working with a space roughly 7' by 7'.

[hotty_blond2000]

Dad thought about putting a small breakfast nook in the corner.
Which would give us seating but no storage or 'counter' space.

I just had the idea of possibly using short bookcases from Walmart for my shelving.
Those would be a near perfect size I think to hold appliances.

[Cupcake_Moreno]

Buy some wall art first then look for antique or modern(for me I was addicted to ikea) small dining room table/chair combos.

[redredrogue]

For the 7' x 7' space, how about a high table with barstools with a "soda pop" shop feel? Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Chrome-Barstools-Stools-Vinyl/dp/B003A19UNO/ref=sr_1_12?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1341340891&sr=1-12&keywords=bar+stool+pink

New curtains would probably make the biggest impact. It'll be easy and cheap to make your own and you can find retro-reproduction fabrics.

Add pastel flour/sugar jars like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82761451/vintage-canister-set-for-flour-sugar This is very thiftable!

[JimBerry]

Since it is a rental unit there is not much you can do. But changing the color theme would make it a more bright place. Everything here is in only one of the two colors. You can change the color of the curtains and some bright colored wall hangings would also look good.

[shainakhan]

Nice home, but it seems colorless

You can try some wall art like vinyl art, stickers which are easy to stick and removable anytime.

Also get small plant can be placed in the corner of home.

[hotty_blond2000]

Its a rental, so *I* can't change the cabinets, but they are going to replace them, and the floor hopefully this year. *hoping*

I like the  "soda pop" furniture idea, except going with a high bar stool type chair is bad for dad {can't move well}, and me {i'm short] lol.

So far i did get one of those 5 foot white folding tables, and a brown pyrex bowl that currently holds apples.

I did think about the vintage canisters, I like the idea.

Vinyl wall art... I love that idea. *off to search*

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I'll update when i get some decorating done.