When you say she has been renting out the space, you mean that she owns this space and is leasing it to renters correct? If so, have tenants been renting it? Is it continually occupied?

The floor, counters, backsplash and wall color are all neutral. I would not decorate the space. Leave it up to the renters to do that.

I would not add any temporary decor or coverings as they don't wear well and will just make the place seem uncared for.

Working fixtures with LED bulbs is all this space needs. If it’s clean and dust free, it’s ready for the renters. If you feel you need to do more, change the kitchen hardware to a light brass as suggested by Lantern.

I think all you need to do is install some recessed lighting in the ceiling and paint. Kitchen lighting should illuminate the countertops. If there is a light in the exhaust hood over the range you don't need anything additional there, but you should have a light over the sink, a light over the counter to the right of the sink, and a light over the counter opposite the sink. In a pinch, use a semi-flush fixture in the middle of the ceiling. Lamps don't cut it in a kitchen.

I can't see the forest for the trees honestly a 9 yr old picture of a space with no lighting to show us the space ???? How do you want us to help. Who's stuff was that everywhere ? Not sure what you mean by rawest form of the space . This is a cluttered mess what does it look like now ? Better lighting for sure and lots of it. Is it rented furnished ? If so we need to see the furniture that is there now .The lamp on the counter says it all you need lighting. I have no idea what the wall color is Waht I can see is fine but too much stuff .

being dark oak, its easy to fill the holes to good result ...then get hardware down where it belongs on the cabinets. Removal of the shelf above kitchen window would be on my list right away. Buy a nice solar shade or something for that window. Are those porch lights flanking the living room window? Get some attractive sconces . You can get coordinated area rugs and runners for the living space and kitchen for the apartment. they are really durable now. Theres a track light in the living room ceiling......you can probably duplicate it for the kitchen ceiling too. the dining zone w table and chairs looks fine......people will handle that area on their own. what else do you want help with?

Suggestions for making the space lighter:

--Paint the entire space a warm white like Benjamin Moore Dove White or Sherwin Williams Alabaster. Do not paint the space a stark white or a color. Test out the paint next to cabinets and especially next to the floor to make sure they harmonize.

--Remove the shelving across kitchen window and over the fridge. The fewer dark shelves and cabinets, the better.

That' will help.

Please post current photos taken in daytime with all the lights on.

For those asking, she’s renting, she doesn’t own the space! :)

@apple_pie_order, I live out of state so I had to go through my camera roll to find photos of the kitchen, and those were taken during daytime.

Since she's the one living in this apartment and cannot make major changes, perhaps installing under wireless under cabinet lighting. A warm white paint throughout is a nice neutral where she can bring in accent colours. Replace the bulb on the lamp

You can also take down the shelf above the window and install a wireless sconce (also available on Amazon).

The living room seems very dark. I would install curtain panels to let some daylight in (they can be closed at night for privacy), replace all lamp shades with white ones, and place light coloured accent pillows on the dark furniture. A light area rug would also brighten the room.

I agree with those who mentioned decluttering and I would think the shelf above the window can easily be removed as it's only installed with a bracket at each end.

So here's the kitchen with minimal items on the counter and a tray next to stove to hold condiments. The sconce above the window and under-cabinet lights will not only brighten the kitchen but will give your mother a pleasant working environment. I would remove the table cloth and have it only at meal time. Light bamboo roman shades against white wall would also give character to the room.

I misunderstood that your mom owned the place and was renting it out to someone and wanted to improve its rentability. If it's for her, I doubt she can remove the shelving and cabinet over the fridge, which would open things up quite a bit. So here's the advice

--Declutter, declutter, declutter. Since she's probably stuck with the kitchen shelf over the cabinet, just clear all the stuff on it. It should just be open airy space. An older person can't get up there in any case to dust and clean. It's just an eyesore. Help her get rid of duplicates of things and keep the countertops clear of everything she doesn't use every day. Her open kitchen should look like this:

Kitchen · More Info

--Get rid of all the cluttery small tables except for side tables to put next to sofa/chairs. Again, it's visual clutter and an obstacle that inhibits flow in the space.

--Paint the place one of the warm whites @lisedv suggests. The entire space, since it's open, should be the same white color.

--Get an area rug in a palette/pattern of warm brown and tan to place in front of fireplace. The colors in the kitchen rug in previous photo cream, gray, gold, brown to link brown sofa, dark cabinets, floors.

Surya Henre Area Rugs Style HEE-1001, 2' x 3' · More Info

Machine Woven Peachtree Rectangle Area Rug PCH-1010, 2'x3' · More Info

--Hang all white curtains that match the new paint color from ceiling to floor.

--Float the sofa to face the fireplace and TV. Imagine a console table or cabinet on window side instead of all the small cluttery tables.

Appartamento di A · More Info

Or console table/cabinet behind floating sofa:

Island View Drive Renovation · More Info

Thanks for info. Since she is renting, the easy way to add color would be in towels and accessories. Try sending her a dozen new kitchen towels in her favorite colors. She already displayed enough accessories in the 9 year old photos. If the rooms need brightening, the light bulbs can be switched out for brighter LED bulbs.

Lemon Bliss Dishtowel Set of 4 · More Info