Are you tired of living in a dull or unappealing kitchen? Do you wonder what renter-friendly changes you can make to yours? You’re at the right place. This article goes over the best easy improvements for renters. Here are the top 7 landlord-approved ways to spruce up your kitchen.
Top 7 Kitchen Improvements Tenants Can Do
1. Use a Peel and Stick Backsplash
Add more color and texture to a dull kitchen using a peel and stick backsplash. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it’s also a practical improvement because it protects your walls from any liquid. Thus, it can help you hide your walls if they’re already stained. Besides, getting a peel and stick backsplash is also cost-effective. You can order removable wallpaper and place it where you want. Tile-like samples can add some much-needed elegance to your kitchen. Also, contact paper would make a suitable replacement. These options come in several colors and designs, so you can choose a style that works for you.
2. Install New Shelves
Give yourself some much-needed storage space by adding new shelves. Convincing your landlord to install new cabinets might be difficult, but you can always pick up a shelf or console table from a garage sale. You can also use your newly found furniture to hide an unappealing section of the wall. A sleek design idea for a modern kitchen you can try is open shelving. They can make the space feel less choked. If there’s no space for you to add some extra storage, consider asking your landlord if you can remove the existing cabinet doors. This move shouldn’t be a problem if you can easily unhinge the cabinets when needed.
3. Illuminate the Room
Lighting can make a massive difference in the aesthetics of your kitchen. A well-lit space always looks nicer than its dull counterpart and can give your area the lift it needs. Besides, extra lighting can also increase visibility and make cooking and cleaning easier for you. You can invest in string lights, setting the tone for a romantic dinner. Or opt for LED strip lights around your cabinets, tables, and shelves. The extra lighting will give your kitchen a warm and appealing glow. Further, you can hang these up with adhesive hooks or command strips, so you don’t have to worry about permanent damage.
4. Replace Old Hardware Fixtures
Replacing old hardware fixtures with newer ones is a game-changer and can make your house look more modern. Considering that most rentals are pretty old, you’re probably dying for a fresher look. For a few dollars, you can get more contemporary handles, knobs, and other fittings for your cabinets. Replacing these outdated fixtures can amp up your kitchen’s aesthetics. However, you should ask your landlord before making such a change. The last thing you want to do is lose your security deposit.
5. Get a New Plant
Spruce up your kitchen by planting some herbs. Getting a plant has several benefits, including relieving stress, improving your mood, and purifying the air. Thus, an indoor plant would be a great addition to any kitchen. Besides, you can also plant specific herbs like mint, sage, or thyme. That way, you also have access to fresh and healthy spices. You can also take this idea further by making a garden with multiple plants.
6. Hang up Utensils
Make it easier to grab your utensils on the go by hanging them on the wall. An on-the-wall rack can help you declutter your plate rack and show off your high-class cookware. It’s also an excellent idea if you have low storage space. Instead of letting your pans and spoons take up valuable space, expand your usable storage to the vertical wall. You can always use adhesive hooks if your landlord doesn’t let you install a hanging rack with nails.
7. Hide the Countertops
Hide ugly countertops with a camouflage covering. Since these workspaces are one of the most noticeable parts of your kitchen, covering unattractive and dated spaces can be a significant upgrade. Faux countertops come in multiple styles and can mimic more expensive materials like tile or granite. You can easily apply for a couple of dollars and create the illusion of authentic glossy marble tops.
When to Get Permission from your Landlord
Before making any changes to your rental, you should speak with your landlord first. Every tenancy agreement requires both parties to sign a lease, and arrangements prevent renters from making changes without notifying the landlord. Thus, it would be best to run any updates you want to make by the property owner, especially when the changes are not easily reversible. For example, installing new hardware fixtures would alter the cabinets in your kitchen. Once you receive consent, you can proceed with any work. Although to be safe, you should try to obtain written authorization. Such a document would prevent future misunderstandings about the terms of consent. In summary, the question, “when should you get permission from your landlord?” is always. If you can’t reach your landlord, consult a property manager in Baltimore before starting on these improvements.
Conclusion
Renting an apartment can sometimes feel stifling, especially since you can’t make major changes to the interior. However, there are ways you can make it work without breaking your lease or the bank. With these top 7 landlord-approved ways to spruce up your kitchen, you can make creative improvements to your home. Still, it would help if you informed the property owner or manager first.
