When Evelyn sent us photos of her kitchen makeover, we were excited to share them. Below is her note describing the project and how she transformed a small, rented space into a bright, efficient dining and work area.

I read your blog every day — your enthusiasm for decorating and great finds is contagious. I love shopping at Target, Ikea, and West Elm, and I even had an outdoor wedding with lemons as decorations. My space is small and rented, so we couldn’t paint or make any major alterations. The dining room doubles as our office and an extra storage spot for kitchen appliances. Our microwave was taking up valuable counter space, and below it was a filing cabinet draped in black fabric. The area also housed a laundry sorter and crates for recycling, all of which made the space feel cluttered and tired.

For the after, we lucked out with free chairs and I bought an Ikea Melltorp table for $60. I also chose the Apsvik cabinet, which worked perfectly because it was originally designed for a printer and has a gap in the back for cords. I had an outlet run up to the top so the microwave could be plugged in and hidden inside the cabinet. The bottom drawer functions as the filing cabinet we needed. To finish the look, I hung a curtain we already owned using a $1.50 curtain rod and picked up a cuckoo clock from Target when it went on sale — I snatched it for half price, only $13. The result is a quick, affordable kitchen fix that feels cohesive and practical.

Fantastic job, Evelyn! This makeover proves that thoughtful, budget-conscious choices can have a big visual impact, even in a rental where painting and large renovations aren’t possible. A few highlights from her approach that readers can replicate:

• Maximize vertical storage: Using a cabinet with a cord opening allowed the microwave to be hidden off the counter, freeing up workspace and decluttering the kitchen.
• Repurpose furniture: The Apsvik cabinet was intended for a printer, but it functions perfectly as an appliance cabinet and filing storage. Looking beyond an item’s original purpose can yield smart, inexpensive solutions.
• Add color with accessories: A pop of red on the chairs introduces personality without committing to paint or wallpaper, which is ideal for renters.
• Use what you already have: The curtain was reused to create a softer backdrop and hide storage, proving that small, existing items can make a big difference.
• Shop sales and thrift finds: Evelyn’s free chairs and the discounted cuckoo clock kept the budget low while adding charm and character.

Beyond the practical changes, the makeover shows how small, strategic updates can transform a multi-use room. She addressed function first — reclaiming counter space and organizing recycling and paperwork — then balanced it with visual choices that feel intentional: the clean lines of the Ikea table, the cheerful red chairs, and a simple curtain to anchor the area.

If you’re planning a similar update in a rental or a small home, keep this checklist in mind: measure carefully, choose furniture that serves more than one purpose, look for pieces with built-in cable management, and add a couple of inexpensive accents to create cohesion. Small investments in the right places can create a room that feels custom and comfortable without breaking the bank.

Thanks again to Evelyn for sharing these photos and tips. We love the bright, functional result and the clever solutions she used to make the most of a compact space. What do you think of this quick makeover? Share your thoughts or similar renter-friendly ideas.