If you move the china cabinet over there I think it is just going to make the area feel small and you probably would have to move your dining table more towards the living room so that chairs can be moved in and away from the table. It also appears that the light fixture above the table would not be centered. By moving the table it looks like it would block more of the walkway to the kitchen and livingroom. I think your large painting distracts (in a good way) from the floating fridge and really makes the fridge not important that it is floating. IMO it looks fine.

Thanks so much! Don’t know why it’s driving me so crazy!lol It just seems like an afterthought and out of place.

Maybe you can put in a narrow, tall bookcase right next to the fridge that's roughly the same height, e.g. an IKEA Billy bookcase. Would provide extra storage and/or a spot for your cookbooks. Or you could do a "hack" with one on either side and a shelf on top to give it a "built in" look.

I thought about that actually! But then I feel like I’d have TWO things that are out of place lolol
What is it with people who go “oops forgot we need a refrigerator”🤦🏽😂 Funny because they remodeled this entire kitchen before I rented it so bad planning imho lol

Such is rental life. I wouldn't sweat it too much and don't let it drive you nuts.

I love decorating and get the “itch”, so things are always changing in my house. Seems I’ve fixated on the fridge!😂 My landlords LOVE me as I have a tendency to go buck wild. Last house I laid all new floating hardwood down. This house has been sod, farmhouse sink, patio gazebo and soon a dishwasher lol.

OMG. Stop spending money on permanent materials for a unit you don't own! Unless your landlord is paying for it, don't do that! :-)

Can you put something like a boos block next to it? A little bit of "counter" next to the fridge to set things on is nice to have anyway.

Will look up what a boos block is thanks😊
It’s what I so Sabrina😂 it’s also why my rent is 600-800 less a month than the average. I have the attitude if I have to live here it will be nice💕

If I were going to put something there I’d want smthg with some functional use, a butcher block, or microwave cart, or bakers rack type of thing. The China cabinet would not make it better for me.

I had a fridge in a corner of a square kitchen once. (When we wanted to remodel, we would turn it to face the other side of the L.) We got a baker's rack to go against it (I think it's actually a baker's rack style plant shelf) and put the microwave and some canisters on it. In your case, a Boos block type of thing would be nice and functional--a mini island or cart.

Another option, since you are not afraid of good color, is to get a tapestry or other interesting textile and just stick it to the side of the fridge (magnets!). Then put your sculptures back where they are.

I am pretty sure that if you have to live there it will definitely be nice. I like what you have done. :)

You're drawing too much attention to the fridge with all the decor on top and stacked beside it. One thing you can do that will make living with it easier is to reverse the way the doors open, so you have a direct path from the open fridge to the sink/prep area. That's completely free unless you have to buy some tools to do it with! As for spending to upgrade a rental place, I used to do it but kept it to temporary things like slip covers when I rented furnished, or new shades. My LLs always paid me for the improvements when I left.

Thanks! I’ll remove all of that, reverse the doors and see if that helps! I always spend money to do upgrades to the rentals I live in. It’s actually MUCH cheaper then renting a house with the all the things I want. I should be paying close to 1800+ a month for this house & my rent hasn’t gone up in 4 years.lol
I’ve been looking at rentals with all the features I want and my rent would be 2k minimum a month. For a couple grand I can do those things here and waalaa, I have my happy little house.Lolol
I’ve thought about making a “box” with a small pantry/shelving door to the left of the fridge (picture side) that matches the current cabinets, to make it feel more intentional but wanted other’s opinions.🙂
Let’s just assume for the sake of everyone’s sanity I own the house😂😉

THANKS FORI!!!! It’s exactly the attitude I have! I have to live here so I make it a place I love being at! My landlords love me, I got cheap rent and have a little home I love!!💕

Maybe something like this? Lots of colors and patterns available.

REFRIG SKIN

Another:

LIBRARY-REFRIG

Thanks! I’ve also thought about that also. Make it into “art” lol 💕 Whoever redid this kitchen sure didn’t think it through that’s for sure!!!🤦🏽 It’s a TINY kitchen so who in there right mind cuts a hole into the wall as a see through, when that’s valuable cabinet space!? At least a half cut out so cabinets can be put up!🤦🏽

Love the library one!💕

If you turn the fridge, won't the back be facing the dining room?

You could get a screen (even if you don't turn the fridge). Like a shoji screen or something more substantial (and cleanable). Block off fridge plus a little of the entry and set the dining room apart more. And there is always a place for a good screen in a home (especially for apartment dwellers) so it's not a wasted expense to get a nicer one.

A screen wouldn’t work in the space. It’s more of an open concept kitchen/dining area🤔
I’m leaning towards building a surround for the fridge with a small doored pantry to the left (by picture) that matches the current cabinets? Not only would it ground the fridge but also give me storage. Wouldn’t be a lot but at least might make it look intentional?? But may also overwhelm the space? I’m very eclectic and artsy so looking at all different ideas.💕

HA!....maybe I’ll just get a large sculpture to put next to it!!!lolol That’s definitely thinking outta the box!lol

Hi Kathleen,
Have a look at this apartmenttherapy article. Lots of great advice regarding the “floating fridge” issue.

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-fix-a-floating-fridge-36818086

do you have some DIY friends w/tools?

This one is pretty easy, and cost would be less than $150? (actually the one shown below came in at $90) link listed

https://www.younghouselove.com/build-it-in-build-it-in/

Of course you would paint it.

paintable plywood. or some solid paintable wood. make a box for the fridge. paint, trim it out.

put some shelving on the side if you like.

you could even do some cheapo shelves on the side. (look on craigslist for give aways, or cheap oak cabinets people are selling. paint it yourself) make a coffee bar space

not difficult, not expensive. Maybe the landlord would spring for some of it IF he paid for the fridge and it's staying?

I added the link to the DIY one below the first pic. they show you how they made it. ($90!)

I was JUST looking at those Beth!!!!💕💕 Would be extremely easy and inexpensive!! The only thing that I’m hesitant about is if it would be too “heavy” for the space HOWEVER it would definitely make it look more intentional!!! I even just thought outside the box and went completely artsy and thought of a “false wall” by using a hanging macrame or tapestry of some natural fibers???

If you put in a pantry, would that allow enough room to walk between the table and corner of pantry and if you go shallow with the pantry it may not be worth it as you have to take into consideration the back and sides of the pantry, too. Might want to blue tape it out and see how it works.

Since you showed the pass thru above the sink, have you thought about putting some shelving in that spot for extra storage? I know it won't be too deep but might fit some of your decorative things or glassware. And I don't have an issue with your decorative things on top of the fridge. I think they also distract:)- I looked at those items before I paid any attention to the fridge-lol...

shelving in pass thru - Google Search · More Info

see through shelving in wall - Google Search · More Info

shelving in pass thru - Google Search · More Info

I think that’s a possible winner Beth!!! IF I have it built a certain way it would work beautifully in the space, ground the fridge and give me some storage!!!💕
I’m not worried about the landlord paying for anything as I’m getting ready to build onto the wall next to the sink about 4” so I can install a dishwasher. All I care about is making sure I get a long lease at my current rate!lololol

GREAT idea Tedbixby!!! I hadn’t even thought about doing that! And it would look fabulous! Thank you!
The “box” around the fridge wouldn’t really have more than 1-2” as I think I could get away with just putting a cabinet above the and just have sides? That way it’s not overtaking the small space but accomplishes my goal?

This is definitely my favorite! As it pulls in a natural element into the room💕

I want to give a heart felt thank you to all of you!!!
My service dog passed away Tuesday so this conversation has helped me take a mental break from the heartache & focus on something other than her lose if even for a couple hours. I appreciate all of your suggestions and kindness today!!!💕💕

Sorry to hear about the passing of your dog. 2020 has just sucked!

Playing off of Beth's ideas these sides would be much more shallow and may work. Probably deep enough for glassware and cans. 3rd photo- cabinets above fridge usually are so deep that things get lost and I think with your situation you could make this work so you have easier access to things "up there."

Kitchen designs with fridge alone | Stand Alone Refrigerator Design Ideas, Pictu · More Info

Kitchen designs with fridge alone | Stand Alone Refrigerator Design Ideas, Pictu · More Info

Kitchen designs with fridge alone | Stand Alone Refrigerator Design Ideas, Pictu · More Info

LOVE the top of the 3rd one!!!!! And a small can sized side would work perfectly!!!! Love those ideas!
2020 has DEFINITELY sucked!😢💔 I’m just taking it 1 day at a time as that’s all I can do right now. Thank you for your kind words.

You might hack one of these solutions.

Love it! Thanks!!!!

Is he/she a shih tzu? I lost my precious shih tzu to cancer last week. Hardest thing ever to have to make the decision to put her down. I think if her every minute of every day. Just wanted you to know you’re not alone.

IKEA makes a pantry with a microwave opening. You could anchor the fridge and gain more counter space. 🤷‍♀️

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/sektion-hi-cb-f-micro-w-2-drawers-2-doors-white-veddinge-white-s49390470/

The built-in idea is terrific. I would approach the landlord, tell him/her you want to stay a long time and will upgrade the kitchen for BOTH of you. Then talk about an extended (minimum 2 year) lease at your current rent. Any landlord who has a tenant willing to do the work to upgrade their property should be thrilled to have you. There are tons of horrid renters out there so give them a reason to keep you. I’m so sorry about your dog. Many of us have been there.

LR she was a mini Australian Labradoodle. She saved my life and our bond was magical. She is the love of my life & I’m shattered by her loss💔 I’m very sorry for your loss! Has been the hardest experience of my life as she came to show me what it meant to love💕
It happened quickly as I refused to allow her to suffer & she went downhill quite quickly😢 my heart hurts with you. I pray your pain lessens and she comes to visit you in your dreams💕💕💕

RedRyder: I’m getting ready to add a dishwasher and possibly lay some floating hardwood. But won’t do ANYTHING until I get a firm 2 year minimum lease lol

Beth H. : has the perfect solution for a short term renter - you can stain or paint it any color ... or wait to do so until you know your longer term plans ... and you take it with you if/when you move.

decoenthusiaste has the right idea for homeowners or long term lease -- long enough to invest in a built in you'll leave behind. Really like that second one.

Keep in mind, and tell the landlord, that a dishwasher will also stay. That should get you a 5 year commitment! Any landlord knows that a good tenant is worth their weight in gold. We rented out our house to three people and only one was respectful of the property AND paid on time. Your willingness to upgrade their property has to be a trade. I wouldn’t do any of it without having the conversation first. But it does sound like the situation is working for both of you so far.

We’ll see what they say. If they don’t want to do that....ANY home owner would be more than happy to have me as a tenant. I’ve got my eye on a house or 2 that I may move to, IF my current isn’t willing to do what it takes to keep me😉 Most landlords drop the price after I show interest because I always go into properties that need things🤦🏽 lololol....it’s the trade off to cheap rent.lol My last landlord literally cried & we still speak to this day💕

Twice I've rented the same property two different times because I loved the place and the LL loved me! Never hurts to leave a good impression. I've also rented homes to scum bags. Had one whose boyfriend was dealing drugs out of the house and I had to confront FBI parked in my drive waiting to arrest him! She left without paying the last month's rent, of course. Most didn't trash the place, but finally one did and I sold the property after that.

That absolutely sucks deco! I can’t imagine not taking pride in where I live.

good tenants are worth their weight in gold. I had property out of state and every month was missed rents and repairs. finally resorted to Section 8 tenants. They don't exactly care about the property, but at least the rent came on time. lost my butt on that investment and got out while I still had some money left. (and the 'friend' that sold it to me was investigated by the IRS!)

few years later flipped a trash house and have been renting to a family who are heaven sent. 7 years later, they're still there. If they need anything done, I'm there.

I'm sure your LL feels the same way.