MomSkoop
Transforming your apartment kitchen doesn’t require a major renovation or a big budget. With some creativity and simple changes, you can turn a dull cooking space into the stylish heart of your home. These easy decorating tips will help you upgrade your kitchen this weekend, making it feel fresh and inviting without breaking your lease or your bank account.
1. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing transforms a space faster than paint! A soft cream, pale blue, or gentle mint can instantly brighten dark cabinets and make your kitchen feel twice as large. Rental-friendly? Absolutely!
Many landlords permit painting as long as you return to the original color when moving out. For commitment-phobes, try painting just the inside of cabinets or a single accent wall for a pop of personality.
Even painting cabinet fronts alone can refresh the entire kitchen’s vibe without requiring professional help. Just remember to clean surfaces thoroughly before applying paint for the best adhesion and longest-lasting results.
2. Incorporate Open Shelving
Open shelving creates an airy, spacious feeling even in compact kitchens. Install a few floating shelves on an empty wall to display your prettiest dishes, vintage glassware, or cookbook collection.
For renters, removable command hooks or tension rod shelving systems offer damage-free options. The key is styling with intention—arrange items by color, keep spacing consistent, and incorporate a few plants or personal treasures.
This approach not only adds storage but transforms everyday items into decorative elements. Just remember to keep displayed items dust-free and rotate pieces occasionally to maintain that intentionally curated look.
3. Use Stylish Backsplash Stickers
Who knew fake tiles could look so convincing? Modern peel-and-stick backsplash tiles mimic expensive materials like subway tile, Moroccan patterns, or even marble at a fraction of the cost. The application couldn’t be simpler—just measure, cut, and press firmly into place.
These adhesive wonders stand up surprisingly well to kitchen splashes and can be removed without damaging walls when it’s time to move. They instantly hide outdated or stained surfaces behind your sink and stove.
For maximum impact, choose a design that contrasts with your countertops rather than matching them. This creates visual interest and makes your kitchen look professionally designed rather than cookie-cutter.
4. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware is like jewelry for your kitchen—small but mighty in visual impact! Replacing those dated or basic knobs with sleek matte black pulls, vintage-inspired glass knobs, or brushed gold handles creates instant sophistication.
The process takes just an afternoon with nothing more than a screwdriver. Save the original hardware in a labeled bag to reinstall when moving out.
For maximum style points, coordinate your new hardware with your faucet finish or light fixtures. This creates cohesion that makes the entire space feel intentionally designed rather than randomly assembled.
5. Bring in Greenery
Plants breathe life into sterile apartment kitchens! A windowsill herb garden provides fresh cooking ingredients while adding vibrant green color. No green thumb? Try nearly indestructible plants like pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants that thrive in indirect light.
Hanging planters free up precious counter space and draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher. Small succulents tucked between cookbooks or alongside the coffee maker add unexpected touches of nature throughout the space.
Beyond aesthetics, kitchen plants improve air quality and create a sense of nurturing that transforms the entire cooking experience. Start with just one or two easy-care varieties before expanding your indoor garden gradually.
6. Upgrade Your Lighting
Harsh overhead fluorescents make even the nicest kitchen feel like a sterile cafeteria. Swap that builder-grade fixture for a statement pendant light that reflects your style—whether mid-century modern, farmhouse chic, or industrial.
No electrical skills? Battery-operated puck lights installed under cabinets create magical ambient lighting without wiring. Smart bulbs that change color and brightness via phone app let you transform the mood from energetic morning cooking to romantic dinner ambiance.
7. Lay Down a Runner Rug
Kitchens often lack softness with all those hard surfaces. A colorful runner instantly warms the space while protecting your feet from cold floors during midnight snack runs. Washable versions from brands like Ruggable stand up to spills and can be tossed in the washing machine.
Pattern-wise, vintage-inspired designs hide crumbs between cleanings, while geometric patterns add modern flair. Position your runner in the main walkway or in front of the sink where you stand most often.
Beyond comfort, rugs absorb sound in echo-prone kitchens with hard surfaces. This simple addition makes the entire space feel more finished and intentional—like you actually decorated rather than just assembled functional pieces.
8. Show Off Decorative Storage Jars
Clear glass containers transform ordinary pantry staples into beautiful design elements! Fill matching jars with colorful pasta, layered beans, or coffee beans to create a visually appealing countertop display. Label each container with elegant tags or chalkboard stickers for both style and function.
Beyond aesthetics, these containers keep ingredients fresher longer while eliminating visual clutter from mismatched packaging. The uniform look instantly elevates your kitchen’s organization game. Thrift stores often have beautiful glass containers at bargain prices.
Arrange your collection by height or contents for maximum visual impact. The transparency creates depth on shelves while allowing you to see when supplies run low—practical and pretty simultaneously!
9. Hang Wall Art or Prints
Kitchens deserve beautiful art too! Framed vintage food advertisements, botanical herb prints, or colorful abstracts add personality without consuming precious counter space. Command strips make hanging damage-free for renters.
For a budget option, frame pretty tea towels or calendar pages with food themes. Group smaller pieces gallery-style for greater impact, or go bold with one oversized statement piece that becomes a conversation starter.
The kitchen walls above cabinets often remain bare wasteland—transform this forgotten space with artwork that reflects your personality. Just avoid placing delicate or valuable pieces directly above the stove where cooking oils might damage them over time.
10. Use Coordinated Dish Towels
Never underestimate the styling power of beautiful dish towels! These affordable textiles add instant color and pattern while hiding unsightly appliance handles. Select a coordinating set in colors that complement your kitchen’s palette for a pulled-together look.
Beyond hanging on the oven door, try draping them over a small tension rod near the sink or folding them into a basket on the counter. Seasonal towels make updating your kitchen’s look budget-friendly—swap in autumn leaves, holiday patterns, or spring florals as the year progresses.
Quality matters here—thicker towels hang better and look more luxurious than flimsy versions. This small investment creates big impact, especially in rental kitchens where permanent changes aren’t possible.
11. Add a Small Coffee or Tea Station
Carve out a dedicated beverage corner to bring boutique coffee shop vibes home! Arrange your coffee maker, favorite mugs, and accessories on a small tray to visually separate this area from food prep zones. Even the tiniest kitchen can accommodate this luxury.
Vertical organization keeps everything accessible—hang mugs on hooks underneath cabinets or mount a small shelf above. The key is to contain all related items in one zone rather than scattering them throughout drawers and cabinets.
This station becomes both functional and decorative, especially when you incorporate special elements like a vintage sugar bowl or artisanal wooden coffee scoop. The morning ritual feels more special when everything you need awaits in one beautifully arranged spot.