An Old-Fashioned Kitchen Gets a Sleek, Contemporary Update for College Roommates

Six guy roommates at the University of Minnesota got a kitchen update to their rental house thanks to designer and Instagram influencer Patti Wagner. No longer dated, the updated kitchen has a modern vibe that makes the students feel more at home.

August 06, 2021

By: Kelly Smith Trimble

Show: Rentfluencer

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Photo By: Canary Grey

Cabinets Painted Black

Paint can hide a multitude of sins, and in this rental kitchen, paint provides a major transformation on both the walls and the cabinets. The backsplash and countertop get a fresh look using peel-and-stick paper, in marble for the countertops and white subway tile for the backsplash. Brushed nickel hardware is a modern touch. A new modern light fixture hugs the ceiling, solving one roommate's biggest problem with the kitchen — always hitting his head on the light.

Watch the Video: Sam's Kitchen

Before: Dark Walls, Low Light

Before, the kitchen was dark and dingy, with walls painted two tones of green. And there's that low-hanging light fixture that was a danger to one tall renter.

Peel-and-Stick Countertops and Backsplash

The peel-and-stick countertop and backsplash covering look so fresh and modern, no one will ever know they’re not permanent.

Brushed Nickel Cup Pulls on Kitchen Drawers

Cup pulls on the kitchen drawers are a nod to cottage style but with a modern twist in the brushed nickel finish.

Before: Overflowing Pantry

Before, a storage unit serving as a pantry was overflowing from lack of organization. The guys also had open trash cans in the kitchen.

An Organized, Freestanding Pantry

Now the storage unit looks neat and tidy thanks to better storage solutions inside, and Patti insisted on a trash can that would stay closed.

Basket Storage

Black baskets blend seamlessly into the storage unit and help the guys sort their stuff.

A Portable Wood Island With Drawers and a Shelf

A portable wood island can be stored out of sight when not in use, but can also be moved into the main kitchen when the guys want to cook or entertain friends.

Cleared Kitchen Countertops

Patti also moved the guys’ myriad small appliances off the countertop and into cabinet space, which helps the counters stay clean and also gives the whole space a more put-together vibe.

Working Late Into the Night

Patti and her team worked well into the night on this makeover, which included painting cabinets all in one day.

Watch the Video: Sam's Kitchen

An Old-Fashioned Kitchen Gets a Sleek, Contemporary Update for College Roommates

Related To:

Shop This Look

Cabinets Painted Black

Before: Dark Walls, Low Light

Peel-and-Stick Countertops and Backsplash

Brushed Nickel Cup Pulls on Kitchen Drawers

Before: Overflowing Pantry

An Organized, Freestanding Pantry

Basket Storage

A Portable Wood Island With Drawers and a Shelf

Cleared Kitchen Countertops

Working Late Into the Night

How to Pick Kitchen Cabinet Frames

How to Build a Concrete Countertop

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Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Restaining Kitchen Cabinets

How to Build a Hidden Trash Can Cabinet

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