"I dream of the day when cooking at home feels as luxurious as it looks in every Nancy Meyers movie. As a renter, however, I know that dream is still quite a ways off. After all, most landlords aren’t exactly installing soapstone countertops and custom cabinets in their rental properties. Dated appliances, scuffed countertops, and cheap, bare-bones cabinets are all par for the course in apartment kitchens. Still, you don’t have to settle for a drab, outdated kitchen—there are plenty of renter-friendly updates you can make to spruce things up without pissing off your landlord. Keep scrolling for 10 easy apartment kitchen ideas that won’t cost you more than a weekend and 100 bucks (or less!).
1. Update the light fixture
When you can’t change most of the other major components, lighting is the perfect place to make a statement in an apartment kitchen. Ditch the standard-issue boob light and replace it with a pretty chandelier or pendant. Swapping out an existing light fixture is generally easy enough to DIY—just make sure to turn the power off at the breaker box before you get started. If you don’t have any experience with electrical work, however, consider hiring an electrician for peace of mind. And unless your landlord signed off on the swap, store the original fixture somewhere safe so you can change it back before you move out.
2. Add a hanging hook rail
Storage is almost always a struggle in apartment kitchens, but you don’t have to try to shove everything into a cabinet or drawer. Installing a hanging hook rail is one of my favorite apartment kitchen ideas to free up space while adding some visual appeal to a wall. Consider hanging one above the stove or near the sink for easy access. Then use the hooks to store good-looking kitchen tools that can double as decor, like measuring cups, coffee mugs, wood cutting boards, or metal cookware.
3. Cover your dishwasher with a curtain
Old, ugly appliances are often one of the biggest eyesores in apartment kitchens, and I figured there wasn’t much you could do about them. That is, until I saw this idea from Mallory Fletchall of @reserve_home. I’ve seen kitchen sink skirts, but using a curtain to cover up your dishwasher is sheer genius. All you need is a magnetic curtain rod and a café curtain to transform an eyesore into cottagecore perfection.
4. Apply a temporary backsplash
Installing a traditional tile backsplash is expensive, labor-intensive, and generally not recommended for a rental. But if you’re itching to add some color or texture to your apartment kitchen, you still have options. You can now find removable, peel-and-stick sheets that look like real tile but won’t break the bank or risk your security deposit. I like to think of it as the perfect opportunity to try a pattern or design that I love but may tire of quickly—a luxury you don’t have when it comes to permanent renovations!
5. Cover your floors with a rug
Many apartment kitchens are outfitted with builder-grade floor tiles that are boring at best and seriously dingy at worst, creating an eyesore that runs throughout the entire room. Luckily, a great rug can work wonders for covering up ugly floors, including in the kitchen. Bring in a rug or runner to instantly inject some color and character into your space. If you’re worried about splatters and spills, opt for a washable rug for easy cleaning.
6. Paint the cabinets
This won’t be an option for everyone since you’ll need to get permission before taking paint to your apartment kitchen cabinets, but if your landlord is on board, I say the elbow grease is definitely worth it. Just make sure you follow the proper process for the type of surface you’re dealing with. To achieve a flawless finish, you’ll likely need to clean, sand, and prime the cabinets before you dive in with paint, so set aside a couple of days for this project.
7. Remove dated cabinet doors
If painting the cabinets is definitely out, don’t sweat it. Simply removing the cabinet door fronts (and storing them until it’s time to move out) can help lighten and brighten a dark, dated kitchen. Try this with just the uppers to fake the look of open shelving. Then be sure to edit your dishes and serveware down to a cohesive collection to avoid a cluttered vibe.
8. Update your window treatments
It’s easy to overlook window treatments in a rental kitchen because—let’s face it—the windows are usually the least of your worries. But beautiful textiles are a foolproof way to elevate just about any room in your home, and the kitchen is no different. If your apartment kitchen has windows, consider adding clean and simple bamboo blinds or a patterned roman shade for a serious dose of sophistication. Café curtains are also an easy way to add privacy without blocking any light.
9. Style open shelving with art and accessories
If your apartment kitchen came equipped with open shelving, use it as an opportunity to infuse interest and personality into your space. And if you have a blank wall that could use some love, why not hang some yourself? At worst, you’ll have to take down the shelves and spackle over the holes when you move out. To style them, bring in leaning artwork, hand-me-down treasures, and greenery alongside serving bowls, drinking glasses, and other kitchen essentials. Well-styled shelves will create a clear focal point and effortlessly distract from any other eyesores in your kitchen.
10. Swap out your cabinet hardware
Let’s say your kitchen cabinets aren’t all that offensive (lucky you!) but they feel generally boring or dated—all you need to do is swap the hardware! Try sleek black pulls for a contemporary vibe, or opt for classic knobs that lend a more traditional feel. Whichever style you prefer, make sure the holes match up with your current hardware. That way, you won’t have to drill new holes in the drawer fronts or doors, and swapping the hardware is as simple as tightening the screws.
11. Bring in furniture for extra storage
If your apartment kitchen is lacking in countertop or storage space, try supplementing what you have with additional furniture. For example, I recently scored a kitchen cart with a built-in wine rack for $30 at my local thrift store. Not only does it make my vintage kitchen feel a bit more contemporary, but it also adds much-needed storage. Rolling carts, cabinets, and tables can all expand your kitchen space and make it way more functional.
Caitlin Brown, Contributing Home Writer
Caitlin Brown is a contributing writer for The Everygirl who has been writing articles for the Home & Living section since 2014.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.