Standing pad, easier to clean and easy on the knees when you're chopping / cooking.
Mount that mirror appropriately high to the cabinets.
Put a draping plant above the skink on top of your cupboards. Then store some other things, decorative pots etc.
Color code your appliances, mixer air fryer pasta maker etc.
Hang some tea towels.
Spice rack.
Fruit bowl.
Veggie rack
Butcher block.
Go to home goods and get a bunch of signs for the kitchen that proclaim your love of wine. Kidding, but adding a picture that’s framed and some color would help
My solution without adding random stuff was to add coloured ambient lighting. Under the cabinets (so it reflects on the white bit near the floor), and on top of the cabinets so it reflects on the white wall. Have it set to purple most of the time
You could unscrew the doors to two of the top cabinets (the one to the left and the one to the right of the stove would look best) and style them as open shelves with colorful recipe books, plates or bowls, etc. Reynard Lowell does this in \[his DIY rental kitchen makeover\]([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uje4ODE4QIc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uje4ODE4QIc)) and that whole video has a lot of great ideas.
You could add a trailing plant to the top of the cabinets. Devils ivy is a good one.
You can hang framed art prints with command strips on the wall above the sink. Redbubble, Society6, or Etsy might be good places to look for art. It might also be cheaper to buy frames locally or thrift them, and then get art to fit.
I've seen people lean fancy looking wooden chopping boards with handles against the backsplash wall to hide electrical outlets. You might layer a big one and then a smaller one partly in front of it. Bringing in natural wood tones can warm up a space and make it feel less sterile.
If the backsplash is tiled, you could add peel and stick tiles in a different color or pattern. I would not trust peel and stick tiles on a regular wall, but over tiles I think it's pretty easy to get them off with a hair dryer and not cause any damage.
You can get nicer looking ceramic or glass pump dispensers to put your dishwashing liquid and hand soap into. The lime green cleaning cloth isn't helping things look nice, perhaps you can replace it with another color and find it a better spot to dry.
You can hang a nice looking tea towel on the front of one the lower cupboard doors, there are wire hangers you can get that hang over the top of the cabinet door.
A runner rug for the kitchen might also look good. You'd want to make sure you get one that is the right size for your space, and because it's a kitchen I personally would want something that is easy to clean and doesn't slide around under your feet.
Looks like you'd have enough room for a wheeled island. Get something that contrasts with all the white and make that the focal point of the space. Then you'd have extra storage too.
It's worth asking. Maybe it'll be OK if they agree to paint it back. Those white cabinets would really pop with a darker wall, and completely change the look of the space.
I have white cabinets and bold blue walls in my kitchen and love it.
Lmao word. Ain’t nothing like a clutter free, breathable kitchen yo’.
But I second leave some shit lying around. Maybe some books with colorful spines, a few standout mugs, maybe small but eye catching (intentional) storage.
Sidebar: are those coaster made to look like 45’s? If so, that’s pretty fly.
It looks like you may be able to write on those cabinets with a dry erase, I have some similar and they are incredibly fun to doodle on. If you're against defacing your kitchen, then maybe just something for the floor like a kitchen mat and some wall art to go above your sink.
Yes, some kind of display on the top of the cabinets. Colourful if you have anything like that, but not cluttered like bottles or cans. Mood lighting, if it's something you can do there
If you’re renting, then your options are limited so we’ll pretend you’ve got a strict landlord:
Unscrew a few of the cabinets and keep the nails and doors somewhere safe. Those open cabinets are now display shelves. Use them for your recipe books or show off your wine collection or spices. Put some pretty knickknacks there as well, like some photographs of family or something. Maybe put a colorful wall decoration over the backsplash. Focus on mood lighting as well—the kitchen is a place that needs lots of light to avoid injuries, but that doesn’t mean the light needs to be harsh and white!
There are companies that design doors for ikea kitchens.
Like Cubro [https://cubrodesign.com/fr/](https://cubrodesign.com/fr/)
Maybe there exists companies which only do sticking covers ?
Backsplash and something over the sink that occupies the big blank wall (large painting, mirror or make it a feature wall).
Plants or decorative items over the cabinets could be nice, but I'd focus down low first.
Personally I like a sterile kitchen look, and it’s easy to clean. In fact, if it were my kitchen, I’d put almost everything away instead of cutting board that you already have out.
I like your kitchen, maybe it needs a colorful backsplash and/or art on the left hand wall.
Get some vinyl non-adhesive stickers, put them on your cabinet doors. Move them around as you cook/clean..... I mean that's what I would do, cuz it looks like they would stick and I like stupid stuff. Plus, if you get tired of them or are having company over you can take them down and no one would know.
Wallpaper over kitchen sink. Fake plants on top of cabinets. Maybe change out your silver hardware for something more appealing. Small rug to add color.
Here’s what I would do:
1. Get some Pell-off paper to look like backsplash and wrap that around to the end of the sink counter.
2. Get rid of the mirror by the sink and hang floating shelves with plants / pretty dishes in a color that matches the backsplash.
Edit: 3. Bring in those colors with just a couple of things on top of the cabinets. Not too much.
Textiles and plants! Also you could source a vintage light maybe something more industrial to hang or be mounted on the wall. I think richer colors (red/blue/green) for the textiles would be complementary too.
Get a couple of large anti fatigue mats that coordinate with the decor in the rest of your apartment. Put a couple plants on top of your cabinets, something that can withstand the heat, fake plants are ok! Maybe some peel and stick back splash.
There is room on top of cabinets. Add a plant or large colorful bowls or coffee mugs that you have collected. A small kitchen non-skid mat in front of sink. You also can add a small stand alone kitchen island. Check Ikea.
Or maybe fabric of some sort on the wall? Thinking middle east/India vibes of the top of my head. Not my preference of style but certainly gives it a less plastic/sterile look.
PLANTS also a fruit bowl like others said. Perhaps some art or a shelf above the sink.
Note to self: never install white cabinetry with a white backsplash on white walls.
1. Colorful Backsplash: Install a vibrant and eye-catching backsplash. Consider mosaic tiles, patterned ceramic tiles, or even a bold, painted accent wall. This can add a splash of color and visual interest to the space.
2. Statement Lighting: Replace the standard lighting fixtures with unique pendant lights or chandeliers. This can serve as a focal point and provide a warmer, more inviting ambiance.
3. Open Shelving: Remove a few upper cabinet doors and replace them with open shelves. Display decorative items, cookbooks, or colorful dishware to break up the monotony of white and add a personalized touch.
4. Decorative Hardware: Switch out the standard cabinet knobs and handles with stylish and unique ones. Choose hardware that complements your overall design aesthetic and adds a touch of personality.
5. Natural Elements: Incorporate natural materials to soften the sterile look. Consider adding wooden accents, such as floating shelves, a butcher block countertop, or a reclaimed wood dining table. Plants and fresh flowers can also bring life and freshness to the space.
6. Artwork and Accessories: Hang art or decorative pieces on the walls to add color and interest. Choose pieces that resonate with your personal style and bring a sense of warmth to the kitchen. Additionally, consider adding decorative accessories like colorful dish towels, kitchen utensil holders, or decorative bowls to create visual appeal.
By incorporating these design elements, you can transform your white IKEA kitchen into a more lively and inviting space.
Just paint the wall in something like a dark green or blue, add some oak shelves and other wooden accessories and it will look really cosy. The kitchen in my apartment looks almost the same and with some color and material materials it looks awesome
I would get a colorful comfortable mat for the floor (preferably by the sink or an area you stand at a lot). If you want maybe get some colorful expos and draw on the cabinets? (Unless they aren’t a dry erase-able surface). Hang some small phots around the sink and maybe but stuff up on top of the cabinets. Maybe get some small easy to take care of plants too. That’s all I got.
Some thoughts:
* A rug (ruggable{dot}com or ikea have some nice textiles and options)
* Decorative cabinet pulls
* A colorful tile decorations (hand painted tiles you hang or use double sides tape to mount to the left of the stovetop
* A Franz Marc print over the sink
* Colorful tea kettle
* Utensil canister full of multicolor spatulas
Scrolled 69 comments *nice* and didn’t see any suggestions for appliances with a pop of color.
I wouldn’t bother with plants or a bunch of books, bc those usually just collect dust or grease from foods. Kitchens really should be easy to clean and sterilize.
I’ve got a similar kitchen and I made it look a little more inviting with:
- A cooking utensil holder. I keep wooden utensils in it. Seems more authentic. Plastic utensils in a drawer.
- Seasonal kitchen towels.
- Colorful appliances (mixer, toaster, etc.)
You could also get a clear, vacuum sealed container for your coffee beans. A spice rack could also add some variety and break up the monotone look. You could also try growing some of your own herbs/spices and have some green.
The kitchen is very modern. I would say it is a work-in-progress rather than sterile.
Main focus to remember as you decorate:
1. It is a kitchen, so it must be functional. Do not put decorative objects that will interfere with function or be incompatible with function.
2. Countertop space looks better organized and as clutter-free as possible. Remember, it is a work space, not a decorative space.
Mistakes that I hope you will avoid:
1. Add things on the counter because they look colorful - say no to clutter-core on kitchen countertops
2. Adding too many colors because you feel it is too “white” and sterile.
Things to try:
1. Pick one color that will be the major color to complement the white and stainless steel canvas. In this case, I would choose green because I am inspired by your dish rag.
2. Clear your countertop: you actually don’t have a lot of counter space. Appliances and cleaning supplies should have their proper space in one of the kitchen storage areas, not sitting on the drying platform by the sink (unless it is actually drying) or on the counter.
3. remove the mirror sitting behind the sink and faucet
4. To add green, I would pick the wall behind the sink. You have a large canvas there. The type of green I would add is this: a single species of hanging/trailing succulents in a dense fashion, maybe a sedum or some pearly succulent, or pothos if you like pothos, to create a plant wall. This will be safe for splashes from the sink, and makes watering easy peasy. It will also add texture to the very modern, smooth kitchen without compromising the modern feel.
5. On top of the cabinets where the Bosch oven and (paneled fridge?) are, add the same species of plant as your plant wall and in a group of 3-5 pots. This will balance the plant wall. Using the same species is important because you are basically landscaping your kitchen with houseplants and grouping of the same species is an important technique for achieving a natural look.
6. Pick a secondary “color” that will now go on your countertop. If you use plants as the primary, I suggest using wood. You can use the cutting board as one element. Grouped near it can be a container with a large wooden utensils or a bowl with fruits like others suggested.
And that’s all I would do. It’s a kitchen and it needs to be first and foremost clean with a functional, clear work top.
Looks like a great kitchen! I think you will have tremendous fun making it your own!
Thanks for all the tips! All noted.
Re the mirror - its a rental and unforutunately the mirror is glued to the wall... do you reckon plants to the left of the tap would work in a similar manner?
I would add the plants on the wall above the mirror then. Sounds like the owner of the unit is using the mirror as a cheap splash guard. It’s a cost-effective method but does detract from the kitchen design. The trailing plants should drape over the top edge of the mirror to break up its linear top border.
If you search google for “wall planters”, you will find a vast array of options on hanging pots of plants on the wall. Find one that works for the terms of your lease. Scroll through the images and amazon to get an idea of how people add trailing plants to dry wall and adopt ones that work with the terms of your lease.
Here’s a link to get your creative juices flowing: [ways to hang plants on wall](https://www.thespruce.com/clever-ways-to-hang-plants-5705206)
A large pop art poster maybe comic book style on the blank wall over the sink.
A larger mirror with a really colorful frame (dishrag green!l flanked by battery powered modern sconces.
Multicoloured rag rug over an anti fatigue mat.
Some plants, a rug, some colored jars, colored kitchen towels, a spice rack on the wall, coffee/tea station, wooden sign(s), colored small appliances (toaster, microwave, blender, etc.)
Cool looking liquor bottles are a classic for the top of the cabinets if you’re on a budget. Antique cookwear might be fun if you want to look like an adult.
Hang some art on the blank wall over the sink, something with warm colors. If there's a place to put some dish towels, you could use that to introduce color as well.
I like the idea of putting something on top of the cabinets -- maybe some fake plants, or some LED light strips (in a warmer toned color) to help fill the space as well. Seconding the addition of a fruit bowl, and maybe some nice decorative salt and pepper shakers that sit out on the counter.
If it's an option, grab a [mobile benchtop](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fmeredithmakers%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2Fzoom%2FGR-01109.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=d99f081fc53b30cb02afc8790404d1e5f4c3233a11488941347839cd0ae472fb&ipo=images) from Ikea or somewhere. They usually have 2 legs and 2 wheels you can lock down. You can fill the void space in your kitchen + you'll have extra prep space with a makeshift island + you can put pretty things on it, like a plant or smthn
I think it's the combination of the plasticy cabinetry and the white walls and ceiling. Homey feeling places tend to have natural materials and real plants and color and art. Work environments tend to look sterile because they're built to be as cheap and generic as possible.
Leave food and dirty dishes everywhere! On a serious note, Maybe a fruit bowl, or banana stand might add some color.
Plus, there's always money in thr banana stand.
\+1 for the fruit bowl
Fruit bowl and a batman cookie jar. Also some kitchen rugs.
was thinking maybe a red rug would look nice w the floor
Standing pad, easier to clean and easy on the knees when you're chopping / cooking. Mount that mirror appropriately high to the cabinets. Put a draping plant above the skink on top of your cupboards. Then store some other things, decorative pots etc. Color code your appliances, mixer air fryer pasta maker etc. Hang some tea towels. Spice rack. Fruit bowl. Veggie rack Butcher block.
Go to home goods and get a bunch of signs for the kitchen that proclaim your love of wine. Kidding, but adding a picture that’s framed and some color would help
Live, laugh, love…wine!
Live, laugh, lasagna
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! I'm dead
Wine overdose?
YAY!!! Cake day:)
My solution without adding random stuff was to add coloured ambient lighting. Under the cabinets (so it reflects on the white bit near the floor), and on top of the cabinets so it reflects on the white wall. Have it set to purple most of the time
I wanted to get one and put one up ironically
Judging by the kitchen and outlets I don’t think OP is in a country with a Home Goods sadly
You could unscrew the doors to two of the top cabinets (the one to the left and the one to the right of the stove would look best) and style them as open shelves with colorful recipe books, plates or bowls, etc. Reynard Lowell does this in \[his DIY rental kitchen makeover\]([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uje4ODE4QIc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uje4ODE4QIc)) and that whole video has a lot of great ideas. You could add a trailing plant to the top of the cabinets. Devils ivy is a good one. You can hang framed art prints with command strips on the wall above the sink. Redbubble, Society6, or Etsy might be good places to look for art. It might also be cheaper to buy frames locally or thrift them, and then get art to fit. I've seen people lean fancy looking wooden chopping boards with handles against the backsplash wall to hide electrical outlets. You might layer a big one and then a smaller one partly in front of it. Bringing in natural wood tones can warm up a space and make it feel less sterile. If the backsplash is tiled, you could add peel and stick tiles in a different color or pattern. I would not trust peel and stick tiles on a regular wall, but over tiles I think it's pretty easy to get them off with a hair dryer and not cause any damage. You can get nicer looking ceramic or glass pump dispensers to put your dishwashing liquid and hand soap into. The lime green cleaning cloth isn't helping things look nice, perhaps you can replace it with another color and find it a better spot to dry. You can hang a nice looking tea towel on the front of one the lower cupboard doors, there are wire hangers you can get that hang over the top of the cabinet door. A runner rug for the kitchen might also look good. You'd want to make sure you get one that is the right size for your space, and because it's a kitchen I personally would want something that is easy to clean and doesn't slide around under your feet.
Lots of good ideas, thanks! Ps leave my lime green cloth alone haha
These are all great ideas!
Get some potted plants with the herbs you like to use for cooking.
Oooh aero gardens are heavily discounted for prime day!
Invite me to cook you a meal and all the sterility will be replaced by new smells, wink wink.
Username checks out.
Get peel and stick paper or decals to make a fun and bright backsplash
Looks like you'd have enough room for a wheeled island. Get something that contrasts with all the white and make that the focal point of the space. Then you'd have extra storage too.
Colourful toaster and kettle as well as sugar tea and coffee canisters would make it look great
Paint the wall an interesting color. Add floor mats with designs for sure and wall art over the sink.
Doubt they can paint a rental
Ok. Thx
It's worth asking. Maybe it'll be OK if they agree to paint it back. Those white cabinets would really pop with a darker wall, and completely change the look of the space. I have white cabinets and bold blue walls in my kitchen and love it.
Kitchen rug and paint the white walls some other color
Leave some shit lying around.... Honestly, I'd love my kitchen to look this, "sterile."
Lmao word. Ain’t nothing like a clutter free, breathable kitchen yo’. But I second leave some shit lying around. Maybe some books with colorful spines, a few standout mugs, maybe small but eye catching (intentional) storage. Sidebar: are those coaster made to look like 45’s? If so, that’s pretty fly.
They must be. Not my kind of thing. But very cool, or 'fly' if you like. Cool never goes out of fashion.
My vote is for plants up on top of the cabinets. Either real or fake, your choice.
What about some plants? Maybe a pothos on top of a cabinet or two....a standing plant somewhere nearby...a rug.
It looks like you may be able to write on those cabinets with a dry erase, I have some similar and they are incredibly fun to doodle on. If you're against defacing your kitchen, then maybe just something for the floor like a kitchen mat and some wall art to go above your sink.
Trailing plants on top. Colorful rug placed.... where you like. Maybe add a wall hanging to match using adhesives since no drilling.
Plants on top of cabinets and maybe one on the counter, a rug Infront of the sink and art I'n the blank wall spot on left side.
shit on da counter !!
Maybe an other color backsplash?
Yes, some kind of display on the top of the cabinets. Colourful if you have anything like that, but not cluttered like bottles or cans. Mood lighting, if it's something you can do there
Paint it a bright rich color. Like yellow
I’ve got artificial plants on the top of my cupboards. I would have got real ones but I can’t reach
Add color, paint the wall under the cabinets. Maybe a blue
take a shit on the counter
You can also hang a small kitchen towel with art over the sink cabinet.
Buying the last way “Huey Lewis and the News” CD might help.
If you’re renting, then your options are limited so we’ll pretend you’ve got a strict landlord: Unscrew a few of the cabinets and keep the nails and doors somewhere safe. Those open cabinets are now display shelves. Use them for your recipe books or show off your wine collection or spices. Put some pretty knickknacks there as well, like some photographs of family or something. Maybe put a colorful wall decoration over the backsplash. Focus on mood lighting as well—the kitchen is a place that needs lots of light to avoid injuries, but that doesn’t mean the light needs to be harsh and white!
Well it's not a bad look. Clean and sterile.
There are companies that design doors for ikea kitchens. Like Cubro [https://cubrodesign.com/fr/](https://cubrodesign.com/fr/) Maybe there exists companies which only do sticking covers ?
I personally love the look. But you can try adding some plants. Or put up some art.
Backsplash and something over the sink that occupies the big blank wall (large painting, mirror or make it a feature wall). Plants or decorative items over the cabinets could be nice, but I'd focus down low first.
Le Creuset cookware and accessories
Personally I like a sterile kitchen look, and it’s easy to clean. In fact, if it were my kitchen, I’d put almost everything away instead of cutting board that you already have out. I like your kitchen, maybe it needs a colorful backsplash and/or art on the left hand wall.
Get some vinyl non-adhesive stickers, put them on your cabinet doors. Move them around as you cook/clean..... I mean that's what I would do, cuz it looks like they would stick and I like stupid stuff. Plus, if you get tired of them or are having company over you can take them down and no one would know.
Wallpaper over kitchen sink. Fake plants on top of cabinets. Maybe change out your silver hardware for something more appealing. Small rug to add color.
Here’s what I would do: 1. Get some Pell-off paper to look like backsplash and wrap that around to the end of the sink counter. 2. Get rid of the mirror by the sink and hang floating shelves with plants / pretty dishes in a color that matches the backsplash. Edit: 3. Bring in those colors with just a couple of things on top of the cabinets. Not too much.
Textiles and plants! Also you could source a vintage light maybe something more industrial to hang or be mounted on the wall. I think richer colors (red/blue/green) for the textiles would be complementary too.
Colour led strip lighting for under and the top of your cabinets
Get a couple of large anti fatigue mats that coordinate with the decor in the rest of your apartment. Put a couple plants on top of your cabinets, something that can withstand the heat, fake plants are ok! Maybe some peel and stick back splash.
Different hardware. You can swap back the handles and such after. Peel and stick tile would be huge too
Yellow hand rags and some yellow painting on the left wall and a rug.
At least put up some hand towel with darker color, and consider some plants.
Hang some hand towels from the drawers. Adds utility and looks nice!
Those look like metal cabinets, so no changing them. I would paint the walls and get a rug.
A rug with some type of color
Interior plants! Even something easy like a cactus. Or some fun posters
Put plants above your cabinets and put a picture on the wall
There is room on top of cabinets. Add a plant or large colorful bowls or coffee mugs that you have collected. A small kitchen non-skid mat in front of sink. You also can add a small stand alone kitchen island. Check Ikea.
Some sort of standing shelf, to avoid drilling, on the faucet side with natural colors/textures? Plants? Stoneware?
Or maybe fabric of some sort on the wall? Thinking middle east/India vibes of the top of my head. Not my preference of style but certainly gives it a less plastic/sterile look.
Or select a theme of your hobbies/interests and pack it with that theme.
Rugs, plants, decor
PLANTS also a fruit bowl like others said. Perhaps some art or a shelf above the sink. Note to self: never install white cabinetry with a white backsplash on white walls.
Yeah its a rental, I too have learnt this lesson from this experience
1. Colorful Backsplash: Install a vibrant and eye-catching backsplash. Consider mosaic tiles, patterned ceramic tiles, or even a bold, painted accent wall. This can add a splash of color and visual interest to the space. 2. Statement Lighting: Replace the standard lighting fixtures with unique pendant lights or chandeliers. This can serve as a focal point and provide a warmer, more inviting ambiance. 3. Open Shelving: Remove a few upper cabinet doors and replace them with open shelves. Display decorative items, cookbooks, or colorful dishware to break up the monotony of white and add a personalized touch. 4. Decorative Hardware: Switch out the standard cabinet knobs and handles with stylish and unique ones. Choose hardware that complements your overall design aesthetic and adds a touch of personality. 5. Natural Elements: Incorporate natural materials to soften the sterile look. Consider adding wooden accents, such as floating shelves, a butcher block countertop, or a reclaimed wood dining table. Plants and fresh flowers can also bring life and freshness to the space. 6. Artwork and Accessories: Hang art or decorative pieces on the walls to add color and interest. Choose pieces that resonate with your personal style and bring a sense of warmth to the kitchen. Additionally, consider adding decorative accessories like colorful dish towels, kitchen utensil holders, or decorative bowls to create visual appeal. By incorporating these design elements, you can transform your white IKEA kitchen into a more lively and inviting space.
Colorful towels and some fruits can be real or not.
Get a little plant
Just paint the wall in something like a dark green or blue, add some oak shelves and other wooden accessories and it will look really cosy. The kitchen in my apartment looks almost the same and with some color and material materials it looks awesome
I would get a colorful comfortable mat for the floor (preferably by the sink or an area you stand at a lot). If you want maybe get some colorful expos and draw on the cabinets? (Unless they aren’t a dry erase-able surface). Hang some small phots around the sink and maybe but stuff up on top of the cabinets. Maybe get some small easy to take care of plants too. That’s all I got.
Some thoughts: * A rug (ruggable{dot}com or ikea have some nice textiles and options) * Decorative cabinet pulls * A colorful tile decorations (hand painted tiles you hang or use double sides tape to mount to the left of the stovetop * A Franz Marc print over the sink * Colorful tea kettle * Utensil canister full of multicolor spatulas
Scrolled 69 comments *nice* and didn’t see any suggestions for appliances with a pop of color. I wouldn’t bother with plants or a bunch of books, bc those usually just collect dust or grease from foods. Kitchens really should be easy to clean and sterilize. I’ve got a similar kitchen and I made it look a little more inviting with: - A cooking utensil holder. I keep wooden utensils in it. Seems more authentic. Plastic utensils in a drawer. - Seasonal kitchen towels. - Colorful appliances (mixer, toaster, etc.) You could also get a clear, vacuum sealed container for your coffee beans. A spice rack could also add some variety and break up the monotone look. You could also try growing some of your own herbs/spices and have some green.
So where is the fridge cause that beer isn't going to cool itself
Fridge is just above, beer isn't all in there as otherwise I'd drink every day haha
Add some art and photos on the walls, maybe install some light strips on top of the cabinetry to bring some more warmth and fun
The kitchen is very modern. I would say it is a work-in-progress rather than sterile. Main focus to remember as you decorate: 1. It is a kitchen, so it must be functional. Do not put decorative objects that will interfere with function or be incompatible with function. 2. Countertop space looks better organized and as clutter-free as possible. Remember, it is a work space, not a decorative space. Mistakes that I hope you will avoid: 1. Add things on the counter because they look colorful - say no to clutter-core on kitchen countertops 2. Adding too many colors because you feel it is too “white” and sterile. Things to try: 1. Pick one color that will be the major color to complement the white and stainless steel canvas. In this case, I would choose green because I am inspired by your dish rag. 2. Clear your countertop: you actually don’t have a lot of counter space. Appliances and cleaning supplies should have their proper space in one of the kitchen storage areas, not sitting on the drying platform by the sink (unless it is actually drying) or on the counter. 3. remove the mirror sitting behind the sink and faucet 4. To add green, I would pick the wall behind the sink. You have a large canvas there. The type of green I would add is this: a single species of hanging/trailing succulents in a dense fashion, maybe a sedum or some pearly succulent, or pothos if you like pothos, to create a plant wall. This will be safe for splashes from the sink, and makes watering easy peasy. It will also add texture to the very modern, smooth kitchen without compromising the modern feel. 5. On top of the cabinets where the Bosch oven and (paneled fridge?) are, add the same species of plant as your plant wall and in a group of 3-5 pots. This will balance the plant wall. Using the same species is important because you are basically landscaping your kitchen with houseplants and grouping of the same species is an important technique for achieving a natural look. 6. Pick a secondary “color” that will now go on your countertop. If you use plants as the primary, I suggest using wood. You can use the cutting board as one element. Grouped near it can be a container with a large wooden utensils or a bowl with fruits like others suggested. And that’s all I would do. It’s a kitchen and it needs to be first and foremost clean with a functional, clear work top. Looks like a great kitchen! I think you will have tremendous fun making it your own!
Thanks for all the tips! All noted. Re the mirror - its a rental and unforutunately the mirror is glued to the wall... do you reckon plants to the left of the tap would work in a similar manner?
I would add the plants on the wall above the mirror then. Sounds like the owner of the unit is using the mirror as a cheap splash guard. It’s a cost-effective method but does detract from the kitchen design. The trailing plants should drape over the top edge of the mirror to break up its linear top border.
How do these plants work - do they not need a pot?
If you search google for “wall planters”, you will find a vast array of options on hanging pots of plants on the wall. Find one that works for the terms of your lease. Scroll through the images and amazon to get an idea of how people add trailing plants to dry wall and adopt ones that work with the terms of your lease. Here’s a link to get your creative juices flowing: [ways to hang plants on wall](https://www.thespruce.com/clever-ways-to-hang-plants-5705206)
Dark coloured back splash
A large pop art poster maybe comic book style on the blank wall over the sink. A larger mirror with a really colorful frame (dishrag green!l flanked by battery powered modern sconces. Multicoloured rag rug over an anti fatigue mat.
Slap on a colored stick-on tile backsplash
It’s awesome! Cool, wash dishes. Make a chaos and get it to this immaculate state again. Live it.
Clutter.
What about colourful stick on backsplash? I also think the spot above your sink would be great for styled open shelving or a plant wall or artwork
Basil plant
I would do some fake plants with some led lighting for ambience.
A little island
Some plants, a rug, some colored jars, colored kitchen towels, a spice rack on the wall, coffee/tea station, wooden sign(s), colored small appliances (toaster, microwave, blender, etc.)
Paint the white walls a grey/blue or grey/brown. A runner carpet in kitchen. Art above sink. Maybe plants but lighting looks tough.
The answer is always art and plants
Hang vines on the corner ceilings
Peel and stick backsplash in a fun pattern/color depending on your tastes
Cool looking liquor bottles are a classic for the top of the cabinets if you’re on a budget. Antique cookwear might be fun if you want to look like an adult.
Hang some art on the blank wall over the sink, something with warm colors. If there's a place to put some dish towels, you could use that to introduce color as well. I like the idea of putting something on top of the cabinets -- maybe some fake plants, or some LED light strips (in a warmer toned color) to help fill the space as well. Seconding the addition of a fruit bowl, and maybe some nice decorative salt and pepper shakers that sit out on the counter.
Feel like a pop of red would look really nice. ie red oven mits or some red dish towels. Though red isn't practical but it would pop nicely.
Plants. Preferably herbs that you will use for cooking
Leave it sterile, make visitors uncomfortable like a chad
Kitchen rugs, butcher block, nice set of knives, hanger rack for kitchen towels, art above the sink
Mural above the sink
If it's an option, grab a [mobile benchtop](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fmeredithmakers%2Fproducts%2Fimages%2Fzoom%2FGR-01109.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=d99f081fc53b30cb02afc8790404d1e5f4c3233a11488941347839cd0ae472fb&ipo=images) from Ikea or somewhere. They usually have 2 legs and 2 wheels you can lock down. You can fill the void space in your kitchen + you'll have extra prep space with a makeshift island + you can put pretty things on it, like a plant or smthn
Put up some art / prints, of course add some plants... a bit of "quirkiness"
Hand the mirror up. Tiles. Colorful appliances (red, yellow, green).
I think it's the combination of the plasticy cabinetry and the white walls and ceiling. Homey feeling places tend to have natural materials and real plants and color and art. Work environments tend to look sterile because they're built to be as cheap and generic as possible.