You're welcome! =) I think a shade of grey will be a great addition to the room. The red one in the photo doesn't really suit it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! angelinavick@ymail.com

You have a great opportunity to go eclectic. So using very modern and colourful elements for the kitchen - modern storage cannisters, a vase, lights, toaster, even mixer, you start to introduce shocks of colour and shape that jar with the expectations in a traditional kitchen. In this image see how the chairs just add a touch of cheek to cheer up the kitchen...

the back wall panels look like ikea besta doors. the hanging cabinet could also be besta boxes, but with customized doors. the console in front of it, you could get a similar look by using a malm console table and cutting it to height. from there you'd want to use a couple of besta cabinets to create the closed off storage. the low bench could be made with plywood and then stained or painted to match the finish of the malm/besta combo you choose. besta cabinets :: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/11794/ malm console table :: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80196480/

Firstly, one can play a lot with furnishings if you are staying in a rented apartment. those white walls are nothing but a clean canvas and you can really use colors through your furnishings like cushions , upholstery, curtains , rugs etc to add colors . Secondly , instead of wall shelves etc add small side tables on emptycorners you get etc which gives you platform surfaces to display your nick knacks.. You get many freestanding display shelves online and in market where you don't have to use screws in wall. :)