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Whether you’re living in a rental apartment, or looking for a few easy solutions to transform your kitchen, there are some surprisingly simple and inexpensive ways to create the Pinterest-worthy aesthetic you’re dreaming of.
These ideas will bring fresh life into your space and prove that you don’t have to dump thousands of dollars into a renovation. We’re all about seeing how small changes and manageable diy projects can add to the character the space already holds.
Today, we’re sharing 8 no-demo kitchen makeover ideas that will keep you within a modest budget, while instantly elevating the look and feel of your space.
1. Paint!
The power of paint in a space is something to not take lightly. Whether you’re painting your cabinets, brightening the walls with a lighter white or opting for a bolder paint option, it can truly transform the look and feel of a space.
@want.zamora Painting my kitchen part 2 😅 let me know what you think and click the link in the comment below to see the available @Fiverr services, and use code ZAMORA to save 10% #ad #IHiredFiverr #Fiverr ♬ original sound – Marco Zamora
2. Install Peel & Stick Backsplash
Peel and stick backsplash tiles are a super simple way to elevate your kitchen without having to demo anything. The tiles can be easily applied over existing tile you want to cover or on drywall. There are so many adorable colors and styles to choose from now — making it a great way to add personal style to your space.
If you ever wish tor remove them, they should be painless to peel from any surface.
Blue Vertical Peel & Stick Tiles
Marble Peel & Stick Tiles
3. Cover Existing Floor with Peel & Stick Tiles
We totally get it…unattractive flooring can completely bring down the vibe of a kitchen. Luckily there’s a solution for that too!
Exactly like adding backslash, peel and stick floor tiles can give you the look of new tile for a fraction of the price of new tile. It’s a super inexpensive way to create the look you’re trying to achieve.
Checkered Marble Peel & Stick Floor Tiles
Jamila Peel & Stick Floor Tiles
4. Use Contact Paper to Transform Counters
In our opinion, ugly countertops ruin the aesthetic of kitchens the most. However, swapping out countertops for gorgeous stone is expensive (and not in our budget anytime soon). That’s where contact paper comes in.
Installing contact paper is a bit of a laborious diy project to tackle, but it’s always so rewarding to see how it completely uplifts the aesthetic of a kitchen. Plus, there are so many different colors and style of contact paper that resemble stone and wood surfaces, so you can create the look you like best.
@eloralynnn I’m trying out a DIY Butcher block countertop using @Amazon Home contact paper! Not sure how long this lasts but could be great for any renters out there! 🥹 #diyhomedecor #diykitchenmakeover #renterfriendlydiy #contactpapercounters #kitchenrenoonabudget ♬ The Journey – Sol Rising
Brown Wood Contact Paper
Taupe Marble Contact Paper
5. Makeover Your Cabinets
Whether you’re sanding and staining, painting or applying contact paper to your kitchen cabinets, all of these options are totally doable yourself. Choosing one of these options depends on the design you want to create in the space and the work you wish to put into transforming it. Trust us on this one, you’ll be amazed at how this one change will elevate the look of your kitchen.
READ NEXT: 12 Kitchen Cabinet Makeover Ideas That Will Transform Your Space
6. Swap Hardware
Life hack–swapping hardware and other kitchen finishes is one of the simplest ways to modernize a kitchen. You’ll be shocked at how such a small change can make a huge impact.
Note to self: If you do live in a rental —as you change out the hardware, place it in a ziplock with a label (handles, knobs and every single screw), so that you can reinstall the original fixtures when it’s time to move out.
Brushed Brass Ball Knobs
Polished Chrome Cabinet Pull
7. Install Open Shelves
While we are huge fans of having as much concealed cabinetry as possible, installing open shelves in a kitchen has several benefits to the overall design. (1) It makes the space feel more open (2) It creates visual interest (3) It gives you the opportunity to add personality with decor and fun kitchen dishes to the space.
Deep White Floating Shelf
Pine Modern Floating Shelves
8. Swap Out Light Fixtures & Add New Ones
Whether you’re adding a small table lamp to your kitchen counter or swapping out a light fixture all together, this will create a cozy glow to your space. It’s crazy how much a light fixture can add character to a kitchen.
Woven Pendant Light
