Whether you’ve just moved in or you’ve lived there a while, you might want to redecorate your apartment kitchen. There are a lot of affordable ways to personalize your kitchen and make it your own.
Many people want to do a massive overhaul, but that can get expensive. Plus, the management team for your apartment home may have limitations on what you can do.
Some of your kitchen dreams might seem impossible, but we have five great solutions that’ll make it look like you did a complete kitchen redo!
You don’t have to change everything in your kitchen right away. Consider doing smaller projects one at a time and thinking of ways you can affordably update your kitchen.
There’s no set plan you have to follow. Try scaling down your ideas by rethinking what makes up a traditional kitchen design.
Let the following ideas help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.
1. Switch up the hardware
An easy change, like switching up the hardware in your kitchen, gives you a creative new look without spending a lot of money.
Changing the hardware isn’t a big project, but it’s still big enough for you to have fun and incorporate a style you’d like to see in your interior.
Drawer pulls and cabinet handles may not seem like a big deal, but replacing them with something different can add personality to the space.
There are likely tons of knobs and drawer pulls in your kitchen, so if you plan to replace them all, you’ll need to go somewhere affordable.
Local big box stores should have an affordable set of hardware. You can also check furniture consignment stores to see if they have anything you like.
If you like vintage or colorful hardware, check local estate sales in your area or search the internet.
You can even decoupage DIY designer cabinet knobs with cheap wooden knobs!
2. Have fun with the lighting
Have fun with the lighting.
Again, check with the apartment home management team before you do any substantial kitchen updates.
Lighting and light switches make a big difference in how bright and welcoming your kitchen is to you and your guests.
To achieve this, you can visit the local home improvement store to find out what they would recommend for an easy light fixture change-up. While you’re at it, ask them how to create the ambiance you want with your lighting.
You can also swap out the light switch panels. When you swapped out your hardware (which we just discussed), you might have already added new light switch panels.
Try to match the light switch plates to the hardware for a cohesive look.
To keep the cost down on this project, compare prices online and shop around at a few stores locally before choosing lighting and switch plates.
3. Put a chalkboard on your fridge
Who needs weekly menus for the roommates on paper when there’s a way to make it front and center in your kitchen?
Since everyone opens the fridge, attaching a chalkboard to your refrigerator is a creative and easy way to add a weekly food menu or schedule.
A chalkboard is a good idea because you can erase the schedule once a week and start a new one.
This project also allows you to get rid of cluttered magnets and create a functional schedule for everyone who lives at the apartment.
Remember to use a type of adhesive that you can easily remove when it’s time to move out. You don’t want to damage the fridge – especially if your property manager doesn’t allow permanent changes.
4. Add personality with rugs
Never underestimate the effect of some beautiful and fluffy new rugs that bring comfort and add to the appeal of the space.
Selecting a rug or two in a different color will feel like a significant change, and that’s what you’d like to happen.
- Plus, did you know that it’s essential to change your rugs once in a while?
- Swapping out your rugs more frequently is especially a good idea if you and your roommates wear shoes in your apartment home.
- Rugs get dirty and can also absorb smoke and smells, which is why swapping them out will make the kitchen a healthier environment.
- Implementing new rugs are a cost-effective way to add color or pattern to the kitchen.
5. Customize kitchen storage
Maximize kitchen space and give it a new look at the same time.
Think about how you can use an empty wall or other unused spaces for creative storage while personalizing the area and making it your own.
It’ll be fun to see how it all comes together as you take the time to rearrange things.
Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of your space, whether you live in a large or small apartment home:
- Use a baker’s rack to divide the kitchen area from the dining room area.
- Strategically place a small bookshelf to add separation between rooms.
- Use tension rods to hold accessories like cookie sheets upright and save space on shelves.
- Use hooks to hang items you don’t use as often from the inside of cabinet doors.
- If you have space above your cabinets, put some baskets up top and stash extra supplies there.
- Use a rolling cart as a kitchen island.
Updating your kitchen can be a lot of fun, but before you go all out, think of how you can accomplish these updates affordably. Visit furniture consignment and thrift stores, and find out when department stores are having their next sale.
Most managers at big-box stores will likely tell you they carry a variety of other products online. Usually, they can special order something you like but can’t afford at below the list price. Or, they can help you find a less expensive lookalike.
Revamping your kitchen doesn’t have to take days on end to achieve a desirable look. Tackle small projects one at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful kitchen that’s aesthetically pleasing as well as warm and inviting to family and guests.
Author Bio:
Located just 49 feet from St. Louis University for graduate and undergraduate programs, and only a short drive from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Nursing, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and Saint Louis University School of Law, Coronado Place and Towersis SLU ‘s best source for attractive apartment homes! Our apartment homes come with free internet access, free extended basic cable, all inclusive utilities in most units, washer and dryer facilities in every building, and unique amenities that you won’t find anywhere else in St. Louis.