A rental kitchen makeover sounds like it could be a bad idea. You may be thinking about how home renovations are super costly and time-consuming. Well, in some aspects, they can be. However, many people overlook simple fixes that can instantaneously change the look and feel of a room. Something as simple as a new paint job can elevate a space.
Let me walk you through the process of a rental kitchen makeover. Yes, you read that right. These are renter-friendly upgrades, so you don’t need to worry about lasting damages that might risk your security deposit.
You might also be wondering why you would want to put money into upgrading a rental. Well, as housing prices continue to rise astronomically, it looks like many of us will be renting for the foreseeable future. Besides that, it’s very worthwhile to put effort into making your rental feel like your home.
Three Rental Apartment Decorating Ideas:
- Repaint
- Lay Adhesive Tile
- Decorate with Knick-Knacks
Repaint
Repainting is the most time-consuming part. It’s so important to tape everything perfectly and correctly before moving into the painting aspect. Take the time to tape around baseboards, cabinets, and light switches carefully. Trust me when I say it’s so worth the time and effort when you get to peel the paint to find super clean lines underneath.
A gallon of paint runs about $50 at Home Depot. One gallon is most likely enough paint to cover your kitchen, depending on the size. If you want to opt for a cheaper option, consider doing only one bold accent wall. That will put you at about $15 for a pint of paint.
There are various finishes you can get with your gallon of paint as well.
- Flat: Offers the lowest amount of shine, making this finish suitable for ceilings.
- Eggshell: Has a touch of shine to it and is stain resistant. This finish works well in high trafficked rooms.
- Satin: Has a medium level of shine to it and is also durable.
- Semi-Gloss: More shiny looking. This finish is rather durable and is best suited for doors, trims, and cabinets.
As for painting a kitchen, eggshell and satin are the types of finish you will want to pick out.
I know what you may be thinking. As far as a rental kitchen makeover goes, is painting allowed? Think about this; typically, a renter can request that the landlord repaints before moving in. There is also the option of painting back to the original color before you move out. You also have the option of simply asking your landlord if you can paint. If you know you’re going to be staying in your apartment for a while, then painting is very much worth it.
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Lay Adhesive Tile
Adhesive tile has become a game-changer in the renter-friendly home improvement world. Obviously, you can’t go into a rental and rip out and replace the floor. Why would you want to? Rentals often have outdated flooring like chipped linoleum, or in my case, ugly salmon-colored tile with too much texture to clean thoroughly.
You can purchase packs of stick-on tile for as little as $20 a pop on Amazon. Adhesive tile is soft and flexible, so you can cut it with an Exacto knife or even scissors to the size you need.
Consider using poster paper if you’re worried about the removal process, which can be difficult with some adhesive tiles. Lay poster paper down on the floor, and put the adhesive tile right on top. This allows for a straightforward removal process and fewer headaches all around!
If you have trouble unpeeling your adhesive tile, a simple adhesive remover, and a spackle tool will do wonders. In the end, you have a simple way to “replace” the flooring of your rental, and all for a bargain.
Adhesive tiles aren’t only limited to the flooring either. There are plenty of affordable options for adhesive backsplashes, too.
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Decorate with Knick-Knacks
Make the space feel more personal by including several Knick-Knacks. If you choose a darker color for the paint, choose white or metallic accent pieces to make the kitchen pop.
Decorating with knick-knacks includes adding plants. Plants can create a lively and lived-in feel to a space with very minimal effort, besides the watering, of course!
Try including unique-looking vases to hold your cooking utensils or fancy bookends to support your cookbooks. Making the space appear lived in brings in a sense of coziness, which is the reason for redecorating your rental in the first place.
If your kitchen has available wall space, consider adding a gallery wall or some prints. Prints are one of the more budget-friendly options for wall decor.
Another simple thing you can do is create a coffee bar. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, like many of us are, devote a part of the counter space to that!
Overall, you only need to do three simple things to change the entire look and feel of a room. A paint job, some adhesive tile, and smaller trinkets and knick-knacks can transform a living space into one that feels like a safe sanctuary.
Don’t limit yourself to only the kitchen; there are plenty of other apartment decor ideas you can use to elevate your space. Have fun with your rental apartment kitchen decorating, and happy renting and renovation!
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