My Cooking Station Is Now Complete
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I’m happy to say that my cooking station is now complete. It took a little while to get everything I needed to replace the stove that I gave back to the apartment complex.
I had been eyeing this highly-rated Breville toaster/convection oven for some time. Breville products are designed and engineered in Sydney, Australia.
Breville Toaster Oven:
The Breville Smart Convection Toaster Oven will bake pretty much whatever you want. I researched toaster ovens and convection ovens for months before buying this one for my cooking station.
I have not added much since you saw this just over a month ago. There’s now a tablecloth over the washer/dryer.
When in use, I pick up the tray and relocate it until I finish the laundry.
How The Countertop Contact Paper Is Holding Up:
I know you’re wondering how the contact paper is holding up. It’s holding up beautifully. I wipe the countertops down several times a day. It was an excellent investment for under $10, and it changed the kitchen’s entire look.
For those of you who haven’t seen it, here’s a before photo:
As you can see above, this kitchen was blah, gloomy, and generic. Now it fits my personality.
I had maintenance remove the stove to make room for my washer/dryer. Of course, I know most of you thought I’d lost my mind.
But now I love this kitchen. It has everything I need. Since I don’t use the dishwasher, I covered it with contact paper and painted every surface, including the refrigerator.
Now, this kitchen works beautifully for me. Do not be afraid to change things up to better suit your needs.
I moved the refrigerator not once but twice, finally getting it where I thought it looked best and where there was room for my washing machine. Then I had to figure out how to create a cooking station.
How Much Did I Spend?
What did I spend to resurrect this 1960s apartment?
I have a few prints, contact paper, the butcher block island I found at the antique mall for $45, the print above, and the washer/dryer. Since there was no plumbing for one, I purchased a portable washer/dryer similar to what they use in Europe.
I purchased the wood appliqué for the space under the sink at Lowe’s for $19.99. I also bought paint and new hardware for the doors and drawers.
The washer/dryer was the most significant expense at $1300. But with my ankle, I can’t drag laundry out to a laundromat wearing a steel boot in the ice and snow in winter. It both washes and dries in the same machine.
It takes longer to dry, so after a bit I take out the heavy towels and hang them over chairs to finish drying.
My purpose in this kitchen was twofold: to have everything I needed and to make it energy efficient to keep my utility bills down. I also wanted a cooking area without a stove.
How Much Am I Willing To Spend?
When you start a venture like this, you must ask yourself: How much am I willing to spend that I would have to leave behind with the apartment should I move? And what things can I purchase that I can take down the line?
In that light, I purchased very little that would have to stay with the apartment—probably under $50, and that was mostly for paint.
Everything else, including the decals, drawer, and door hardware, can be removed should I move.
Like I always say, love it while you rent it. Don’t abandon your dreams until you have “a better place to live.”
Life can be short. Live it now wherever you are.
You don’t have to spend much money for a functional and beautiful space. Even with the limitations of landlord rules, I promise you, you can still do a lot.
Changes I Made:
Moving the stove out and the refrigerator to a different location was no big deal. The washer/dryer works where the fridge once was because it’s close to the sink, as I have to hook it up to a water source.
My cooking station includes a microwave, electric skillet, egg maker, and toaster/convection oven. If I choose to move, they can all move with me.
Paint is your best friend. Many landlords will allow you to paint if you repaint it when you leave.
The contact paper comes off. I wanted to try removable wallpaper, but found it a bit pricey for my needs.
There is a way to take any-sized generic apartment and make it beautiful.
I call this “the little kitchen that could.”
Your kitchen is so inviting and adorable. I know that you had a lot of self doubt but I never doubted that you would do what you do so well. 🙂
You're right we do get caught up in what we think we're suppose to have. I have shared with you that my home is dying a very slow death. Can you say boring and awful. I'm not kidding. 🙂
Well, we only need what we use. And many times that can be altered to fit our own unique needs.
I think you should introduce Deputy Rusty to your adorable egg cooker. I think it would be true love. I'm in love with that egg cooker, anyway. We also like small appliances. We have a rice cooker, slow cooker, toaster oven and microwave oven that we use all of the time. We rarely use the big oven. If we had a hot plate to replace the stove burners, I guess we could get rid of our oven too. You may start a trend, Brenda!
I like the pops of green you are adding, such as the bowl of apples. I like that color as the background for the blog, too. So refreshing!
I like the pops of green too. Such a natural color, as in nature.
What a nice convection oven you were able to get with your gift card. Love the sweet egg maker too. You're inspiring me to make some improvements to my small kitchen as well. Your kitchen really reflects your style now, very colorful and charming!
I think every room should reflect it's owner's style. I believe it makes us happier to live in the confines of our home.
This is downright inspirational , especially in this time of down-sizing, living small , and being practical with a small income. I love your blog and what you've done with your apartment. Plus, I did not know there was such a machine as a washer & dryer in one , thank-you !
I didn't know there was a washer and dryer in one either until I started researching. It's on a 110 instead of a 220. It is ventless. And after your clothing washes, you just click it to dry.
Did the set of canisters with the red tops come in that wooden holder? Those are the cutest – heck, everything is the cutest! Love it.
Yes it did. Came from an antique mall in Tyler, TX. The same person that made those also made my red hutch in the dining room, and the red bench in the living room. I kept going to the booth and they would have stuff marked down. And bingo! That's when I buy.
Thanks, but I guess that leaves me out. They surely are adorable though.
Brenda, you can purchase towels at JCPenney called "Quick-Dri" and they do exactly as described, dry very quickly. When they are on sale they are under $10 and they are very absorbent and wash like a dream. We've had ours for well over 7 years and they still look brand new. Your kitchen it so cute, no wonder it makes you smile when you walk in, it makes me smile just looking at it.
Thanks for the tip. I really don't even like thick towels. Hard on my arthritic hands.
Thanks for the tip about towels. I find large thick towels cumbersome. Hand towels are large enough and easier to wash and dry.
Brenda, thanks for sharing your life and talents. I look forward to reading your post each morning while sipping coffee.
Thanks to Diana for the tip on the towels. I live in 300 square feet and do not have room to hang towels to dry.
such a cute kitchen…thanks for sharing it!
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG
That room was my nemesis. Now it is my favorite room.
It looks wonderful, of course. I have a toaster/convection oven. I love it. You have such wonderful generous readers, my friend. xo Laura
I do. You're right. I have always said I have the greatest readers. Not only are they loyal, but they're generous as well. I call them all friends.
I love it! Your last kitchen was charming, too, but I like this one even better…even if it is smaller. Enjoy!
I think I do too, actually. This one was a lot more work.
Amen, Brenda! It took my awhile to get into "nesting mode" in our rental home, but I'm with you that it doesn't take lots of money to create a personal space that's true to your style. I love your happy kitchen!
Jeanette
It does make my happy.
Brenda – you really hit it spot on. The kitchen is incredibly darling. I love it!!!! – Dori –
And it's now completely functional.
How beautiful you have made your kitchen. Would you tell me the color of yellow you used on the cabinets with the red handles? Oh, so pretty. Rita
I used Valspar. Started out with one of those little paint samples. Went back for more. The color is Golden Chime.
Hi Brenda, I love your kitchen. You are so talented in both your decorating and your writing. You have given me so many great ideas! thank you, have a nice day. debbie
That's my aim. To show how to decorate your home with ideas for a small budget.
Brenda, I love your kitchen , it may be small, but has everything to fix a meal and clean up. Your own decorating touches makes it special. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Small is good. Music to my ears.
Hi Brenda! It all looks so cute! You are so creative to think of all of these great things to do. Now, I may have missed it, but is the mama chicken and her chicks on your cabinet door – is that a stencil? It's sooooooooooo cute! You have such an eye for things. Love the little checks on the dishwasher door too!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
It's a decal.
I love what you've done, Brenda. It's you and that equals fabulous!
I think it's definitely me all right!
I remember how frustrated you were getting while trying to figure out what to do with that kitchen..I also had faith that you would figure it all out and do wonderful things with it..and so you did..color is a happy thing and you know how to use it so well..Congrats on pulling it all together Brenda!
I was determined, but doubting myself, for at least a month.
Really adorable, and perfect-sized for your needs. I agree with you on the stove. I have a lovely one, but use my electric skillet (sometimes two at a time) to cook most things. This cracks my mother up to no end. Loved viewing the way you make it function for you and how lovely you've made it to look at.
I think we get caught up on "what we're supposed to have." And lose sight on what we really want and need.
Talk about wow factor! Your kitchen is lovely and totally has your style every where you look. Such ingenious ideas to make the space your own. Fabulous, wonderful, amazing….not enough adjectives or time to adequately describe your cute kitchen! Jane
It took me awhile to get started on this project. It just seemed an unwinnable battle. But once I moved the fridge the second time, it all fell into place.
I think it's just amazing what you have done to personalize your space and make it work for you. Everything looks so adorable and reflect your unique style. Such a great job and so inspiring!
I just want people who think they "have" to live in a dumpy little apartment with white walls to realize that is a choice. Because they sure don't have to!
probably the cutest little kitchen on the planet : ) What great gifts! 🙂
I always say I have the world's best readers.
I could live in your kitchen.. It's so cozy and cozy is what you've aimed for.. Just think how warm and friendly it will be this winter when the snow is blowing..
You're 'something else" Brenda.. I believe that you've fixed your new "Home Sweet Home" like a doll house. Just the way you want it with what you had to work with..
It's wonderful that you got your toaster/oven.
As I said once before, "you're eggstraspecial".. Enjoy !
Charlotte
Thank you so much for the egg boiler/poacher/omelette maker!
Brenda- I'm so glad you love your kitchen now! If the kitchen is the heart of the home… well, your kitchen has HEART written all over it. 🙂 I'm glad you used the table cloth and tray idea on your washer/dryer. I've done that for as long as I can remember– and the finish stays nice and pretty. 🙂
I personally like the red check that you used. I'm still in love with that chicken decal… and am seriously, thinking of getting one for my deep freeze, that resides in my kitchen next to the refrigerator.
You make small house living…much BIGGER than I ever imagined it could be. 🙂 Pat
I rarely buy magazines, but bought one last week about small living by Country Almanac I think it was. It gave the impression and basically said that small house living is sweeping across this country. People in 3000 square foot homes are scaling down to 300. Can you imagine? I guess it is a trend.
yes it is very popular where I live I currently live in 300 square feet. I really like it and when I visit someone with a large home I feel like its so excessive and wasteful.
This is the most inspiring little kitchen I have ever seen. Perfectly charming in every way and it is so YOU! I love it. One of my very favorite details is that sweet red frame with the vintage dress potholders inside. I'm sending you a big big {{{hug}}} for bringing me so much sunny happiness with this post!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Well, I think no matter where I go, I will begin with the kitchen. It is so much fun to redecorate! Or to transform.
Brenda, you took a boring, generic kitchen and in your usual style, made it cozy, functional and beautiful. Kudos to you for meeting the challenge! By the way, I used to have heavy towels that took forever to dry, what I did was I ditched them (donated) and bought some inexpensive bath towels at either Walmart or Target, I forget. They do the same job but are smaller and not as thick, so they dry much quicker, just a thought.
These towels are ones I brought with me from TX. He HAD to have heavy expensive towels. I don't care for them. May just ditch them. But hate the idea of waste…
Think of it this way, it's not wasteful if they don't take as long to wash or dry, and take up less room in your closets. Besides, these towels are no longer for you if he liked them. Time to unload the negative Karma and get new ones. They are not that expensive in Target/Walmart. Get some pretty new colors!
Or cut up the old ones and use them as rags!
I agree. I have to plug a laundromat and when I buy new towels, I make sure that they are not too thick or large or heavy. I do not like them personally, and they take FOREVER to dry. I also have found that I can buy wonderfully nice towels at the Goodwill or Savers for just a couple of dollars.
So glad it's all working out like you wanted. You have put a lot of work in to it all, and it looks like it will meet your needs well.
I would never have been satisfied with the way it was when I moved in. It was depressing to me to walk into that kitchen. Now I smile every time I do!
love how you have made the kitchen work for you and a charming place to be in also. I just don't have the talent or vision for decorating I've decided. I'm still hoping to make my living room more me but it takes me such a long time as I don't really have the eye for it all. Love your gifts from your faithful readers, such generous friends here in blog land!
hugs, Linda
I'm always here to help you via email.
You know, I think it would be fun to see some pictures of reader's problem areas, like Linda's living room on the blog (if she were willing to share), and you could give tips for decorating. Then blog readers could offer suggestions too. You have such a knack for decorating, and doing it frugally, that I for one would love to see what you might suggest!
You've really done a wonderful job transforming your kitchen into a colorful, functional space for very little cost,
Brenda. Enjoy your kitchen and your new egg cooker and convection oven, too!
I will enjoy it. Oh yes I will!
Now you're cookin'! You have everything you need in a small space where you can easily work! The egg cooker is the best! And how great is that oven! We use our toaster oven more than anything else in the kitchen….well, and the coffee maker! And what sweet friends! Wish I could give each one a HUG! Have a beautiful Sunday! Hugs, Diane
The woman at William Sonoma said she gave away her microwave once she got this, because this is really all she needs. She occasionally uses her big oven, but she says this is far and away what she cooks in, as it doesn't heat up the whole house.
wonderful love how you really changed the look
Before I did all this, the kitchen was my most hated room in this apartment. I just could not envision anything that would fix it at the time. But over time, ideas kicked in. I love this kitchen.