Turning a kitchen into a bedroom was not part of my original plan.
But when I redesigned the layout of my apartment, I combined two rooms into one open living room and kitchen area. That meant I had to rethink the rest of the space. The only room left untouched was the original kitchen.
If I wanted a proper bedroom, that old kitchen had to go.
This is the full story of how I transformed it from a dated cooking space into a calm, cohesive bedroom that now feels like the most comfortable room in my home.
1. The Old Kitchen Before the Transformation
When I first looked at the old kitchen, I knew this would not be a simple cosmetic update.
Converting a space designed for plumbing, appliances, and tile backsplashes into a restful sleeping area is not straightforward. Kitchens are built for functionality, not comfort.
The room had:
- Exposed plumbing
- A sink and cabinets that needed full removal
- An extra doorway that no longer made sense
- Outdated finishes
It felt small and cold. Hard to imagine it becoming warm and inviting.
But I had already transformed other parts of the apartment. I knew layout changes were possible. That gave me confidence.
2. Demolition and Structural Changes
The first step was removing everything that defined it as a kitchen.
We dismantled:
- The sink
- All cabinets
- Countertops
- Plumbing connections
The pipes were disconnected and properly sealed. Since this room would no longer serve as a wet area, we ensured all water lines were secured and compliant.
There was also a second door that previously connected to what had become the new living room. That doorway no longer served a purpose, so we closed it off and walled it up.
Once that was done, the room finally started to feel like a blank canvas instead of a former kitchen.
Still, it looked rough. Bare walls. Uneven surfaces. Dust everywhere.
This stage always looks worse before it gets better.
3. Flooring and Wall Design
After demolition, I focused on consistency.
Throughout the apartment, I had already installed 60 by 120 white marble tiles. To maintain visual continuity, I used the same flooring in the bedroom.
Using the same tile throughout made the apartment feel larger and more unified. Changing flooring materials between rooms can visually shrink smaller apartments.
For the walls, I chose beige, the same shade used in the living room. I prefer neutral palettes. I also wanted every room to flow naturally into the next.
The ceiling remained white to keep the space bright.
Once the floors were laid and the walls painted, the transformation truly began. It no longer resembled a kitchen. It looked like a fresh, minimal room waiting for personality.
4. Choosing the Bedroom Furniture
For the bedroom, I selected a combination of dark gray and white furniture.
The bed was the most important piece for me. I always wanted a large, soft headboard. After visiting multiple stores, I found a model that felt both elegant and comfortable.
The headboard became the focal point of the room. I added subtle decorative lighting around it, which created a soft glow in the evenings.
Next came the wardrobe.
Storage was essential. I tend to keep more clothes than I probably should, so I invested in a large sliding-door wardrobe. The sliding system saves space, especially in rooms where every square foot matters.
The wardrobe is fully gray, with decorative lighting above it for a polished look.
5. Completing the Layout
To complete the room, I added:
- Two bedside tables
- A chest of drawers
- A dressing table
The bedside tables and drawers follow the same gray and white combination. While the quality is not perfect, they fit the current design and serve their purpose.
The dressing table still needs the right mirror. Finding a piece that matches the room’s aesthetic takes patience.
I prefer waiting for the right item instead of buying something I will later replace.
6. Curtains and Comfort
The curtains are identical to those in the living room. They offer full blackout, which was a priority for me.
Good sleep matters. Blackout curtains allow me to rest even during bright daylight hours.
This small detail makes a significant difference in comfort.
7. Adding Personality
The bedroom is still evolving. I have ideas for additional decor, but I prefer adding details gradually rather than filling the room too quickly.
One feature I especially enjoy is the projector setup for home cinema. Watching movies from bed creates a cozy atmosphere and makes the bedroom feel more personal.
Small touches like that turn a functional room into a retreat.
Before and After Reflection
Originally, this room was:
- Cold
- Practical
- Appliance-focused
- Visually cluttered
Now it is:
- Calm
- Minimal
- Cohesive
- Comfortable
- Designed for rest
The transformation required more planning than expected, especially when dealing with plumbing removal and layout adjustments.
But seeing the final result makes every step worthwhile.
What I Learned From Converting a Kitchen Into a Bedroom
If you are considering a similar transformation, here are my biggest takeaways:
- Verify plumbing adjustments carefully before removing fixtures.
- Seal and secure water lines properly.
- Maintain flooring consistency if possible.
- Use neutral colors for flexibility.
- Invest in a good bed and mattress first.
- Prioritize storage solutions early in the design process.
- Take your time choosing decorative pieces.
Room conversions are more complex than cosmetic upgrades, but they offer incredible potential when planned properly.
Final Thoughts
Transforming my old kitchen into a bedroom was one of the boldest decisions I made during my apartment renovation.
It required structural changes, patience, and a clear vision of how I wanted the space to feel.
Today, that former kitchen is my most peaceful room.
And every time I step inside, I am reminded that good design is not about what a room was built for. It is about what it can become.
