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In our second “Solution for Renters Design Series” article we are going to pay attention to probably the most important room for the permanent state of being, happiness and social interaction : the kitchen. Implementing and infusing your personal style in a kitchen while renting is definitely not a thing really easy to achieve but it is possible and it shouldn’t be simply put aside.
Bathrooms and kitchens are by far the most important parts in our renters design series mainly because they`re harder to customize and thanks to the equally rewardful results and monumental impact that they have in our lives. So what can you do ? Never accept the situation as it is unless your lease is on short time period; you can tweak the space with a few of the ideas presented below. The solutions can of course be the subject projects in your personal home if you are looking for a small face lift on a budget.
#1 Complement the back-splash
If you are fortunate enough to have decent cabinets in your rental but the back-splash is not from the same category you can always complement the design line through an upgrade. As an example you can follow this link : she installed white beadboard panels and easily transformed and the kitchen.
You can even install extremely graphic glass tile on these panels that you can simply take off and reuse in the furniture. Think about how much time you are going to stay in your new home and where you are moving afterwards. The effort should not be in vain.
You can also mount some boards covered in chalkboard, consider tin tiles that are either plain simple or painted, you can tattoo your tiles with a few available product or even add vinyl as a pattern on your backsplash. There are quite a few peel and stick tiles on the market and you can obtain extremely graphic end results in a temporary solution with those.
Design*Sponge / DIY Network / Tile Tattoos / Vinyl Backsplash / Peel & Stick Tile
#2 Remove cabinet doors
If the kitchen cabinets are dull you will have a very rough time enduring them everyday. You can however improvise a little and very carefully remove the cabinets doors along with their mechanisms and deposit them safely somewhere. This should be discussed with your landlord and you should definitely have someone around to help you or just be really handy. If you are not renting and you are just remodeling your home this method is even better as you can can repaint the unit and add glass or leave them open. You can use a wallpaper, some chalk paint or wrapping paper on the backs fixed with double sided tape, this will grant the cabinets depth and contrast or color.
#3 Slipcover Your Cabinets
You can use some contact paper to upgrade with cabinets if you feel the need. It is not the most graphic solution but Erin’s kitchen makeover is quite impressive. Disguise your cabinets and beautify your small kitchen with ease.
Similar decorative temporary paper materials can accomplish the same result if they`re realized skillfully. Use large pieces of removable wallpaper and few dots of glue and you are good to go. You can find many graphic solutions online, all with the use of removable wallpaper.
#4 Beautify Your Home
While we’re on the subject, you should keep in mind that you can use this to cover both cabinets and walls. Using the temporary wallpapers on just one wall can work as an extremely graphic accent that might take eyes of other little downsides of the kitchen. Be yourself and use a pattern, texture or color that defines you.
If the landlord allows you to paint you have many options but a very bold statement is the chalkboard wall that can be quite a useful and graphic solution for every renter.
#5 Cover the Flooring
Covering a kitchen floor in a rental is not as easy as you would imagine. The easiest and the most customizable solution is to use peel and stick vinyl tiles which can be removed afterwards without sacrificing on graphic.
You can also use small rugs to increase comfort and add coziness and warmth but they`re quite heavy on maintenance in the kitchen if they`re fluffy. Choose wisely.
#6 Maximize Storage Space
If space is permissive you can create storage with an open shelving unit where you can accommodate favorite dishes, cooking utensils and small appliances to empower a graphic aesthetic values true a beautiful showcase of items. Look for shelving units that can be folded or disassembled to make moving easier.
#7 Upgrade the Lighting
Light fixtures play a huge role in every home, rentals included. You can always hire an electrician to install your favorite stylish light fixture and store the original one. When you leave, just contact the electrician again and ask him to re-install it. This solution works in most scenarios but in all make sure that you can change it before spending hundreds on a new lighting fixture.
#8 Infuse Your Personality
You certainly have your own photography, artwork, mementos and maybe even medals or trophies. A photo with your loved ones or a drawing from your childhood will melt your heart everyday at first glance. Surround yourself with things that make you happy and be positive, live the life to the fullest and enjoy every single moment .
#9 Color Away
You have certainly observed that bright colors in a room are the first observed. Just look at the picture below and through the isolated drops of orange you will see a cheerful bright and fresh interior design. A great complement for the white interior design without a doubt. Is hard to move with furniture but with a few accessories it is doable, choose the things that you use daily in your life in a specific color or design line. Your own orange cup used everyday, coloring every sip of your daily coffee. Maybe a steam-punk cup of coffee? Who knows? Just surround yourself with things that you love and you will be the happiest person .
What do you think about these temporary kitchen solutions for renters and homeowners alike? They don`t look like much at first glance but try a few and you will surely see the result. Embrace a fresh lifestyle and be happy wherever you are in this world. We would love to hear from you in the comment section bellow!
