Our Rental Kitchen: Before and After
I’m so excited to share with you today the amazing transformation that my rental kitchen underwent recently. With a little creativity, some budget-friendly choices, and a touch of DIY magic, we turned our dull space into a stylish and functional room that I don’t hate being in anymore. Let's dive in and discover the key elements that brought this kitchen to life!
Cabinet Envy: Sherwin Williams' Night Owl
One of the biggest game-changers in our kitchen makeover was the paint job on our cabinets. We opted for Sherwin Williams' cabinet enamel in the stunning shade called Night Owl. This deep, rich hue instantly added a touch of sophistication and modernity to the space. The durable finish of the enamel ensures that our cabinets will remain beautiful for years to come, despite the hustle and bustle of daily kitchen activities. It’s already held up so well against two kids and too many pets.
Amazon Hardware and Lighting
Because we are in a rental kitchen, I didn’t want to spend too much on hardware, but I knew we needed something. I opted for balls knobs from Amazon, and I also added the Mara Wire Towel Bar in Natural Brass from Schoolhouse. I LOVE how it pulled together the two non-functioning drawers in front of the sink. The options on Amazon were perfect, affordable, and easy to install, making it a hassle-free upgrade.
To bring some much-needed illumination to the kitchen, we explored Amazon's vast collection of lighting fixtures. I opted for a library-style sconce and a rechargeable lightbulb so I didn’t have to pay for anything to get hardwired.
Vintage Range Updates
When it came to our vintage range, I wanted a Café appliance vibe, but on a rental budget. All I did here was spray paint the handles of my oven a brushed gold spray paint from Ace Hardware. It’s needed a couple refresh coats, but it’s been so worth it.
p.s. the middle one wasn’t sprayed because it has the temperature ranges
Backsplash Beauty: Bedrosians Cloe Tile
We wanted to give our kitchen backsplash a fresh look without breaking the bank, so we turned to our leftover Bedrosians Cloe tile that we had from a previous design project. With a little creativity, we arranged the tiles in a stacked pattern, creating a chic and contemporary backdrop for our cooking adventures. It's amazing how a simple tile arrangement can make such a big impact! And we got seriously lucky that we had these leftover.
A Clean Canvas: Behr's Ultra Pure White
To brighten up the entire space and create a clean, crisp backdrop, we painted our kitchen walls with Behr's Ultra Pure White. This versatile shade not only made the room appear larger, but it also allowed other elements, such as the cabinets and backsplash, to shine even more. The result? A fresh and airy atmosphere that instantly uplifted our spirits.
Appliance Upgrade: Stainless Steel Fridge and Painted Range Hood
To complete our rental kitchen transformation, we decided to convince our landlord to invest in a new stainless steel fridge — and it worked. The sleek and modern appearance made such a huge difference in our space. Additionally, we gave our range hood a fresh coat of paint that perfectly matched our cabinets, tying the whole look together seamlessly.
In the end, our rental kitchen went from a drab and uninspiring space to a vibrant and stylish culinary haven. With a few simple and budget-friendly changes, we created a kitchen that reflects our personal style and brings joy to our everyday cooking experiences.
Remember, even if you're working with a rental space, don't be afraid to make it your own. With a little creativity and a touch of DIY magic, you can transform any kitchen into a space that reflects your personality and inspires you to create delicious meals. Happy cooking!
Have you tackled a kitchen transformation recently? Share your experience and tips in the comments below.
