House Problem Kitchen Too Small?

I went to look at a rented property the other day and it was perfect for me and my family apart from the kitchen being small. The layout of downstairs is : you walk through the front door into a room that is a decent size, then into another room which is much bigger, ...

I am moving from a small (535 sq. ft) to a seemingly much much bigger 676 sq. ft. apartment this month. I am moving from second floor to third, so I will have vaulted ceilings. I am allowed to paint, and I really want to. I wanted to know of a forum or any ideas ...