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How to update small condo kitchen and living room

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

Going for a simple, nature inspired style, with natural wood colours and plants.

Plan is to add under cabinet lighting and to switch to LED lights.

Looking for:

1) Flooring ideas

- We're thinking about keeping the flooring in the kitchen and living area the same- what material do you recommend? We like the idea of a light oak floor but am worried about putting it in the kitchen. Also, any ideas on colour?

2) Wall paint colour

- Should we keep it white?

3) Back splash

4) Window treatments

5) Any other simple, affordable changes. Note- furniture will be changed.

Thanks.




Comments (17)

  • 3 years ago

    Try a high end LVP in a light oak look for the floors throughout. This material is fine for use in a kitchen. Just be cautious about moving heavy appliances around on it unless there is something to cover the flooring and protect it. Having a unified flooring throughout will really help the flow.


    Perhaps a very subtle sage green so things don't look so stark.


    I'd go with a sleeker looking tile rather than something like a Zellige that has texture and uneven spaces.


    Window covering would be my final decision after everything else is in place.

    Tetra Xe thanked julieste
  • 3 years ago

    Thanks so much. I was thinking of LVP but have zero experience with it so I was unsure. I think it is my best option now!

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Here is a visual showing white oak flooring. What I would suggest to make your decor "pop" is mainly to accessorize. Starting with the kitchen island, I show a new ligting pendant and a white pot with greenery to stand out on the dark countertop. I also show a natural fibre entrance mat. You don't seem to have a dining table and chairs but have a chandelier. I suggest here a small rectangular table & 4 chairs, the end of the table can be placed against the wall if you don't have sufficient space to center with the light. If the table is against the wall you can loop the wire to place the pendant centered with the table. For your window, I suggest a longer black rod to extend on each side of the window so that the drapes stand against the wall when open which will make the window look larger. Your blue chair looks stuck in the corner, try to bring it in more into the room and have the side table close to it. I show a plant in a wicker basket, a floor lamp, and a few decorative cushions and a throw. Those are a few ideas to get you started...


    Tetra Xe thanked lisedv
  • PRO
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Just saw the note on lvp flooring, it's a great inexpensive option. Here's one from Home Depot showing the white oak.


  • 3 years ago

    Thanks so much! The visuals and accessory ideas are really helpful, especially as the current furniture pictured not mine so I will be replacing. I was pretty lost to begin with but I can see it come together better now. Should I keep the walls white?

  • PRO
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    If you send me pictures of your funiture ((or style at least) that you intend to buy (or that you already have) I'll take it from there to guide more specifically.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Even if you don't have a big budget, you can find nice modern furniture in places such as Ikea who offers surprisingly good quality merchadise with, for example, a 10 year warranty on sofas and chairs. You can also look at HomeGoods and Kirkland's (online and they also have stores around USA.

    Tetra Xe thanked lisedv
  • 3 years ago

    Thanks for the ideas. I'm in Canada so we just have Ikea, will take a look there! This is my first home so I don't have any furniture yet except a white Ikea Micke desk. I was thinking of getting a light grey sofa and wood and glass tables.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I'm also in Canada. I'll look and see if I can make any suggestions with items available in Canada.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Question: do you have a Structure store where you live?


  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I've adjusted a few items including a light grey sofa you mentioned. I've also put down the prices so it gives you an idea budget wise. I also included a colour suggestion for the white walls. Hope you'll like the suggestions, I tried to keep the budget as low as possible while keeping the decor interesting. Everything is based on the white oak lvp flooring you were interested in.




    Everything on this page is from Ikea except the dining set:

    TV stands and baskets are from Ikea:

    Curtains and rod are from Ikea:


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Thank you so much! This is amazing!

    I didn't know where to start with the furniture beyond a sofa so you have no idea how helpful this was. I really love the lamps and all the wicker. I'll probably slowly buy the items and I am definitely starting with those curtains!

    I was thinking of putting a desk in the living space. I don't work from home so just need a space to use my laptop and occasionally grade. Do you have any ideas for where I should put a desk? Is there space or should I consider one of those coffee tables that convert into a desk? I don't have a TV.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Do you happen to have a floorplan of your condo? That would help. Or perhaps it can go where the TV was to go... Even though you won't be buying everyting at once, it's nice to have an overall plan so that your decor will be well coordinated.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Think I've mentioned this before... When you buy your drapery rod, measure for it to extend past the window wide enough for a drapery panel. This will make your window look larger and the room brighter without panels hanging over the window.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    -- Do you happen to have a floorplan of your condo? That would help. Or perhaps it can go where the TV was to go... Even though you won't be buying everything at once, it's nice to have an overall plan so that your decor will be well coordinated.

    Definitely agree that it's nice to have an overall plan, which is why I haven't really gotten anything yet. I have not yet moved in so I have some time; didn't want to buy something I dont end up using.The only thing I have done is measure the windows, as you said- I can see that it makes a big difference.

    I do not have a floor plan but I made a rough one that is not to scale.

    Forgot to add that the only windows are in the bedroom and living room, unit faces south


  • 3 years ago

    Will take a look at those stores! I never realized I had so many furniture stores nearby; I only really knew about Ikea and department stores.