4 ways to maximize the use of your "kitchen wall"
Budget apartment-hunting in the city often means coming up against what Apartment Therapy calls "kitchen walls." Also known as Pullman kitchens, they're the kind of layout where all your appliances and counters are arranged in a line along a single wall. Not ideal if you love to cook, but not the worst thing ever. Especially with these tricks to make them feel roomier from the interior design blog:
Create a dining space: Add a small dining room table parallel to the wall to separate the "kitchen" from the living space, as seen above.
Add carpet: An area rug or runner will trick the eye into thinking the kitchen and living room are separate spaces. (Overstock has lots of them.)
Put in shelves: Expand your storage space (and show off any pretty kitchen accessories) by adding open shelves to the left or right of the kitchen wall. These reclaimed wood ones from West Elm are nifty.
Install an island: If you need more counter or cabinet space, buy a kitchen island, cart or bar. Ikea's got a whole bunch starting at $29.99. The one shown below is on the higher end, at about $400.
Related:
5 untapped storage spaces hiding in your apartment
Multiply your kitchen counter space with this one gizmo
5 items under $35 that will make your tiny NYC kitchen feel spacious -- or at least more organized