Mini Galley Kitchen DIY Renovation Under $500 (Before & After)

Recently, I just rented a small studio for my creative space. A place where I can do my design quietly and take some photos for my products. The studio is small at 32 sqm. It comes with an ugly kitchen that supposed to be a functioning kitchen for the studio. But, as I don’t need stove in my creative area, I decided to turn the kitchen to a cute spot for me to make my coffee and tea.

The before photo of the kitchen / pantry. Pardon the rubbish, I forgot to take it out.

As you can see, the kitchen only comes with a sink. The storage underneath has no cabinet doors and no storage on top. My first idea was to build a cabinet on top for more storage, but it would look heavy as this is a small studio. Especially because the kitchen is located next to the entrance and opposite to the bathroom. Okay, let’s do this DIY mini renovation!

First thing first, let’s measure the storage underneath to build the cabinet doors! I have a construction worker that helped me to build the complete doors for just Rp.1,800,000 (AUD$166) I know, I know, it sounds expensive but that’s the cheapest custom-made board I could get to make the cabinet doors.

The finished look of my DIY gold look faucet

Second step that I did was to spray painted the faucet. I was thinking to get a new brass gold look faucet in IKEA but it’s out of my budget! I don’t want to invest in a place that I rented, maybe one day when I have my own place, I would definitely get it!

Here’s what you need:

• Gold spray

• Primer (could be spray or paint)

• Any unused paper for cover

• Coarse grit sandpaper

• Tape

• Clean dry cloth

Make sure to clean the faucet, cover the tiles at the back with unused paper, in this case I am using the used packaging I got from online shopping. Then use the coarse grit sandpaper to rub the surface. Once you have the right texture, spray paint with primer. Wait for 15 minutes, and then spray paint it with the gold spray, keep repeating every 15 minutes until you get the right colour and shine! I only sprayed twice as and it looks good enough.

Instead of storage cabinet unit, I decided to use floating shelf / wall shelf that I got from a local store here in Jakarta. I chose 2 white wall shelf, they are only come in 3 sizes (80 cm, 100 cm and 180 cm) So, I used the 80 cm wall shelf because the wall is only 98 cm in length (damn right).

Installing Cabinet Drawers after I painted the wall and installed the wall shelf on top.

I bought the paint from ACE hardware and chose the colour code “Lovely Pink” to create the cute feminine pantry that i visioned. After I finished painting the wall and installing the wall shelf, then I let the construction worker to drill the wall to install the custom-made cabinet doors. I chose the high glossy white finish for the cabinets to match my wall shelf.

Easy to install and easy to peel off

I still feel like the tiles really bugs me. The tiles are actually nice and clean but I want to create more dramatic look. Hence, I used my own product to replace the visible tiles. I used White Marble Look Vinyl Roll, the size is 45 cm x 2 meter and I needed at least 2 and a half roll for this kitchen size. It is very easy to apply, but you will need another person to help you with it. The Vinyl roll is a sticker that you can peel off once you are done with the rental place or when you are bored with the look. It is water resistant and easy to peel with no marks behind.

Voila! The look is done!

Pink + Gold + White Marble

Total cost of all of these are:

• Custom-made 3 cabinet doors for underneath storage Rp.1,800,000 (AUD$166)

• Spray paint, primer, sandpaper Rp.210,000 (AUD$19)

• 1 litre of pink paint, 1 small brush and 1 large brush Rp.350,000 (AUD$32)

• 3 White Marble Rolls Rp.750,000 (AUD$69)

• 2 White Wall Shelf Rp.250,000 ($23)

This mini renovation only costs Rp. 3,360,000 or roughly AUD$309. Then I added some gold accessories and glass ornaments to create the whole look together! Featuring Harriet’s Brass Tube Vase, Harriet’s Gold Frame, and Harriet’s Gold Salad Server.

I even add Rose Gold Dish Rack! If they have come in Gold, I would buy it in a heartbeat!

5 Tips on Styling a Small Space

Let's be honest, styling a small space can be frustrating and less desirable! The limited space to play around and renovating could be a nightmare! Here are 5 tips on how to style a small space.

1. Light it up! 

Keep things light, bright and cheery. Darker colour have the tendency of making space appear smaller, whereas lighter colours open things up. White colour paint is always the best option! You can choose between off white, beige or bright white with a hint of blue tone that we could warm it up with the right LED light. Be careful not to choose colour that is too cream or too grey because in time, the colour would look tired and wash off.

Source: thespruce.com

Not only that a white painted wall is the key to bright room but also a soft colour furniture too. It will help to lighten up the space. I recommend white or beige colour furniture, especially for female clients. If you like to incorporate black or dark coloured furniture for a monochrome look, try to have an open shelf and slim line furniture instead of heavy build-in cabinet.

An open wall shelf is great for a narrow small kitchen, it opens up the area and looks clean. Try to avoid showing too much of your glassware and dish, it could look clutter and dusty. Just showcase the things you used the most on your daily life. 

Source: danielle-moss.com

2. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

Multifunctional or multipurpose furniture is a game changer. A table that can be easily rolled out for use or tucked away if unneeded. IKEA range has a lot to offer when it comes to a multipurpose furniture, from a 4 seater dining table onto a 6 seater, or a folding wall table that is perfect for a studio apartment's workspace area. Personally, I would use a round marble table for both dining and workspace! Clever and yet still sophisticated. 

Source: moneycanbuylipstick.com

3. Zoning the Area

Small spaces require a certain level of definition to avoid things looking messy. Furniture and rug are both great ways to create zones. It is important to have a room divider to create a sense of space, so it looks like every pieces are belong to their space. For example, by putting the right size rug on the living room create its zone even though it is placed next to the study desk or workspace area. We could use a console table to divide the room by putting it behind the sofa or next to the end of armchair.

Source: Pinterest

Source: pinterest

4. Look up!

Adding artwork to your home that stretches from the floor to the ceiling will distort the perception of the height, making the space feel larger. Avoid using too much of colourful artwork and heavy frames, it will create a unwanted focal point that makes the space looks narrow.

Another great tips shown on the image: A mix and match artworks that frame up the television would create a perception of height and also illusion to make the television part of the gallery wall. 

Source: danielle-moss.com

5. Less is More

Make time to go through your possessions regularly, you'll be surprised at what a difference it can make to a space once you clear the junk out. Do you really need those stacks of folders you had back in the Uni days? or those old magazines and plastic drawers? Keep it simple, keep it clean! 

10 Chic Table Lamps with Gold / Brass Accents

Harriet & Co is nothing without showing more gold or brass accents into interior! I have been obsessed with home decor since I was a teenager. The idea of having a great house with wonderful interior is one of my goal in life. When other girls was spending so much money on new clothes and make up, I spent it on home decor and furniture! I like to rearranged my bedroom every year and table lamp is one of the essential thing that I have changed quite frequent. Here are my current picks for gold / brass accents table lamps: 

1. Grey Table Lamp from Kmart, $15. A great choice for task lighting, our table lamp is a contemporary decorative accent for any bedroom. It comes with 2 colours, gold and black.

2. Mirabella Hudson Table Lamp from Big W, $10. Brighten up your living space with this Mirabella Hudson Table Lamp. This contemporary and sleek lamp features a simplistic round base, skinny neck and a classic round globe. This stylish table lamp will easily compliment any existing decor, perfect for your minimalist bedroom! 

3. Bloomingdale Spoke Desk Lamp from Pillow Talk, SALE to $69. This oddly shape scallop wire base lamp is perfect for any room! It comes in 2 colours, gold and rose gold. But obviously I'm going to choose for the gold one.

4. Brass Bourke Table Lamp from Interior Secrets, $155. Add a bit of contemporary luxe mixed with vintage appeal from this lamp. White marble round base for good looks and lasting sturdiness. Spherical glass with a smoky grey finish to diffuse harsh light. 

5. Tobin Table Lamp by Home Republic, available in Adairs, $95. Solid ceramic with metallic polished for the luxe style. This type of table lamp is great for living room and hallway. Place it on the console table next to the mirror, perfect! 

6. Band Table Lamp by Home Republic, available in Adairs, $60. Concrete has been trending for almost 2 years now. Additional of gold accents on the bottom makes this simple lamp into a stunning luxurious piece for your room. 

7. Kent Table Lamp from Bunnings, $269. When it comes to table lamp, people wont think to find it in Bunnings because Bunnings is a hardware store. But I went to Bunnings a lot to check some material and found this hidden gem! A French fold polished finished metal base lamp with a black linen drum shade. Finished with a rolled edge, with gold lining. Perfect to style a minimalist and contemporary apartment or house. 

8. Pillar Table Lamp - Marble from West Elm, $349. Another stunning table lamp collection from West Elm. I can't get enough with them as I always featured their products on my blog. Love this design, it's straight and narrow. Featuring a marble-finished base and white linen shade, the Pillar Table Lamp looks right at home in a mid-century room. Its size and scale are perfect for a bedside table or living room console. 

9. Millie Brass Table Lamp from Bunnings, $102. Back to Bunnings, this stylish brass table lamp adds a modern metallic accent to any living space or bedroom. Matching pendants available as well! The size is pretty big with 44 cm diameter, make sure to have a wide table for this gem! 

10. Geometric Gold Table Lamp from Target USA, $29. This last one is my favourite table lamp! Target USA has done it again, we have the similar one in Australia but I couldn't find it online (hence there is no link on this one). Some other brands has also released the same model with black and rose gold colour. Since Harriet is all about that sexy geometric shape, this table lamp is Harriet's choice for sure. Perfect in any modern and contemporary room! 

Blush Crush

I have been obsessed with blush colour for an armchair or an ottoman. It would look perfect in white interior and pair it with light grey sofa or white sofa. What I like the most with blush colour, it is one of the perfect fabric colour with gold accents on it. Here are the list of my top 7 blush armchairs and ottoman!

01. LEXI VELVET ARMCHAIR, $999 from Freedom Furniture Australia. As seen on The Block 2017, The epitome of elegance and glamour. Brushed brass forms a beautifully structured base that cradles the feather-filled cushioned seating, while plush, velvety fabric brings warmth to the modern shape. Lexi’s deep reclined seating boldly welcomes with wide-angled arms for an inviting spot you’ll never want to leave.

02. METAL FRAME UPHOLSTERED CHAIR - DUSTY BLUSH, $999 from West Elm. The modern structure of our Metal Frame Chair is the perfect contrast to its cush, tailored cushions, for a look that manages to read both industrial and glam. It's the armchair we all have our eyes on.

03. VELVET OCCASIONAL CHAIR, $49 from Kmart Australia. This affordable blush velvet occasional chair from Kmart is a steal! The size of this velvet chair is perfect to pair it with round dining table or occasional chairs in the living room. 

04. ROAR + RABBIT GEO OTTOMAN - OCTAGON, $429 from West Elm. Compact and lightweight, the Roar + Rabbit Geo Ottoman defines multifaceted—it easily transitions from ottoman to entryway bench to coffee table when topped with a tray. (Hint: arrange it next to the longer version for a modern living room set up)

05. ROAR + RABBIT SWIVEL CHAIR - DUSTY BLUSH, $1,299 from West Elm. Creative firm Roar + Rabbit™ designs textiles, furniture and home accessories that blend modern style with whimsical details. Upholstered in super-soft velvet, this swivel chair's subtle shine gives it a modern feel, with pleating on the back for extra charm.

06. VELVET OTTOMAN - BLUSH, $29 from Kmart Australia. Another steal from Kmart! I just can't have enough with Kmart's product. There is nothing like coming back home after a tiring day and putting your feet up on this velvet ottoman. Its made from plywood with medium-density fibreboard frame and pine frame.

07. MERCER + REID MANDARIN CHAIR BLUSH, $199 from Adairs Australia. Simple and sophisticated, the Mandarin chairs feature thin metal legs with a rounded upholstered seat and back. The Mandarin Chairs from Mercer + Reid are the perfect complement to a bedroom or living space. The soft colour palette of silver or blush allows you to style it with almost any colour of decorator cushion or throw.