Nationwide provided me with information regarding its blog post.
The kitchen is the heart of your home. I was reminded of this recently when I was helping my mom move into a new apartment, and the first thing that we needed to do was spruce up her new rental kitchen. I've been on both sides of rentals - having lived in both rental apartments and houses myself and more recently having been a landlord, managing a rental property with my husband. And no matter the situation, the kitchen is always the place that you want to feel most like home.
Sometimes rental kitchens aren't exactly what you want them to be, and your hands may be tied with what your landlord will or won't allow you to change. The good news is with a little creativity you can make your rental kitchen into a useful space that you love! I've been helping my mom with this and I found 7 Ways to Spruce up a Rental Kitchen from Nationwide's blog. We've done several of them to brighten her kitchen and I've even created a free kitchen art printable that I think you will love too.
Making Changes in a Rental
As someone who has been both a renter and a landlord, I can tell you that what you are allowed to do in a rental unit varies widely. If it's not explicitly stated in your lease, ask your landlord about things like changing paint colors and fixtures. You may be surprised at what your landlord is willing to work with you on, especially if you are renting from an individual.
Here are some easy kitchen ideas that you can do in almost any rental situation.
Easy Kitchen Decorating Tips for Renters
Refresh the Cabinets
You likely won't be able to paint or replace cabinets, but giving them a good scrubbing will make a world of difference. Replacing the cabinet hardware (with your landlord's permission) is also a great way to give your kitchen an instant facelift.
Add in Organizers for Extra Space
Not having enough storage space is a common rental kitchen dilemma. Maximize the space you have with drawer and cabinet organizers. No kitchen island? Add a rolling butcher block top cart for an instant island effect. Or go vertical with wall shelving or even a hanging pot rack.
Add Colorful Accessories
A colorful kitchen rug will add a great pop of style and has the added benefit of covering flooring that you may not love. Continue your color scheme with fun kitchen textiles like hand towels and placemats. Add in decorative accessories too like a coordinating canister set or a funky teapot (we always keep a teapot on the stove).
Express Yourself with Art
Make your rental kitchen more personal with decorative wall art. And think beyond just the walls - I love having small pieces hanging between my cabinets and countertops, which is a great way to go if you can't install a backsplash.
Art for the kitchen doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, you can grab the art pictured above as a free printable right here!
This free printable kitchen art celebrates the kitchen as the heart of the home, and reminds us of the truly important ingredients in our lives. Its chalkboard inspired design will go with most decor and color schemes, so it's perfect for a rental kitchen or anywhere you would like to inspire happiness.
Just click the button below to download your free kitchen art. It will print as an 8x10, and looks great framed in an 11x14 frame with a mat (as shown above).
More Great Tips for Decorating a Rental Kitchen
Want even more great ideas on how to decorate your rental kitchen? Find 7 Ways to Spruce up a Rental Kitchen from Nationwide's blog and make your kitchen a place you love!
