DIY Rental Kitchen Makeover: Maximize Your Kitchen’s Charm on A Budget
Are you ready to completely transform your small kitchen but believe you don’t have the design skills or access to do it? You’re not alone. Over the last decade, rental kitchens have been neglected or forgotten as homeowners focus on bigger projects and DIY home bloggers take on even bigger challenges.
Today, I will show you that a rental kitchen can be beautiful and that you don’t need major demolition or design skills to transform it without hurting your chances of getting your security deposit back.
You will learn how to make small but renter-friendly impactful changes and how to choose the correct lighting to make your kitchen instantly brighter.
We’ll discuss how the right lighting can improve how you feel about the space and how you can use DIY and budget-friendly solutions to transform it. By the end of this blog article, you’ll have all the tools you need to make your rental kitchen look like a designer space without breaking the bank.
I tackled this white kitchen space shortly after moving in back in 2014, but then I moved on without really adding a wow factor to it. I really needed more natural light but since this was an awkward space, I had to start from within to create lighting really help set some ambiance.
To make this transformation makeover happen, I needed a few supplies and a bit of elbow grease! From thrift store finds and a DIY project or two to use my creativity to make this makeover happen on a tiny budget.
RELATED: 5 Easy Tricks When Apartment Rental Decorating
What supplies did I use for this small rental kitchen makeover?
I am so happy you asked! Here is a list breakdown of supplies I used or some that are similar to the ones I used.
- Black Peel and stick contact paper (to cover my countertops and backsplash)
- Stainless Steel Contact Paper
- Thrift store decor to hang as wall art
- LED Cafe Lights from Enbrighten Cafe
- Light Timer
- “Roses All Over” Stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils
- Grey and White Paint for accent walls
- Upholstery foam
- Black and White striped fabric
- Classic Ticking Stripe Bella Fabric
- 3 Tension Rods
- Small foam roller set
- Paint tray
- Paint roller
- Squeegee Kit
- Spray adhesive
- Staple Gun
- Crown staples
- Open shelving
- Cabinet hardware
- Gold spray paint
RELATED: How to Make a Cheap Apartment Look Nice: 10 Budget-Friendly Ideas
Ready to upgrade my rental kitchen with a mini refresh makeover, I decided to take a unique approach by only making renter-friendly hacks the priority. Being a renter in a small apartment in Los Angeles gave me the freedom to get creative on a small budget.
Since changing out the fixture wasn’t and option, I deferred to other types of lighting I could add. String lights, like the stylish Enbrighten Cafe Lights by Jasco, seemed like the perfect way to take it to the next level to give my rental kitchen makeover a French cafe vibe and warm it up with a cozy glow.
Plus, it allowed me to turn my rental into a space that totally reflects my personality. Now, my kitchen is the perfect spot to have friendly conversations and feel at home.
I incorporated the TouchSmart Timer with my light setup so that I never have to come home to darkness! I felt safe hanging them indoors because they are LED, and energy efficient so you never have to replace a bulb.
It doesn’t take a design degree to completely transform your rental kitchen.
With the right lighting, DIY solutions, and a frugal attitude, you can make your DIY kitchen makeover look like a stunning designer space. Being a renter doesn’t mean you have to be tied to an ugly, dark kitchen.
You can make your rental kitchen the envy of your friends and family by taking the time to understand what materials and techniques work best. With some creativity and know-how, you can make your rental kitchen the heart of your home, without breaking the bank!
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to make your rental kitchen shine with a personal touch!
They work in really any space and are built to last year-round continuance outdoor use. They are extremely durable. Now, I want to challenge you to get creative! Where would you put your cafe lights in your home? Let me know in the comments below!
If you like my roses accent wall in this kitchen you will want to see the stencil with supply list tutorial! With a fresh coat of paint when you move out, your landlord won’t even know. However, If you aren’t up for painting walls, then removable wallpaper can be a great solution!
FUN FACT! Another fun DIY tutorial I have for you is how I made a bathroom shelf thrifted find a perfect entryway organizer in my foyer for extra storage!
If you enjoyed this rental kitchen makeover that is landlord-approved, you will also enjoy:
Make sure you are following me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Hometalk, and TikTok for more ideas on how to decorate your home!
I would put these beautiful, energy efficient lights not IN my house but right outside on the porch for lovely ambiance. I would time them to come on before I get home so that when I drive up I could appreciate them more. Pick me! ?
They would be perfect in that space Elizabeth!!! I hope you win! They are awesome!
It looks lovely! You did a great job with the mini re-model! <3
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Thank you so much Clarissa! I appreciate the feedback!
OK, i love them,,, but i have a question,, as you walk in front door of my apartment, there is a “little bit larger than a phone booth” area, that seguays into the living room area.. How could I hang them? that corner of room, even though critacally used, is very dark, and there is no ceiling light fixture- typical cheap California Aptartment with high rent-
Thanks so much and great job here
I would put these beautiful, energy efficient lights not IN my house but right outside on the porch for lovely ambiance. I would time them to come on before I get home so that when I drive up I could appreciate them more. Pick me! ?
They would be perfect in that space Elizabeth!!! I hope you win! They are awesome!
It looks lovely! You did a great job with the mini re-model! <3
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Thank you so much Clarissa! I appreciate the feedback!
OK, i love them,,, but i have a question,, as you walk in front door of my apartment, there is a “little bit larger than a phone booth” area, that seguays into the living room area.. How could I hang them? that corner of room, even though critacally used, is very dark, and there is no ceiling light fixture- typical cheap California Aptartment with high rent-
Thanks so much and great job here