27 Renter-Friendly DIY Kitchen Makeovers on a Budget

By: Andrew Saladino | 12 min

Apartment kitchen with white cabinets and countertops and white and gray tiles backsplash looking out to dining area and living room.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home - even if you don't technically own that home. But just because you're renting doesn't mean you have to settle for a drab and dingy kitchen.

Looking for ways to upgrade your kitchen and still get your security deposit back? From easy additions to clever DIY projects, we put together 27 renter-friendly DIY kitchen makeover ideas to transform your antiquated kitchen into your own cooking oasis.

1. Install a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Woman applying white subway tile peel-and-stick backsplash to kitchen wall.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Medium

A kitchen backsplash adds character and depth, but it's unlikely you'll be able to whip out tile and grout in your rental kitchen. Luckily, peel-and-stick backsplashes are an easy, affordable, and renter-friendly option for an instantly elevated kitchen design.

From classic subway to colorful Moroccan tile, there's a peel-and-stick option no matter your style. And for around $30, you won't have too much remorse peeling it off when you move out.

2. Switch Out Your Cabinet Hardware

Close up of man screwing gold handles onto white kitchen cabinet.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

Have your cabinet handles and knobs been painted over one too many times? Maybe they're the original dingy brass ones your landlord installed in the '80s? The type of hardware used throughout your kitchen can significantly impact how dated it looks.

An easy upgrade for a rental kitchen makeover on a budget is to switch out your outdated kitchen cabinet hardwarefor sleek, modern handles and pulls like these satin nickel handles. You can find hardware for as little as $2 apiece, and installation only requires a screwdriver and a bit of elbow grease. When your lease ends, simply switch the hardware back out so you can use the new ones in your next kitchen.

3. Remove Your Cabinet Doors

Cost: FREE

Difficulty: Medium

Outdated cabinetry is nearly impossible to update in a rental. Switching out the cabinets would be a large expense on your part for a property you don't own, and it would likely void your rental agreement.

But you know what seems to never go out of style? Open kitchen shelving. Get the look (temporarily) by removing some or all of the kitchen cabinet doors and storing them away for later. This trick allows you to display your glassware and mug collection while giving your kitchen an open, airy update.

4. Line Your Cabinets and Drawers

Close up of man lining green kitchen drawer with clear plastic liner.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Low

If you live in an older rental, you may feel uneasy about stacking your dishes directly inside the original cabinets.

Ease your worries by placing liners inside your cabinets and drawers. These liners come in various materials and designs so you can match them to your kitchen aesthetic. Once you measure the liners, cut them, and lay them inside, you'll know your dishes are sitting on a new, sanitary surface.

Bonus tip: Line open shelves with colorful liners for an unexpected pop of personality.

5. Refresh Countertops With Contact Paper

Close up of kitchen counter covered with gray marble contact paper.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Medium

One of the biggest statement pieces in any kitchen is the countertops. If your rental kitchen has outdated countertops made of lackluster Formica or plastic laminate, then upgrading the look of your kitchen without changing up the counters can be challenging.

Contact paper is an affordable peel-and-stick solution for an instant countertop refresh. Choose from patterns mimicking marble, stainless steel, and even concrete - all for less than $20. Contact paper is durable, easy to apply, and easy to remove when the time comes.

6. Make a Statement With Removable Wallpaper

Kitchen with powder blue cabinets, white countertops, and white and gray wallpaper backsplash with a geometric pattern.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

Looking to breathe a little life into your rental kitchen? Energize dreary white walls with fun and colorful removable wallpaper. With thousands of patterns to choose from, it's an easy way to upgrade your kitchen and add a personal touch to your space.

You can use removable wallpaper behind your kitchen countertops in the same way you would a backsplash, or you can place it on any wall. It functions like a giant sticker, making it easy to install and peel off whenever necessary.

7. Update Floors With Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Woman in yellow loafers standing on kitchen floor covered in gray and blue patterned peel-and-stick tiles.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: High

Is there anything peel-and-stick can't fix? In addition to backsplashes, countertops, and wallpaper, you can also find temporary peel-and-stick kitchen floor tiles to conceal dingy linoleum or laminate flooring.

From classic checkerboard tiles to more modern terrazzo or hexagon-shaped tiles, the design possibilities with removable floor tiles are boundless. However, if you're planning to cover a large area, you may want to enlist some help - installation is easy but tedious and time-consuming.

8. Add Shelves for Extra Storage

White galley kitchen with stainless steel countertops and wall-to-ceiling built-in kitchen shelving on right wall.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: High

If you have wall space to spare in your rental kitchen, adding kitchen shelving is a great way to upgrade your space on a budget. Not only are open shelves a modern kitchen staple, but they also provide valuable storage space for small rental kitchens.

You can purchase ready-to-install kitchen shelves or DIY your own with wood boards and metal brackets. Just be sure to double-check that your landlord allows you to drill holes in the wall (you can easily fill them with Spackle when you move out).

9. Change Up Exposed Light Bulbs

Woman updating lightbulbs in glass pendant light fixtures in kitchen.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Low

Does your rental kitchen have ugly exposed lightbulbs distracting from the rest of the space? An easy fix is to remove these bulbs and replace them with trendier ones, like Edison bulbs.

Lightbulbs come in various shapes and sizes, and putting in bulbs that have a softer light or a sleeker shape can give your kitchen the boost it needs.

10. Add a Statement Light Shade

Woman in lighting shop buying a white lamp shade.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Low

Lighting fixtures can instantly reveal the age of your rental kitchen. Switching out kitchen lighting fixtures can be expensive and challenging, but you can give your space an upgrade without doing electrical work.

Look for a light shade you can place over your current kitchen light. When you choose a light cover that's large and transparent, the light from your old fixture will shine through the new one, and your kitchen will instantly look redone.

11. Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets...

Close up of woman painting kitchen cabinet doors white.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: High

There's nothing a fresh coat of paint can't fix, and that includes your stained, battered rental kitchen cabinets. If your landlord gives you permission, paint your kitchen cabinets to conceal years of wear and tear and revitalize your space.

White, beige, and other neutral-colored cabinets are the preference for most rental properties, but ask your landlord if they'd be open to trendier colors like sage green or navy blue. You can also opt for unique two-tone cabinets that'll add subtle color to your space.

12. ...Or Wrap Them in Vinyl

Small kitchen with blue vinyl-wrapped slab cabinets and wood countertops.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Medium

If painting your cabinets isn't an option, you can use removable vinyl wrap as an affordable, temporary DIY alternative.

Vinyl is capable of mimicking the looks of many materials, including wood grain, metal, and concrete. Some even come textured, so you can get as close as possible to the real thing. Whether you're planning on staying in your rental for six months or 10 years, vinyl cabinet wraps are an easy solution to give your kitchen an expensive look at a cheaper price.

13. Cover Old Floors With a Colorful Rug

One-wall kitchen with white cabinets, wood countertops, and light wood dining table placed on colorful geometric rug.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Low

The easiest way to distract from outdated flooring is to cover it up with a fun, modern rug — the brighter the better. Hit up your local swap meets, thrift stores, or resale sites to find a one-of-a-kind rug at a fraction of what you'd pay for it new. Moroccan- or Persian-style rugs look particularly amazing among neutral-colored flooring and cabinets.

14. Get the Look (and the Storage) With a Stylish Kitchen Cart

Kitchen towels and houseplant placed on black bar cart placed against the side of a wood kitchen island with black countertops.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Low

Is your rental kitchen lacking serious space? Declutter your counters with a functional and stylish kitchen cart to store small appliances, cooking utensils, recipe books, and spices.

You can find small ones online for as little as $30, and you can always repurpose them in your bathroom or bedroom if your next kitchen has space to spare.

15. Add a Plant (or Two, or Three)

Four small white pots containing herb plants set in kitchen window.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Low

Houseplants are all the rage these days, and for good reason. The right plant can help purify the air in a stuffy kitchen, and studies show indoor plants can help reduce stress and improve focus. Not only are they a stylish addition to your home but they can also improve your well-being.

Spider plants, golden pothos, string of hearts, and snake plants are all low-maintenance plants with tons of aesthetic appeal. Or, opt for herbs like basil or parsley that look great on a windowsill and in your spaghetti.

16. Update Your Storage Containers

Dry ingredients organized and labeled in clear plastic containers on open shelf in kitchen.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Low

Are your cabinets stuffed to the brink with messy bags of flour, expired spice jars, stained Tupperware, and half-empty boxes of cereal? It might be time to rethink your kitchen organization strategy.

Storing dry goods in matching clear containers is a sophisticated and stylish solution to your cabinet storage woes. Having dry ingredients easily accessible in their own designated containers not only makes your rental kitchen look more upscale but can also help you stay organized and fully stocked.

17. Install a Pegboard for a Fun Storage Solution

Rolling pin, wooden spoons, and miscellaneous kitchen gadgets hung on white pegboard.

Cost: $

Difficulty: Low

Pegboards are a great option if you'd like to hang your cooking utensils or pans in your rental with as few nail holes as possible. Consider hanging one over your stove or kitchen sink for easy access to cooking or cleaning essentials.

Cutting boards, knives, cooking utensils, and spice racks look especially trendy hanging from a pegboard. And if you don't like the way you have things organized, you have the flexibility to customize the layout of your hooks, tool holders, or hanging bins whenever you need a change of pace.

18. Apply Contact Paper to Outdated Kitchen Appliances

Cost: $

Difficulty: Medium

If your bulky, outmoded refrigerator is detracting from your kitchen aesthetic, use contact paper or vinyl wrap to make old appliances look new again for less than $20.

While faux stainless steel is the safe option here, don't be afraid to go bold. There are limitless colors and patterns you can choose from to turn your ugly appliances into works of art. Fun floral patterns, bright red or orange, and two-tone colors are all trendy options to complement your vibe.

19. Hang Plug-in Pendant Lights

Four plug-in single-bulb pendant lights hung from kitchen ceiling.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

Looking to brighten up your rental kitchen? Plug-in pendant lights offer both style and functionality without the electrical work.

If you have a dark area in your kitchen or are in need of some serious task lighting, hang a pendant light from the ceiling and plug it into the nearest outlet. You can choose to conceal the cord with a cable concealer or leave it on display for an industrial touch. Hanging pendant lights come complete with a light shade or as single-bulb cables so you can customize your light exactly how you want.

20. Put Cute Cutting Boards on Full Display

Large circular wood cutting board resting against white tiled kitchen wall between container of wooden cooking utensils and plant.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Low

Make room for large butcher block or marble cutting boards on your kitchen counters to distract from outdated countertops. This is a popular look in French and country-style kitchens where efficient food prep and cooking are of utmost importance.

While quality cutting boards can be a bit pricey, they're an investment you'll be able to take with you and enjoy for years to come.

21. Swap Out Your Kitchen Faucet

Cost: $$$

Difficulty: Medium

You don't have to be a plumber to change out your crusty kitchen faucet. If you're relatively comfortable with a wrench, swapping out your sink hardware is a simple DIY upgrade that has a big impact on the look and feel of your rental kitchen.

While this update is on the more expensive side (it's not unusual to spend $150 on a new faucet), talk to your landlord about deducing the cost from your rent. Replacing old fixtures will raise the value of the rental, and your landlord won't have to worry about paying a plumber if you choose to do it yourself.

22. Make Pots and Pans a Focal Point

Five pots and pans hanging on rack installed in front of kitchen window.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

If you're cooking with classic copper-bottom pots and pans, why conceal their beauty in a cabinet? Channel cozy farmhouse kitchens by hanging them on an open wall or from a ceiling rack. You'll be able to quickly access the cookware you need while displaying your timeless collection.

You can find wall-mounted pot racks for less than $30 and ceiling racks for around $70. When hanging your racks, make sure you're drilling into studs or using wall anchors that can support the heavy weight.

23. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Low

Nowadays there is an abundance of renter-friendly under-cabinet lighting options to illuminate your prep areas and create a warm ambiance in your kitchen. Whether you opt for battery-operated puck lights or motion-sensor LED bars, you'll appreciate the extra light when finely dicing your vegetables or seasoning your meat.

DIY under-cabinet lighting ranges from $20 to $40, depending on the style you choose. But no matter the type, you can easily install these lights in as little as 10 minutes.

24. Hang a Mirror

Large circular mirror hung on dining room wall next to window.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

Hanging mirrors in small spaces is a well-known design trick to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors reflect light and color across the room, and our eyes perceive the bouncing reflections as increased volume. If your rental kitchen is feeling a bit claustrophobic, adding a large mirror can help visually open up the space.

Asymmetrical and intricate gold mirrors are both modern choices that can complement multiple styles of kitchen, from Mid-Century Modern to French classic. You can even purchase mirrored contact paper and an empty photo frame to design your own mirror. Keep an eye out at your local thrift stores or resale sites for unique vintage finds.

25. Create an Accent Wall

Kitchen with white cabinets, wood countertops, and white hexagon-tile backsplash.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

Whether you're fond of quirky artwork or minimalist patterns, an accent wall gives you the freedom to incorporate the elements you love without overwhelming the entire kitchen.

If you have a blank wall in your rental kitchen begging for some flair, removable wallpaper, distinctive art pieces, or posters are renter-friendly options to create an attention-grabbing accent wall.

26. Build a Breakfast Nook

Small wood rectangular dining table with cream built-in benches below large kitchen windows.

Cost: $$$

Difficulty: High

Depending on the size of your kitchen, a traditional dining table might not be a practical option. But if you have a spare corner, you might be able to build your own breakfast nook complete with storage benches. This project can range from $200 to $400 and does require some carpentry skills and tools, but if you plan on staying in your rental for years to come, the benefits of this project will far outweigh the cost.

You can also look for easy breakfast bar solutions, such as a fold-down table or wall-mounted bar. If you have an empty kitchen wall, a sturdy slab of wood, and two stools, you're well on your way to creating an efficient casual dining space.

27. Upgrade Your Window Treatments

Kitchen with light gray countertops, shiny white upper cabinets, and large windows with sheer white shades.

Cost: $$

Difficulty: Medium

Are your windows suffering from missing blinds or sun-stressed curtains? Over the years, window treatments in kitchen rentals endure everything from smoke and grease splatters to extensive sun damage. But your kitchen windows are a focal point and should be treated as such.

Replacing your dingy plastic blinds with clean, modern window treatments like Roman shades or sheer curtains will instantly elevate your kitchen and create a brighter space. Depending on the size of your window, you can find trendy options ranging from $50 to $80. Store the old blinds in a closet or garage and hang them back up when it's time to move.

Rental Kitchen Makeover FAQs

Need a quick breakdown of the best DIY projects to instantly update your rental kitchen? We answered a few of the most-asked rental kitchen makeover questions to help you get creative with your space.

How can you update a small rental kitchen?

If you're looking to update a small kitchen, maximizing space and efficiency is key. Try:

Hanging shelves for added storage
Using a rack to store pots and pans
Displaying cooking utensils and spices on a pegboard
Updating your storage containers to glass jars or other reusable options
Hanging a mirror to give the illusion of more space

You can also use contact paper or vinyl wrap to conceal outdated countertops, cabinets, and appliances without damaging them.

What are some renter-friendly kitchen cabinet upgrades?

If your landlord allows it, you can paint your kitchen cabinets to instantly conceal any stains or dings. However, an even easier and more temporary option is to cover your old cabinets with vinyl or contact paper. This is an affordable, durable solution that can be removed when it's time to move out.

Can I paint my kitchen if I'm renting?

Some landlords will allow you to paint your kitchen but may require you to paint it back to its original color before you move. Before you start testing paint swatches, ask your landlord for permission and have a match for the existing paint color.

Is peel-and-stick wallpaper renter-friendly?

Peel-and-stick wallpaper will not damage walls or paint when removed, making it a popular choice for renters looking to spruce up their walls.

Whether you plan on staying in your rental for years to come or for the time being, you don't have to tolerate an unsightly kitchen. Simple DIY kitchen ideas like removable wallpaper, under-cabinet lighting, and vinyl wrap can help you create a space you look forward to cooking in.

If you're looking for more design inspiration, check out our other kitchen ideas like these kitchen cabinet trends or organization tips for your kitchen.

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