A Subtly Sophisticated Rental Kitchen with a Personal Touch

Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold is the Executive Editor of Cubby, and one of Apartment Therapy Media’s first full-time editors from way back when. She was The Kitchn's founding Design and Lifestyle Editor as well as Managing Editor of Re-Nest, Apartment Therapy’s late '00s green living site. She now thinks a lot about design, kids, and designy kids' things. She lives with her two daughters and their father in St. Paul, MN.
published Jan 30, 2015
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

Like many rental kitchens, Bronwyn’s Nob Hill, San Francisco kitchen has older appliances, Formica countertops, a stainless steel drop-in sink, and basic contractor-grade cabinets. Not much to work with at first glance, but Bronwyn had other ideas. (That happens when you live in the same apartment for 12 years, as Bronwyn has!)

She painted the cabinets — and made them two-tone — and added in a few little touches that infused the space with warmth and personality. Now it’s totally charming! Let’s take a peek at all the little details.

(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

As she shared recently in her House Tour on Apartment Therapy, Bronwyn painted her kitchen cabinets two colors: “Designer White” (upper) and “Admiral Blue” (lower), both from Clark & Kensington. The result is quite fabulous.

(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

My favorite parts of her kitchen, though, are the little details: the wicker pendant, ceiling medallion, vintage ice box, blue candlesticks, and painting shown in the first photo; the cappuccino machine, Heath Ceramics bud vase, and cheery flowers shown above. These are small touches that serve to add a lot of loveliness to the space without making it feel cluttered. (A surprisingly difficult thing to do!)

(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)
(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

I just love the contrast between the cabinets. The bottom color is so rich.

(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

This built-in cabinet was the best part of the kitchen, and Bronwyn has made the most of it. One whole shelf is devoted to her favorite tea, Marco Polo by Mariage Freres.

What a lovely little kitchen, and lots of inspiration for renters!

See the Full Tour → Bronwyn’s Constantly Evolving Nob Hill Studio at Apartment Therapy

Filed in:
Rental Kitchen