Ready to achieve the perfect rental kitchen makeover on a budget? Discover 9 genius tips for a stylish makeover that won't break the bank or make you lose your security deposit!
Have had enough of your cheap-looking, uninspiring rental kitchen? I know what you're going through! The stained countertops, the cabinets with the loose doors, the flooring with marks, the oil stains on the white walls...
Well, it's time to say goodbye to all that mundane and hello to a kitchen that's bursting with personality and style, and covers up anything unsightly, all while sticking to your budget!
Because in this post, I'll show you how to transform your rental kitchen into a chic and inviting space without making permanent changes or emptying your wallet!
From simple DIY hacks to clever design tricks, get ready to discover the secrets to a stunning kitchen makeover that you'll love coming home to.
RENTAL KITCHEN MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET: THE BEST IDEAS
01. Upgrade your lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance of your home, you already know that.
What's more, especially in your kitchen, good lighting is not only one stunning way to enhance the aesthetics, but will also provide you with a properly illuminated, practical little workspace!
So there are no excuses as to why you're not spending money on upgrading your lighting! Don't worry, you don't have to break the bank to do that! There are plenty of cost-effective ways to illuminate a rental kitchen! Here are a few:
- Consider replacing outdated light fixtures & lampshades with modern glass pendant lights, vintage ceiling lights or boho rattan lampshades.
- Install dimmer switches to adjust the intensity of light to suit different moods.
- Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as accent lighting and task lighting. Use table lamps, LED light strips & even floor lamps to achieve a stunning effect.
RELATED: { Renter Friendly Kitchen Lighting: 7 Stunning, But Practical Ideas Every Renter Should Know! }
02. Do a 180 cabinet makeover
If your kitchen cabinets are looking tired and dated, a cabinet makeover can work wonders. Really! And no, you won't have to spend a fortune or damage the cabinets just to spruce them up%
First, you'll want to choose a nice contact paper (removable wallpaper works as well!) to wrap your cabinets with! Whether it's a flower or abstract patterned one that adds a boho spice to your space or a solid pastel green, blue or black one for a more elegant finish, contact paper will completely transform your kitchen!
Then, you can also replace the cabinet hardware, such as handles and knobs, to add a touch of style! For a vintage look, try brushed nickel hardware, for a more modern / industrial one, definitely go with simple black metal hardware!
If you want, you can also take a few cabinet doors off to open up the set a bit. Store the cabinet doors in a place where they'll stay intact & when it's time to move out, simply put them back on.
Trust me, these simple transformations will breathe new life into your kitchen!
RELATED: { How to Make Rental Cabinets Look Better: A Simple 7 Step Guide }
03. Freshen up your countertop
The countertop is often the centerpiece of any kitchen. It instantly draws the eyes in! That's why when it comes to the perfect rental kitchen makeover on a budget, you can't forget to freshen them up with a bit of contact paper!
Depending on your style, you can choose from various options like granite, quartz, or marble patterned ones. You can also find wood patterned ones on the market!
Why do you need to contact paper your countertops, though? Well, a fresh countertop will instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of your space, that's for sure.
BUT it'll also protect the actual countertops!! By applying contact paper, you'll have an extra protective layer, making sure you don't leave any stains, scratches, or marks behind!
Don't want air bubbles & an uneven finish? Read this guide packed with all the best contact paper tips & tricks from The Handyman's Daughter!
04. Install a protective, but Stylish backsplash
A backsplash is not only a functional element in your kitchen but also an awesome renter-friendly opportunity to add personality and style! Who wouldn't want to take this opportunity?
So to make the most of your boring rental kitchen both functionally AND aesthetically, consider installing a protective and stylish backsplash that complements the overall design of your space!
There are numerous peel & stick options available that come in endless designs & patterns, such as herringbone, a simple vertical, stepladder and many more!
Whether you want it in white, emerald green, black or blue, a cute peel & stick tile backsplash will be a strong accent in your otherwise pretty bland kitchen.
Not only that, but since it's SO easy to install and to remove, AND due to the fact that it acts as a shield against nasty splashes & stains, you can be sure that you'll get your security deposit back!
05. Try peel & stick floor tiles
Transforming your flooring doesn't have to involve a time-consuming and costly renovation that might even damage the property! Introducing peel & stick floor tiles! Yes, they exist & they're WIDELY beloved by renters!
It's clear to see why! Peel-and-stick floor tiles offer a quick and easy solution to upgrade your floors! They adhere to the already existing tiles or wooden flooring perfectly, and you can easily customize the layout as well!
With a wide range of designs and patterns available, you can find the perfect tiles to suit your style. Whether you want the look of hardwood, stone, or even a creative mosaic, these self-adhesive tiles are a game-changer for renters!
And if you're bored of your current design, you can easily remove the tiles without leaving any marks behind & try a new one!
Try them for yoourself for the perfect rental kitchen makeover on a budget!!
06. Decorate with towels & rugs
To add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen, invest in high-quality towels and rugs!
Not only are they affordable, but most of the time, they're once-in-a-decade investments! Of course, you'll be changing your rugs & towels multiple times in a decade, but you know what I mean: they're pretty durable, and will last you a LOONG time!
What's more, these small but impactful accessories can instantly refresh the look and feel of your space! They provide that elegant touch your basic, cheap-looking rental kitchen is yearning for!
Choose towels in complementary colors or patterns that tie in with the overall theme of your bathroom!
Additionally, select a soft and cozy rug that not only adds warmth but also complements the color scheme. Personally, I HIGHLY suggest you get a moroccan runner rug! They're cute, and will complement any style!
07. Add decorative accents
Sometimes all it takes is a few carefully chosen decorative accents to breathe new life into a rental kitchen. You don't have to spend your monthly salary on mirrors, lamps, vases, cutting boards & decorative plates, but a few tiny accents are absolutely necessary!!
Consider adding budget-friendly decorative elements such as a ceramic table lamp, sculptures, decorative books stacked upon each other, statement candle holders & mini framed landscapes / paintings, or plants to create focal points and add personality to your space.
For best results, mix and match textures, colors, and styles to create a visually appealing and dynamic environment!
Scatter these elements across your countertop, find boring, empty corners in your kitchen to accessorize AND don't forget to add a few decorative plates on top of shelves / in your open cabinets as well!
08. Install window treatments in a non-damaging way
Window treatments not only enhance privacy but also add style and charm to your living spaces, so you can't forget about them when it comes to the perfect rental kitchen makeover on a budget!
Don't worry, this simple project doesn't need to cost you your security deposit! If your landlord specifically said no drilling, you can use tension rods instead of curtains rods, or heavy duty adhesive hooks to secure the curtain rod.
So easy is that!
RELATED: { How To Hang Curtains In a Rental: A Practical & Easy Guide }
09. Get creative with storage
Maximizing storage space is a common challenge in many homes, especially if you're restricted by your lease!
However, simply by embrace your creativity and find unique ways to optimize your storage solutions, you can double your kitchen space in no time!
First, use multi-functional furniture with built-in storage compartments, such as a rolling kitchen cart (if your kitchen doesn't come with one).
Then, you'll also want to utilize all that wall space by installing shelves or hooks for hanging storage baskets and other storage solutions. And no, absolutely no drilling is required! Simply use double sided tape / adhesive strips to secure them!
Also, you'll want to focus on maximizing your cabinet space! Use under shelf drawers, cabinet organizers & stackable shelves among others to declutter & organize the space like a pro!
RELATED: { 9 Kitchen Storage Hacks for Renters That'll Double Your Space! }
This post was all about the perfect rental kitchen makeover on a budget.
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