Is it possible i could put an island in the middle?

A great piece of art above the sink ... you could change out the cabinet handles to something modern/shiny.

A large area rug in front of the sink, fridge & stove that color coordinates with the art OR an area rug under the dining table.

A small, elegant chandelier over your table would look nice. If it's in your budget, maybe a round table with 4 chairs or you could have an L-shaped bench and a small rectangle table.

I guess we need to know what your budget is first ...

Budget would be around 500? I like to do a lot of DYI too;) I have been wanting a L shaped bench actually.

Small artwork behind the sink, and larger behind the table and and square area rug that would fill most of the space in the middle would add some color. Some colored jars, coordinating with the artwork on the counter would tie it together, along with flowers in a vase on the table.

Hi! I think you just need to add some pops of color. Here are some pieces of Wall Art that I love (and are under 100$) :)

http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/9/floral-medley-lisa-ridgers/

http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/9/lucky-love-ii-judy-paul/

http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/9/along-way-i-maxine-price/

Thanks Warner! I love the last picture! I think it would absolutely make the kitchen colorful

@Evansa, i never thought about using a larger rug

I hate rugs in the kitchen, you can trip on them very easily. If you wand an island why not try for one on wheels with room for a couple of stools. If you are a little handy you could make one out of a couple of cabinets and a topThis could then be where your table is with that great piece of art on that wall. I agree changing the hardware will give a little pop.How about a fun mirror over the sink.

Sorry meant to send pic of island idea.

I love that Patricia! I was thinking about putting a mirror there too

If you want that island in middle. You can get a small wood block cart.

A roman shade for the window would look great. You could DIY or buy one and add ribbon detail or stencil a print. Stick on tiles for Backsplash.

Ebay is a great resource for furnishings - I actually sold an island for a miniscule fraction of the cost on there!

Carpet and Art were my instant thoughts as well,

I actually have a large wool carpet in my kitchen! Who would think? but it wears wonderfully... I purchased it on sale years ago for $199.00... I even clean it with my carpet cleaning machine using cold water, and a quarter of the solution called for! (I do not recommend this to anyone- I just got lucky) and it still looks great.... No tripping issues... and there is 6 of us!

World Market and the like always have stylish rolling islands... (especially close to the holidays) and you can get an inexpensive one there... or try an online retailer... you may be putting it together, but it will come complete with a top.

You have some good ideas, Good luck!
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I think you should paint the brown cupboards white. Keep it fresh and to match the white cooker, fridge etc. Add flowers, art work, pictures, cool accessories. Hope this helps

This is an apartment!

happyleg, I know. its mine!

I meant that you can't paint the cabinets.

Haha oh I know: ( I need to make it work somehow right?!

No island not enough room put wall art on the wall closest to the table and get steel appliances if you wanna paint go with red

Get rid of the rug

Runner rug?

Apologies wasn't sure if you owned this apartment. If you did then painting the cupboards wouldn't matter.

It's hard to tell from the image but it looks like there is no backsplash. I would paint on a backsplash in a color you like (semi or full gloss).
Go to garage sales and Craigslist to look for interesting art to put in the wall in the dining area, you can also print a photo on a canvas and hang it there (Shutterfly or a similar service).
All this should be well within your budget if you DIY.
As for the island, IKEA has a few free standing, portable islands. Once again, CL is your friend. Shop responsible ;)

Socal, i was thinking about using a stencil to give some color to my kitchen!

Are you allowed to paint?

Target & walmart have the non-sticky decals kind of like wall paper. You remove whenever you need.

You can put above cabinets or a wall.

http://www.houzz.com/pro/akearney/annette-kearney
COLOR

get paintings, posters etc. Go to IKEA for colorful containers, posters,baskets.