The kitchen is the center of a home and an updated kitchen is often a staple that buyers look for when shopping in the real estate market. Yet, if you’re renting your apartment or house, you may feel like you don’t have as much ability to renovate. Your contract likely prohibits you from painting and any changes you do make need to be both subtle and temporary. After all, you don’t want to lose that security deposit! Here are 5 simple ways to update your rented kitchen with what you already have.

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1. Remove upper cabinet doors

There’s something incredibly chic and natural about open shelves in a kitchen. However, installing these kinds of shelves might not be an option for someone who rents.  You might not able to put up custom shelving on the walls from scratch and hence have to work with what you have. Good news though, you can “fake” the look of floating shelves, by simply removing all the doors from your existing upper cabinets. Remember, you’ll need to do this carefully, so they’re not damaged and keep them in a safe place to replace them prior to moving out. Keep track of any other changes you may make in the process, so your landlord never knows the difference. 

 

Finally, style your new ‘open plan’  shelves to add more  personality using an eclectic mix of plates, bowls, and glassware. And of course, there is always the option of installing removable wallpaper to the back of your cabinets to add a pop of colour and/or interest!  You can see more details of this in action here 

2. Swap out the hardware

This is one of those small touches that can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Chances are that your current kitchen has fairly generic cabinet hardware. That said, updating your hardware can quickly take you from a “cookie cutter” rented kitchen to the customized vibe you’re seeking.  From drawer pulls to cabinet knobs, there are so many different hardware elements in your kitchen that you may not even have know existed!   

 

When you’re switching out the knobs and pulls, be sure to consider all your options (and don’t forget to note the types of fixings used as you will need to replace with the same to prevent having to create new holes) . Hardware comes in a variety of  shapes, designs, and colors. If you had silver previously, perhaps try pewter, brass, copper or gold. What matches your taps (faucets)? What coordinates with your appliances? Do you want to mix and match? There are more options than you’ll know what to do with, which makes this a fantastic direction to go!

 

 

 

 

3. Hang your kitchen hardware and utensils

Having space issues in your tiny rented kitchen? Hanging your kitchen hardware and utensils is a solution that will improve your kitchen’s style while freeing up some space. All you have to do is purchase a hanging rack for your pots, pans, and utensils instead of storing them in a cupboard. They’ll be convenient when you need them and give your kitchen a chic-industrial look. 

For storage, magnetic wall-mounted knife blocks and hanging potholders are both great tools that not everyone makes use of.

 

You can also transform the inside of your cabinets by becoming an organization pro. Marie Kondo everything first and then use bins or under shelf baskets like this,  to improve the use of your existing cabinet space. Once you maximize your space, you’ll wonder how you’ve been living without doing so for years. You can check out this post for more decluttering kitchen counter top ideas 

 

4. Create a temporary (splash back) back splash

Emphasis on the “temporary” part here. If you can’t paint, you won’t be able to install anything permanent like a real splashback (backsplash).  However, vinyl decals or faux tiles will be your best friend. They’re typically easy to apply and easy to remove with little damage. As always, be sure to test it on a small part of your wall before moving on to a large section just in case. You can use custom vinyl stickers to decorate  parts of your tile as seen below

 

Or completely cover the tiles with tile specific stickers like these . You’ll have a beautiful updated rented kitchen before you know it! 

 

5. Cover the counter tops!

Are your kitchen counters looking a little grubby and chipped? Chances are your landlord wont be up to replacing them any time soon . But don’t despair. You can hide their ugliness using a self adhesive contact paper like this one.  Check out all the details here.

There you have it! Five relatively quick and easy ways to transform and update your rented kitchen. There are options for everyone regardless of style or do-it-yourself ability. Don’t let renting deter your from making your home your own! How have you decorated your rented kitchen? Comment below! 

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