Apartment Kitchen Decorating Ideas

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Today I’m super excited to give you a look around my new apartment kitchen. While there isn’t a lot of room for personalization and decoration, I’m slowly making the space my own and adding special touches here and there. So, come on in!

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Apartment Kitchen Decor:

Moving from a house to an apartment has definitely changed the way I design and decorate. It’s interesting because, in my dream scenario, I wouldn’t have dark gray veneer cabinets with chrome handles. However, I’m slowly finding that no matter what you have or where you start, you can make your home beautifully your own.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

As you may already know, one of the first things I did to personalize this space was to swap out the light fixture. (You can read more about that here.) While it was a larger investment, the pay off was big, too. It instantly gave the area warmth, personality, and character.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Because a kitchen is a functional space, I had to consider how I was going to incorporate things I actually need. Items such as utensils, plates, cutting boards, and small appliances had to have a home.

For years now, I’ve been a big fan of Zwilling J.A. Henckels‘ cutlery, cookware, flatware, and other kitchen tools. So that’s who I turned to when I started to outfit my kitchen. You know I’m all about getting a good deal and saving money, but kitchen tools and cookware are one thing I don’t mind investing in. Because I enjoy cooking and baking, I want tools that will last.

Another point I should make is that when I was thinking about my new space as a whole, my goal was to push myself outside the box and use things that aren’t standard, typical, or trendy.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

With all of that in mind, when I saw this knife block set I knew it was the one. The light oak handles and the white block are perfect together. The oak looks a bit country, while the white keeps it modern.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Because I was starting fresh in this kitchen, I also needed a few pots and pans. I went with the ZWILLING Aurora Collection and got the things I would use most – two sauce pans, a stock pot, and a large and a small frying pan. With these pieces, I have what I need to be successful in the kitchen.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

I also picked up a Staub Cocotte, which is another piece I love to have in the kitchen as it works for so many things. Since I’m leaning toward green as a big inspiration color for my entire apartment, I bought my Staub in basil. Ain’t she purdy? Staub’s design, colors, and styles will always have my heart.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

And since we are in the kitchen, why not take a look inside my drawers and cabinets.

My apartment unit came with this handy mobile island with drawers. That’s where I store most of my utensils, flatware, dishtowels, and odds and ends.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Again, for flatware, I recommend spending a little extra and getting something of quality. (These are the one I purchased.) While there are so many beautiful flatware choices today, I prefer to have a basic set for everyday use. I love being able to just throw things in the dishwasher and not worry about them.

For items such as wooden spoons, measuring cups and spoons, can openers, and spatulas, my go-to source is HomeGoods. They have a huge selection of kitchen utensils, and I was able to get what I needed in a few visits to the store. If you’re a diligent shopper, you can get name brands and quality products at excellent prices.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

I was also lucky enough to find some oak handle steak knives that match my knife block set. (Even though they’re from different manufacturers, the woods look great together.)

I can also count on HomeGoods for cute cutting boards. That’s where I found the two I have leaning up against the backsplash.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

In the kitchen especially, I like decorating with functional items. I use the cutting boards for serving goodies (which I did with my Really Good Blueberry Muffins). When not in use, however, they add warmth and character to my countertop.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

The marble utensil holder and marble paper towel holder were scored at Target.

For plates and glassware, I hit up Crate & Barrel. Again, I love me some funky plates and drinking glasses, but I always use white plates and clear glassware for everyday meals. These items will look great, no matter what I’m serving or how my style changes.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

As you can see, I went with a more modern design. It’s the Hue Dinnerware which is a reasonably priced option. Love ’em!

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

For glassware, I purchased highball glasses, old-fashioned glasses, and martini glasses from the Tour Collection. I then picked up these margarita glasses from CB2. Of course, they work great for margaritas, but I also like to use to use them as serving bowls which I did here with my yogurt and granola.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

In terms of small appliances, I was fortunate to have an extra KitchenAid mixer that worked perfectly in my space. I’m storing it on this wood block stand which I’ll talk about in another post.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

I splurged a bit on my coffee pot because I love my coffee. This is the Technivorm Moccamaster which I also have at my St. Marys home. In my opinion, it does make a better cup of coffee. I also love that it brews pretty quickly and looks fabulous on my counter.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

I picked up these coffee mugs from Anthropologie. While I love the mugs, they are not dishwasher or microwave safe, so that’s a bit of a bummer. I’m currently on the hunt for a better alternative.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Last, but certainly not least, I bought this amazing paint-by-number mountain scene on a recent trip to Round Top, Texas. (I’ll be blogging about that soon.)

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be the perfect addition to my kitchen and would serve as a fun and beautiful little “window” above my sink. It’s little details like this that make a space special, unique, and personal. (Plus, it was only $26!)

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

I think that’s it, friends! Ways to take an apartment kitchen from drab to fab, plus a few tips if you’re starting fresh in a new kitchen space. I hope this was helpful in some way.

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm
Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Tips and Ideas for styling and stocking an apartment kitchen. | Inspired by Charm

Have a fabulous day. I’ll meet you back here soon for more ideas and tips for creating your happy place!

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20 Comments

  1. Great post. Articles that have pregnant and perceptive comments ar more pleasant, a minimum of to pine State. It’s fascinating to browse what others thought and conjointly the approach it relates to them or their purchasers, as their perspective might altogether likelihood assist you at intervals the long term.

  2. Your kitchen is almost identical to ours!

    How did you hang the framed picture? Did you drill screws into the tile or use Command strips, or did you come up with something clever that the rest of us would never have thought of?

  3. I LOVED this tour, M. This new place looks good on you! Everything is so sharp and photogenic. You must be beside yourself with all that natural light!

    You may not have chosen those cupboards, but from over here, you’ve made them positively SING and turned them into you regardless. The dk grey/white look is super striking!

  4. Michael, You are gifted. I think you could take almost nothing, and turn it into something beautiful! Enjoy your new apartment. Pittsburgh is a fabulous city!!! Lots to do! Keep us updated.

  5. I always admire how you mix items from different eras, places, designers, and manufacturers. Of course, the common denominator is YOU. The rustic kitsch of the paint-by-number scene is the perfect counterpoint to the modern tile and cabinets!

    1. Thank you so much! I always try and stick to one style, but my heart loves so much, that never quite works. Might as well embrace it!

      xo Michael

    1. Jennifer,

      Thank you! I appreciate that so much! The island cutting board was also a HomeGoods find. It was on clearance too!

      xo Michael

  6. Love it! We also love the Tour C&B glasses – we have the water glasses and stemless champagne glasses (this momma loves a mimosa). Beautiful job, as always!

    1. It’s just artwork that was created using a paint-by-number. Meaning, the scene is drawn out and sectioned off. Each section is then given a number and you add paint to each section according to the given number. Hopefully that makes sense. And yes, it’s very similar to paint books for kids.

      xo Michael

  7. I really love to see pics of your new space! I have been trying to take some design cues from your apartment for my basement…may sound weird, but I trying to have a more masculine look as I have three sons and it will be mostly their living space. I especially love the green and grey and the vintage/industrial vibe. You should really consider doing some designing for others online (and charge a fee)-you are so good at gathering and bringing it all together. 🙂 I can’t tell you how much I love the lighting and the paint by number painting! Nice job, Michael!