Don't wanna break the bank trying to freshen up a boring apartment kitchen? Try these 19 apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget! These are guaranteed to work wonders!
Are you tired of your apartment kitchen feeling dull and uninspired, but don't have the budget for a complete renovation? I get, I felt the same thing!
But fear not, because there are plenty of affordable ways to spruce up your kitchen without breaking the bank! And I'm showing you the BEST of the BEST!!
From peel-and-stick tiles to decorative canisters, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for transforming your kitchen into a cozy and inviting space no matter how tiny it is! And no, you won't lose a PENNY of your security deposit : these ideas are 100% renter-friendly!
In this post, we'll explore 19 apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget that are sure to breathe new life into your kitchen without emptying your wallet! So let's get creative and start decorating!
APARTMENT KITCHEN DECORATING IDEAS ON A BUDGET
01. Cover floors with peel & stick floor tiles
When it comes to decorating an apartment kitchen on a budget, peel and stick floor tiles can be a game changer! Really, I swear by them!!
Not only are they affordable and easy to install, but they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a design that suits your style. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color or create a subtle pattern, peel and stick tiles can give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank!
But of course, apart from being super cute & decorative, they can also be functional! And if you live in a rental apartment, you'll certainly LOVE this feature! See, they can effortlessly cover up stains, scratches & other marks previous tenants might have left, which is great!
02. Wrap your cabinets a different color
One of the simplest & most affordable, yet most impressive apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget is to wrap your basic cabinets in colorful contact paper!
You can easily give your kitchen a new, vibrant look without losing your security deposit or having to spend too much!
With so many colors and patterns available, you're sure to find a design that fits your style and personality! The best part is that contact paper is easy to apply and remove, so you can experiment with different colors and patterns until you find the perfect match - without having to make permanent changes to the property! How cool?!
03. Use wooden cutting boards + cookbooks for decoration
If there's one idea on this list that you incorporate into your own kitchen design, PLEASE make it this one! And that is, to decorate your countertops using cookbooks & cutting boards!
These two items are super affordable & easily accessible, you can get them basically in any store! And they let you personalize your space nicely, while also keeping your favourite tools at hand!
So display colorful cutting boards on the counter or hang them on the wall for best results. This will add a pop of color and texture to your kitchen, while cookbooks can serve as both inspiration and decoration!
04. Get matching bottles
Wanna add a touch of luxury to your basic apartment kitchen? Well, you can easily do that by getting matching soap bottles!
By ditching those ugly, mismatched bottles & replacing them with stylish pump bottles with aesthetic labels on them, you'll be able to style your kitchen sink like a pro!
So whether you opt for glass or plastic, clear or colored, you'll be left with a stunning sink decor! Plus, using refillable bottles can help reduce waste and save money in the long run, so it's a win-win situation!
05. Use a cake stand as elevation for added dimension
One of my personal favourite apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget is to get a cake stand & use it as an elevated display! You can REALLY see the difference it makes!
Using a cake stand as a display is such a fun & practical idea! If you showcase your everyday kitchen essentials, you're basically making your life easier, because they'll be at hand at all times and you won't have to rummage through a ton of drawers just to find them!
BUT! A cake stand is also super decorative! Whether you use it to hold colorful fruit, display fresh-baked treats, or organize your spices and oils, a cake stand can add height and visual interest to your kitchen decor!
06. Spruce up the walls with a peel & stick tile backsplash
I know your rental apartment kitchen probably has some basic, bare walls! Landlords are usually content with covering all those stains & marks on the walls that previous tenants left with another layer of white paint.
However, if you're looking for a more stylish solution, here it is! Install a cute peel & stick tile backsplash onto your walls & you won't have to worry about leaving stains ever again!
But what's much more important than that is that you can easily personalize your space with the help of a tile backsplash, be it a diamond, subway, hexagon or moroccan cross shaped set -without having to invest in costly renovations!
07. Opt for decorative canisters to store things
Decorative canisters are a great way to add both style and storage to your apartment kitchen!
Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, canisters can be used to store everything from sugar and flour to coffee beans and tea bags. They're perfect for coffee pods as well!
But they're not just functional – they can also serve as eye-catching decorative accents on your counter or open shelving, especially if they're clear glass! Those look super sleek!
08. Install open shelving
I absolutely LOVE open shelving in kitchens! Not only is a cute open shelving insanely practical, it's also stylish! It lets you both store the things you can't fit on your counters AND also lets you display your favourite decorative items, like vases, glasses & dishes!
So definitely try to either replace one of your upper cabinets with open shelving if you own your place, or install some floating shelves using double sided tape if you're a renter!
With so many design options available, from rustic wooden shelves to sleek metal brackets, open shelving can easily be customized to fit your style and complement your apartment kitchen decor, so you're sure to find the ONE!
09. Add a runner rug
Adding a runner rug to your apartment kitchen is a simple and effective way to add color, texture, and personality to your space even on a tiny budget!
A runner rug can be used to anchor your kitchen, define different zones, or simply add a pop of color and pattern to your floors!
And of course, apart from its high aesthetical value, a runner rug will also help keep your feet warm & your floors free from stains!
10. Swap out basic light fixtures
Another thing landlords LOVE to save money on are light fixtures & lampshades, so it's no wonder you hate those ugly flush mount ceiling lights with cheap glass bulbs!
However, know that you can solve this problem without breaking the bank or losing your security deposit! You'll want to change your basic light fixtures!
Add a new, fresh look to your rental kitchen with the help of contemporary glass, wooden farmhouse or even boho rattan pendant lights!
However, be careful! This idea requires a bit of disassembling & electrical work, so I HIGHLY advise you leave that to a skilled electrician rather than doing it all yourself! And you'll also probably have to tell your landlord that you'll be changing the light fixtures, just to avoid losing their trust!
11. Add mood lighting to your space
One of the most underrated apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget is adding proper mood lighting to your space!
And there are TONS of low-budget options to choose from! Here are a few:
- Install dimmer switches: this requires a little bit of electrical work, so definitely consult your landlord beforehand & leave it to an electrician! But by installing dimmer switches, you'll be able to create such a warm ambience in your kitchen! Not to mention how practical it is!
- Use candles: candles are probably the cheapest mood lighting options out there! Scatter a few real candles & battery operated LED candles across your counters & shelves for best results!
- Hang some string lights: of course, string lights are a MUST! Just take a look at the photo above! That string light that's tastefully hung from the ceiling just makes your space a bit moodier & more inviting!
- Install LED strip lights: LED strip lights are easy to get your hands on & are also easy to install under your cabinets, shelves or above your backsplash! You can use LED strip lights to highlight these specific areas in your kitchen, adding a touch of drama and visual interest to your decor!
12. Fill a decorative tray with goodies
If there's one thing that can absolutely NOT miss from any apartment kitchen design, it's definitely a nice decorative tray!
Why? Because a decorative tray is a versatile and stylish accessory that can be used to add both function and flair to your apartment kitchen! So incorporating them into your own design is one of the best apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget!
Place one your kitchen island, breakfast bar, dining table or your counters, & use it as a catch-all for your everyday kitchen supplies or as a display for other decorative items!
13. Get a rolling cart / bar cart
A bar cart is a fun and functional addition to any apartment kitchen, providing both storage and display space for your favorite drinks, glassware, and accessories! And as you can see above, you can store much more than just your kitchen stuff on a bar cart!
Whether you use it to mix up a cocktail or to display your vintage glassware collection, a bar cart can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your kitchen decor.
AND since bar carts are super mobile & compact, they're perfect for small apartment living!
14. Don't forget to add artwork!
Your apartment kitchen decor will never feel complete without some artwork!
From bold and graphic prints to serene landscapes, there are endless options for kitchen art that can complement your decor and inspire your cooking. You can display artwork on a small easel or propped up against the backsplash, or even hang it on the wall above your counter for a more permanent display!
15. Switch out basic hardware
When it comes to the most effective apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget, switching out your basic hardware is certainly on top of the list!
It's honestly such an easy & affordable way to upgrade your apartment! You don't even have to contact your landlord about it, because it's easily reversible & won't leave any permanent changes!
There are tons of available options on the market! Whether you opt for classic stainless steel, bold and colorful ceramic, or chic and minimalist brass, there are hardware options to fit any apartment kitchen style!
As for the installation part, you'll simply need to unscrew the current knobs, pulls & handles, place the new ones into the already existing holes & insert the screws into the back of the new hardware! So easy & doesn't require drilling!
16. Decorate with towels
Towels can be a simple and inexpensive way to add a pop of color and personality to your apartment kitchen.
Whether you opt for solid-colored towels that match your kitchen's decor, or playful patterned towels that add a bit of whimsy, there are endless options to choose from. You can display your towels on a hook or towel bar, or neatly lay them on your countertop!
17. Large decorative vases are a must have!
Large vases act as such strong focal points in an apartment kitchen!
Depending on your style and taste, you can choose a vase in a bright and bold color or a more subdued and neutral tone. Fill your vase with fresh flowers or greenery for a natural touch, or opt for a vase that has a textured or patterned surface for added interest!
Ta-da, your space looks instantly elevated!
18. Display utensils + towels on a kitchen rail
You NEED to get a kitchen rail for your apartment kitchen, ASAP!
Because hanging utensils, kitchen towels & even plants in hanging planters is both a functional and stylish way to beautify your kitchen!
It's a great way to keep your most frequently used kitchen tools within easy reach, so that your cooking is as efficient as it gets, while also adding a nice focal point to your space!
PS: you need to drill to install regular kitchen rails. However, using double sided tape in multiple places is just as effective but much more renter-friendly.
This post was all about the best apartment kitchen decorating ideas on a budget.
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