5 ways to improve your kitchen without a wrecking ball
2.7.2018
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Don't like the kitchen in your rented flat but your contract won't allow you to make renovations? We’ve put together a few ideas to redesign your kitchen without having to come in like a wrecking ball.
Rented flats definitely have their advantages. As a tenant, you don’t have to worry about repairs and they give you a certain flexibility. On the downside, you can’t choose the interior design and major changes can only be made to a certain extent. Personally, I can’t stand my ugly kitchen. It’s old, tiny and impractical. As there’s zero work surface, I went out and got myself a table that turned out to be too low. I’ve been too lazy to get rid of it so it’s still in my kitchen. Overall, the kitchen is just really outdated. Nobody would design a kitchen like that anymore. There’s not even a vintage charm to it. It’s just downright ugly.
No, we can’t
If you live in an old, unrenovated rented apartment as I do, I’m pretty sure you feel my pain. What’s more, new rented apartments aren’t necessarily design highlights either. But as mentioned earlier, it’s rare that tenants are permitted to tear the kitchen out and put a new one in. My contract doesn’t allow me to make any permanent changes. Not even the decomposing wooden kitchen cabinets can go. Well, that’s not entirely true, I suppose. I am allowed to take them down but would have to put them back when I move out. Pfft, as if they’d survive that. Plus, we can safely assume that neither you nor I have any interest in investing lots of money in someone else’s apartment. Altruism does have it’s limits after all. So the only option left are reversible changes that either leave no or removable traces. A few simple tricks can change a lot.
1. Prettify the back wall
The wall behind the hob and work surface provides plenty of space for eye-catching changes. If you have a boring white wall to play with, try using stick-on tiles to spruce things up. They’re self-adhesive and easy to put up and remove. If it’s allowed to paint your flat, you could also use your paint colour of choice to customise the wall. A lick of paint completely changes a kitchen’s vibe. Cooking will be much more fun now!
2. Change the lighting
I’m a bit lax when it comes to lighting. Especially in the kitchen. I’ve invested zero time in design or bulbs. That’s a big mistake as good lighting will give your kitchen a completely different atmosphere. Although fluorescent tubes are great for chopping chores, they also highlight every flaw your kitchen has to offer and make it look clinical. Use warm-white light to make things look cosier. You’ll still have plenty of light to work in and your energy footprint will improve.
3. Tread softly
A carpet in the kitchen? That’s a bit unusual, I hear you say. But maybe your floor is so ugly that there’s no other option than to hide it under a beautiful rug. As long as you don’t spill tomato sauce or beetroot juice, a rug in the kitchen should be fine. Nonetheless, I’d recommend going for a model that’s absorbent and washable. The examples below are made of vinyl and easy to clean. Better leave that Persian carpet in the living room.
4. Daily use design
Certain kitchen features are permanent and prominent – a dish drying rack in my case. I was always convinced that everyday objects need to be functional and cheap. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Opt for attractive, eye-catching utensils and they will draw attention away from all the things that can’t be changed – like my ugly kitchen cupboards. Go for an appealing knife block or copper pots and show them off accordingly. As long as they don’t end up in a cupboard, they’ll definitely add to your kitchen.
5. Decorative plants
I’m a garden lover so this idea comes quite naturally to me. Introduce a few plants and make your kitchen look decorated, green, leafy and healthy. Find a good spot for them so they’re not in the way. The window sill is an obvious place, provided that the window behind it is not opened on a regular basis. Or how about attaching pots to the wall? Fill them with herbs you like to use. Anything goes as long as the plants can survive indoors.
Of course, these ideas won’t fundamentally change your kitchen, but they will definitely improve it. I’m sure there are tons of further ideas out there. Maybe you have one? Thanks for sharing it in the comments field below!
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
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