In Germany, a unique rental condition requires tenants to construct their own kitchens, as it’s common for rental apartments to come devoid of any kitchen fittings. This was the case for one renter, Hillary, who, upon moving into her new apartment, faced the challenge of creating a kitchen from scratch. Despite the daunting task ahead, she saw the opportunity to customize the kitchen entirely to her preferences. Hillary set a firm budget of €10,000, which included the cost of appliances, cabinets, and countertops, ensuring that she would manage expenses while creating a functional and stylish space.
To keep costs manageable, Hillary chose IKEA as her primary supplier for cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Their affordability combined with appealing Scandinavian design influenced her decision. Prior to purchasing, Hillary utilized IKEA’s design layout tools to develop her vision for the kitchen, discussing her plans with a designer in-store who provided valuable insights that helped trim unnecessary expenditures. This planning phase was crucial, as it laid the foundation for a kitchen that not only met her needs but also adhered to her budgetary constraints.
Once the design was finalized, professional installers were brought in to set up the lower cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Hillary and her husband, Pat, opted for a DIY approach for some elements, choosing to build their kitchen island themselves and install floating shelves instead of upper cabinets. This decision not only saved them on labor costs—amounting to roughly €1,000—but also resulted in a bright, open kitchen with a warm aesthetic, offsetting the starkness of the gray tiled floors that originally characterized the space.
The choice of materials played an essential role in achieving the desired look and feel. Hillary selected oak veneer for the cabinetry, accented by a subtle marbled countertop, creating an inviting environment. A vintage-style range hood became a standout feature, adding character to the kitchen. To enhance the visual appeal further, Hillary installed a peel-and-stick tile backsplash in a light blue shade, bringing an engaging pop of color to the room. To address potential damage to walls upon removal—a common concern for renters—she ingeniously installed a MDF backing for the tiles, ensuring an easy transition should they move in the future.
The couple faced some challenges during the DIY projects, particularly when constructing the kitchen island. While IKEA’s assembly manuals suggested they could use a regular saw, the couple quickly discovered that a power saw was necessary to complete the task efficiently. Despite the discomfort encountered along the way, the experience enriched their project and allowed them to feel even more connected to their space. The final touches came together as they added the floating shelves, which took less than an hour to install and significantly contributed to a sense of spaciousness in the kitchen.
By the end of the project, Hillary and Pat had successfully completed their kitchen renovation for a total of €6,700 (about $7,048 USD)—well under their initial budget. Reflecting on the journey, Hillary expressed pride in her ability to create a functional, organized kitchen that reflected her personal style. The combination of practical design choices, the saving of added costs through DIY efforts, and the thoughtful selection of materials resulted in a warm and inviting culinary space, an achievement that transformed a “blank space” into a vibrant heart of the home.