how do i update my rental kitchen cabinets

by Mr. Kellen Blanda Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

6 Ways to Refresh Your Rental Kitchen

Swap out the hardware “Something a tenant can do all on their own—and for a relatively low cost, depending on the material they choose—is replace the hardware,” says Kim Vargo. ...
Augment your light situation Light can make or break a kitchen. ...
Rethink your storage ...
Try peel-and-stick ...
Reface the cabinets ...
Be bold with color ...

The easiest (and most impressive) renter-friendly kitchen upgrades

Add color and texture with peel-and-stick backsplash, countertops, and wallpaper. ...
Get more storage space with shelves, islands, and console tables. ...
Swap out hardware and fixtures. ...
Get creative with lighting. ...
Show personality through art and rugs.

Sep 17, 2020

Full Answer

Can I update my ugly kitchen if I rent?

A well-appointed kitchen is a requisite in any residence. Just because you're renting doesn't mean you have to live with a less-than-stellar cook space. Craving a revamp? From quick fixes to affordable overhauls, scroll on for 14 rental-friendly ways to update your ugly kitchen without the risk of losing your security deposit.

How do you decorate a rental apartment kitchen?

Brighten up your space by using task lamps and under cabinet lights. Be sure to use LED bulbs where possible to decrease energy costs. Most kitchen countertops in rental apartments are laminate. And since they're usually beige, they can easily stain and yellow over time.

How do I choose the best rental apartment kitchen countertops?

Dark kitchens feel dingy and can even be unsafe. Brighten up your space by using task lamps and under cabinet lights. Be sure to use LED bulbs where possible to decrease energy costs. Most kitchen countertops in rental apartments are laminate. And since they're usually beige, they can easily stain and yellow over time.

How can I revive my tiny rental kitchen?

Most landlords will let you paint, which makes this a really easy and inexpensive way to revive any room. Yellows feel warm and sunny, while blues are super soothing, as seen in this rustic Scandinavian kitchen designed by Kathy Kunz. 5. Pack in plants. Turn your tiny rental kitchen into a plant-filled paradise.

How can I update my kitchen cabinets without removing them?

0:331:394 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them (Part 1YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTop coat or finish. Another great way to accent your kitchen cabinets is by adding crown moldingMoreTop coat or finish. Another great way to accent your kitchen cabinets is by adding crown molding crown molding can fill space between your cabinets.

How do I update the look of my kitchen cabinets?

25 Easy Ways to Upgrade Basic Kitchen CabinetsTry Removable Wallpaper. ... Swap Out Boring Hardware. ... Install Sliding Shelves. ... Get Organized With Drawer Dividers. ... Hang Storage Bars Inside Doors. ... Add Interest With Furniture Legs & Feet. ... Try Open Shelving. ... Add Toe Kick Drawers.More items...•

How can I make cheap cabinets look better?

0:478:5710 Cheap Cabinet Makeover Ideas for Limited Kitchen - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEnjoy 10 repaint the cabinet for a fresher look one of the cheapest. And most convenient ways toMoreEnjoy 10 repaint the cabinet for a fresher look one of the cheapest. And most convenient ways to transform the look of your kitchen is by repainting your cabinets you can go with the same color to add

Can I paint my apartment kitchen cabinets?

You can certainly paint your kitchen cabinets yourself.

Can you paint fake wood cabinets?

Yes You Can Paint Laminate! What is laminate, you ask? It can basically be any type of furniture, cabinets, or wood-like product that is made by attaching a thin layer of printed plastic (sometimes called Melamine or Thermofoil) to a substrate of plywood or particle board.

How do you make wood cabinets look modern?

Neutrals and simple classic colours are a great way to update wood cabinets. Rather than contrasting the wood with a colour like blue or green, neutrals keep things simple and modern while still adding visual interest. Copper is a beautiful complement to oak cabinets with its earthy rich metal finish.

How can I make my kitchen look better when renting?

10 Brilliant Ways to Improve Your Rental KitchenAdd a rug. ... Make pots and pans a focal point. ... Install under-the-cabinet lights. ... Embrace house plants. ... DIY an open shelving unit. ... Use stick-on tiles or wallpaper as a backsplash. ... Buy brightly colored stools. ... Paint the walls.More items...•

How do you make basic kitchen cabinets look expensive?

10 Cheap Ways To Make Your Kitchen Look ExpensiveUpdate hardware. ... Use lighter colors. ... Replace cabinet doors. ... Change lighting. ... Use artwork. ... Paint your appliances stainless steel. ... Add window treatments. ... Style your breakfast nook.More items...•

What makes a kitchen look expensive?

Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.

Do landlords let you paint cabinets?

Paint cabinets or walls A very flexible landlord might let you paint them and, if so, you're in luck. You can choose the color and make the kitchen look like it's of this decade instantly.

How do I cover my rental cabinets?

How to Cover & Refinish Your Cabinets Temporarily While RentingRenter Friendly Cabinet Makeover.Contact Paper on Cabinets.Temporary Cabinet Covers and Decals.Switch to Open Cabinets.Change Cabinet Hardware.

How do I ask my landlord to paint my cabinets?

3 Tips for Convincing Your Landlord to Let You Paint Your Kitchen CabinetsAsk. Before you take it upon yourself to do it, ask your landlord if he's willing to let you paint your cabinets. ... Come to the conversation prepared. ... Offer to hire a pro.

How can I make my old wood cabinets look better?

Saturate a small cloth with the FEED-N-WAX Wood Polish and Conditioner and wipe evenly all over the wood surface. Let wax stand for at least 20 minutes and then wipe off all the excess. There you go, just like brand new!

How do you make an old kitchen look new?

How do you modernize Shaker cabinets?

Four Ways to Create a Modern Shaker KitchenIncorporate a kitchen island. Kitchen islands are a popular feature in Shaker designs that come in different sizes and shapes. ... Upgrade your door handles. Shaker-style cabinetry often features a knob or cup handle. ... Install integrated appliances. ... Use bold colours.

How can I make my kitchen cabinets look custom?

5 Ways to Make Builder-Grade Kitchen Cabinets Look CustomPlay with Cabinet Depth & Height. ... Use Glass Panel Inserts in Upper Cabinetry. ... Add Interest with Varied Cabinet Colour. ... Add Open Shelving. ... Add a Footrest to Your Kitchen Island.

How to hide ugly floor?

Pro tip: Be sure to up the comfort factor, and keep your rug in place by adding a non-skid pad underneath.

Can landlord replace countertops?

Sadly, it's un likely that your land lord will replace your countertops — no matter how unattractive. But don't despair. You can hide the hideousness and give your kitchen a faux marble upgrade with a little adhesive film — pretty and practical. You're welcome. Check out all the details here.

Do you need a well appointed kitchen when renting?

Can you dream of Moroccan tile backsplash?

Been dreaming of a gorgeous Moroccan or Spanish tile backsplash? Well, dreams do come true ... even if you're renting. Thanks to peel and stick tile adhesives like these handmade vinyl gems ($78 for 24 pack), you can get the look you've been craving without kissing your security deposit goodbye.

Can you paint a room with yellow?

Can you live with less than desirable cabinet hardware?

Probably never. Well, no one should be forced to live with less than desirable cabinet hardware. And luckily, it's pretty easy to swap them out for something oh-so-modern-and-dreamy. 14. Add a removable backsplash.

PART 1 OF RENTAL KITCHEN UPDATE: OPEN PLAN SHELVING

The idea was to go with an open plan look for the top cabinets that I hoped would brighten and lift the flow of the room, you know, like I mention in my book. But of course, as I rent, I wasn’t about to rip everything out and install wall shelves. So I had to figure out a way achieve that concept using the existing cabinets.

HOW TO CREATE OPEN SHELVING FROM EXISTING CABINETS

And store them somewhere safe – screws included. Simple. Or at least I had hoped it would be. Which brings me to . . . .

What to do when you are struggling to bring your kitchen to life?

If you are struggling to bring your new kitchen to life, then having plants in the kitchen space could be the remedy you need. Putting a plant or two in your kitchen can bring it to life in a short period of time.

What to do after freeing up space in kitchen?

After you have freed up some space, the next thing you need to do is arrange your home decor, fixtures, and utensils among others . Organizing your kitchen can transform to it to look not only neat but also appealing.

Can a kitchen look old?

Your kitchen can look outdated and not as eye-catching with old appliances and fixtures. It may also be more difficult to do easy tasks in your kitchen without new and useful appliances and fixtures.

Can you paint a kitchen with scratches?

Old paint with scratches everywhere can be an eyesore when people walk into your kitchen. The silver lining though is that you can easily fix this by painting the place with new paint. Nicely painted walls can transform your kitchen from looking outdated to looking fresh and clean.

If Your Rental Has Ugly Doors And You Happen To Have Some Awesome Kitchenware That Needs To Be Displayed, Then Go Ahead And Remove Them

You’ll have to check with your landlord on this one, but if you can get permission, painting your cabinets can give you what feels like an entire new kitchen.

She Also Made Use Of Contact Paper For The Countertop

If you can paint your kitchen cabinets in a matter of days then 1) you’re a super hero or 2) you obviously don’t have small children. Hang a pot rack or pegboard. Look for inexpensive racks on craigslist and at ikea.

Let Me Know What You Think Of This Update?

8 ways to update kitchen cabinets. Make sure you are extra careful if they are painted just to be thoughtful. Make sure you store your kitchen cabinet doors in a place where they will not be damaged.

What is the hardest wall area to clean?

One of the dullest and hardest to keep clean wall areas in any kitchen is the wall area between the counter and the cabinets above it . There is an easy solution to this problem. Adding backsplash tiles to that area will improve its looks and make it much easier for your renters to keep clean too.

What does a small island do in a kitchen?

A small or moveable island will increase kitchen functionality, storage, and does not have to match cabinets exactly. You can also extend counter space by building burner covers and adding cutting board extensions.

How to increase counter space in apartment?

Try adding an island in the middle of the kitchen instead. A small or moveable island will increase kitchen functionality, storage, and does not have to match cabinets exactly. You can also extend counter space by building burner covers and adding cutting board extensions.

How to change the look of an existing kitchen?

One of the cheapest transformations is to changing some of the fixtures and hardware. Such kitchen updates as adding a new high-rise faucet on a kitchen sink will cheaply change that existing sink with a low mounted faucet into a more functional and better-looking one. Kitchen cabinet and drawer handle updates can also dramatically change the looks of an existing kitchen. Even something as subtle as changing out your outlet covers actually has a dramatic effect, giving a fresh renovated appearance.

How much does it cost to have an interior designer on a rental property?

You can usually get a consultation at your rental property from an experienced interior designer for less than $250. Yes, this may seem expensive to some but you have to consider the benefits that design professionals have to offer. The advice they give you on how to update your rental property kitchen in a budget-friendly way will most likely end up saving you thousands of dollars. It will also leave you with a much better looking and more functional rental kitchen than you ever thought possible.

What is the toughest decision a landlord or property manager has to make?

One of the toughest decisions that any landlord or property manager has to make is deciding what to spend money on upgrading. It’s challenging to know where to draw the line. In order to keep a property rented, its kitchen certainly has to be functional and appealing, but there is no need to go overboard to get this accomplished. So what are some good kitchen updates to spend money on and others which should be avoided whenever possible? Here are some budget-friendly solutions that will help make any kitchen more functional and attractive:

Can you replace a kitchen countertop on a rental property?

Countertops on rental property kitchens often take a beating. This is because most renters think cutting on them or putting hot pans directly on them is no big deal. If your kitchen countertops are in bad shape resist the urge to replace them at a high cost. There are companies that refurbish countertops at a very minimal cost. Many kitchen counter types can even be cheaply refurbished by you or your handyman. There are even low-cost kitchen countertop coverings available that only require simple DIY installation.

How to maximize space in kitchen?

Outsmart your storage-starved kitchen by moving some of your utensils into jars on the countertop or magnetic strips on the walls. Drawer organizers can maximize your space and decrease clutter in the precious few drawers you have.

How to make a dark kitchen feel better?

Dark kitchens feel dingy and can even be unsafe. Brighten up your space by using task lamps and under cabinet lights. Be sure to use LED bulbs where possible to decrease energy costs.

Can you paint kitchen cabinets when you move out?

If you aren't allowed to paint, cover them in removable contact paper so you can leave them in their original (albeit ugly) condition when you move out. Or create open shelving by removing the doors entirely—just be sure to reattach them when you break your lease.

Can you cover kitchen counters in an apartment?

And since they're usually beige, they can easily stain and yellow over time. You can cover your counters with decorative contact paper ; just remove it with the aid of a hairdryer when you're ready to move out.

Can you put a cutting board over a stove?

When counter space is at a premium you could have to choose between chopping vegetables and a place to put the coffee pot. To expand your prep area, buy cutting boards you can place over a stove or the kitchen sink.

Can you update a backsplash?

Updating a backsplash is well within reach for renters; there are plenty of non-permanent ways to do it. Ceiling tiles make great removable backsplashes. Or if you prefer tile, mount them to panels that you can stick in place with Command strips or other temporary adhesives.

Can renters have a say in kitchen design?

Renters don’t always have a say in the design or decor of a kitchen, and unless you have a flexible landlord, cosmetic changes are not easy to accomplish. But there are plenty of ways to conceal your kitchen's most unattractive features—and play up its streng …. By Cody Calamaio.

As A Finishing Touch, You Should Paint The Old And New Cabinets So That They Would Have A Uniform Color

You might want to consider changing the cabinets that are rickety and replacing them with new plywood cabinets. Covering the cabinet boxes’ front portions with natural wood. You may also update your cabinet by removing its door and leaving the contents of the cabinet exposed.

Learn How To Update Cabinets Using Contact Paper

It’s not just a lack of storage that can make living in a kitchen you can’t renovate kind of miserable, it’s a lack of usable and accessible storage. Wall decals are an option that may do less damage than contact paper, specifically they type that are made to be removed and moved around over time. Temporary cabinet covers and decals.

Besides, You May Modify The Knobs And Pulls On The Cabinets To Give It A More Personal Touch And Appeal

Find yourself with tall cabinets and a corner unit? Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Paint the cabinets.this is a big step for a renter, and it may not be allowed by your landlord.