Refresh Your Rental Kitchen With a Fast DIY Cabinet Makeover
Upgrading your rental kitchen can feel daunting. As a renter, you want to improve the look and function of your kitchen but don't want to make permanent changes or lose your security deposit. The good news is there are plenty of affordable, removable makeover ideas that can give your rental kitchen a fresh new look without damaging the existing cabinets.
From new hardware to peel-and-stick backsplashes, these renter-friendly ideas will allow you to upgrade the style without leaving permanent alterations. Read on to learn how you can give your rental kitchen a fast facelift.
Prep Your Cabinets for a Makeover
Before starting any makeover project, it's important to properly prep your existing cabinets. Give them a thorough cleaning to remove any grease or grime. Fill any holes left from old hardware with spackle and sand lightly to smooth the surfaces. This prep work will help paint, wallpaper or contact paper adhere better.
Use Contact Paper for a Quick Facelift
One of the easiest ways to give your rental kitchen cabinets a new look is by applying contact paper. The self-adhesive paper comes in many patterns, from faux wood grains to granite, marble, and solid colors. Measure your cabinet doors and drawers carefully, then cut the contact paper to fit each surface.
When applying, carefully line up any pattern or wood grain to create a seamless look. Use a ruler and craft knife to cut neat openings for hardware and edges. If your contact paper has a repeating pattern, take extra care to line it up properly around each door and drawer. Once applied, the contact paper can be easily removed later without damaging the existing cabinets.
Install New Hardware for an Instant Upgrade
Replacing old or dated hardware is one of the fastest ways to give your rental kitchen an updated look. Swapping out plastic knobs and pulls for new brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze hardware can make a dramatic impact.
Make sure the new hardware has a straight shaft that won't damage the cabinet holes. Fill any unused holes with spackle before installing the new knobs and pulls. Placement is key - keep things consistent by lining up the new hardware in the existing holes for a seamless finished look.
Incorporate Removable Wallpaper
For renters looking to add a major splash of color or pattern, consider removable wallpaper designed specifically for kitchen cabinets. The temporary wallpaper allows you to customize your cabinets without worrying about permanent changes. Bold geometric patterns, faux marble finishes and tropical motifs are all options.
When selecting removable wallpaper, look for options intended for cabinet use, as the slick surfaces require adhesives that won't damage the finish. Take careful measurements, line up patterns, and use a squeegee and craft knife for the smoothest application. When it's time to move out, the wallpaper can be gently peeled off.
Get Organized with Cabinet Storage Solutions
One of the best ways to maximize your rental kitchen is by incorporating organizational products to make the most of your existing cabinet space. From drawer dividers to pull-out shelves, you can customize your cabinets for better storage and accessibility without making permanent alterations.
Use Removable Cabinet Organizers
Inside your cabinets, products like removable drawer dividers, tiered holders and door racks can help corral all your kitchen tools and keep things tidy. For blind corner cabinets, spinning lazy susans or pull-out corner shelves improve access to items that usually get buried.
For the cabinet interiors, look for organizational products with a removable adhesive or grip pads that won't leave a sticky residue behind when removed. This prevents damage to the cabinets while still letting you customize the space.
Install Under Cabinet Lighting
One update that makes a kitchen more functional is under cabinet lighting. The LED strip lights are affordable, easy to install with adhesive backing, and provide task lighting when prepping meals. Position the lights to illuminate counters and highlight decor displays in glass-front cabinets.
Opt for lighting designed for renters that doesn't require wiring and uses removable adhesives. This prevents drilling or electrical work that could violate a lease agreement. The under cabinet lighting can go with you to your next rental or be easily removed.
Add Easy Affordable Backsplashes
Backsplashes protect your walls while also providing a pop of color and visual interest. For renters, peel-and-stick backsplash tiles make an affordable, removable option. The self-adhesive tiles come in an array of styles - from marble and natural stone to mirrored tiles or ceramic patterns.
The tiles go up quickly, transforming the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of ceramic tile. When it's time to move, they peel off cleanly without damaging the walls. Use caulk in the grout lines for easy removal later. It's a fast, renter-friendly way to get a backsplash facelift.
Style Open Shelves
If your rental kitchen has open shelves, use them to inject color, texture and personality. Bins, baskets and storage cansister can corral cooking items while also decorating the space. For a quick change, try removable wallpaper on the back of the shelves.
Use the shelves to display your most stylish, color-coordinated dishes and glassware. Roll up cloth napkins and add a vase of fresh flowers for an inviting look. The possibilities are endless for personalizing open shelves in a rental kitchen.
With clever usage of contact paper, removable wallpaper, organizational products and easy installation upgrades like peel-and-stick backsplashes or under cabinet lighting, you can give your rental kitchen a fresh new look without remodeling. Focus on non-permanent changes that allow you to restore the cabinets before moving out.
The result will be a personalized, upgraded kitchen with the amenities and appearance to match your style. A rental kitchen makeover is possible while still respecting your lease agreement. Get ready to love cooking and entertaining in your newly refreshed space.