Renters don’t always have a say in the design or decor of a kitchen, and unless you have a flexible landlord, cosmetic changes are not easy to accomplish. But there are plenty of ways to conceal your kitchen's most unattractive features—and play up its strengths. The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, so it's a good use of time to get the space looking and working its best. That means adding storage and lighting, but also changing out counters or cabinets... without jeopardizing your security deposit. Click through our slideshow to view tips that will get you cookin’ in no time. Whether they are dinged and dented or simply unattractive, bad kitchen cabinets are one of a renter’s biggest woes. If you aren't allowed to paint, cover them in removable contact paper so you can leave them in their original (albeit ugly) condition when you move out. Or create open shelving by removing the doors entirely—just be sure to reattach them when you break your lease. Painted Cabinets: 14 Reasons to Transform Yours Now

If you have lots of cooking supplies, chances are you are not going to like the storage options that your rental kitchen has to offer. Free up valuable storage space by hanging your pots and pans, or prop up a pegboard to easily hang kitchen gadgets. Unsightly linoleum or tile plagues plenty of kitchens, and replacing it isn’t an option as a renter. Instead, distract from it by putting down colorful rugs and runners. party store christmas decorationsThey also help cushion aching feet during long hours spent over a stove.cheap wedding centerpieces for sale uk When counter space is at a premium you could have to choose between chopping vegetables and a place to put the coffee pot. outdoor christmas decorations uk only

To expand your prep area, buy cutting boards you can place over a stove or the kitchen sink. Spreading Out: 14 Ways to Get More Counter Space Dark kitchens feel dingy and can even be unsafe. Brighten up your space by using task lamps and under cabinet lights. Be sure to use LED bulbs where possible to decrease energy costs. Most kitchen countertops in rental apartments are laminate. And since they're usually beige, they can easily stain and yellow over time. christmas decorating ideas do it yourselfYou can cover your counters with decorative contact paper; stylish home decor storesjust remove it with the aid of a hairdryer when you're ready to move out.wholesale english home decor

Not Enough Drawer Space Outsmart your storage-starved kitchen by moving some of your utensils into jars on the countertop or magnetic strips on the walls. Drawer organizers can maximize your space and decrease clutter in the precious few drawers you have. Never underestimate the power of color in transforming a space. Pick one or two unifying colors, then coordinate your accents and knickknacks with your cabinetry or window treatments. The sum is greater than its parts; even mismatched pieces in the same color can look like a set and tie a potentially awkward rental kitchen together. Back to the Future Updating a backsplash is well within reach for renters; there are plenty of non-permanent ways to do it. Ceiling tiles make great removable backsplashes. Or if you prefer tile, mount them to panels that you can stick in place with Command strips or other temporary adhesives. For more on rental decor, try: 10 DIY-Doable Projects for Apartment Renters 10 DIY Ways Renters Can Remake Their Space

10 Mood-Altering Decorating Tips for City DwellersMany people have a vacation rental they use only part of the year, while others own rental property purely as an investment. If you haven’t already, you should consider sprucing up and renting your home to fellow vacationers. The advantages of doing so include: No matter what your reasons are for renting your property, taking the time to decorate can really pay off. Adding special touches helps provide an atmosphere that vacationers won’t soon forget. It won’t be long until you’re able to rent your vacation home whenever you want; you’ll even have renters who return every year as tradition and recommend your property to their friends and family. To decorate successfully, you want to have a basic strategy in mind. The overall goal is to achieve that “home away from home” feeling, which is why many people choose a rental over a hotel. Start with a brainstorming session, write down any ideas you have, then use this comprehensive guide to get going.

Choosing a theme anchors your decorating process. Pick one that fits where the rental is located, and think about who you’ll be renting to — adults only, families with children, or both.  Use sandy beige paint and white, blue, and coral furniture and accessories. Use shell and fish designs for wall hangings, shower curtains, and throw pillows. A jar of seashells is a nice touch. Go modern with metal furniture and accessories, track lighting, and bold colors like red, yellow, and black. Soften the impact with fake fur rugs and pillows. If your rental caters to those who like to hunt and fish, go with dark wood furniture and some mounted specimens. Green, red, and dark blue work well, as do plaid throws or pillows. For a family-friendly rental, try nature prints instead of mounted animals. Create a cool feeling with pastel colors, such as light blue and green. Add some prints of cactus, and maybe even a few specimen plants — they need almost no care. Furniture should be light, without the addition of heavy fabrics.

Tile floors and plenty of fans keep the interior cool. As the seasons change, take a little time to adapt your rental. In the winter, add throws to furniture and make sure you have extra, themed blankets for the beds. Install ceiling fans and make sure to service the air conditioner before the hot summer months arrive. Tip: Keep an inventory binder with a list of all of the furniture and accessories in the home. Provide comfortable outdoor furniture on the porch or deck to watch sunsets, waves, or other scenic views. For warm weather rentals, include a grill with table and chairs. Fire pits work well for a winter vacation rental. For a beach rental, an umbrella and portable chairs are thoughtful additions. Comfort is key when decorating areas like the living room. Sectional sofas provide plenty of seating; consider a rocker if you’ll be renting to families with very young children. Provide plenty of  pillows for floor sitting (great pillows can be found at many discount stores), and a cushy rug if the floor is hardwood.

Add a large-screen TV, Blu-ray player, table games, jigsaw puzzles, and a few books or magazines. Don’t forget to provide a folder with a map of the area, local restaurants, stores, and recreational opportunities. Purchase inexpensive items from discount stores. Provide bowls, cups, plates, and glasses, determining how many by the number of people your rental typically houses. Include salt, pepper, and a few basic seasonings. Add simple appliances such as a coffee pot, microwave, and toaster. Don’t forget basic cleaning supplies and kitchen linens. It’s helpful to include instructions for use of the appliances, electronics and other useful information for your guests, such as dates for garbage pickup. Consider using bunk beds, day beds, or inflatable air mattresses. Many vacation rental management companies provide free linen service: professionally laundered, high thread-count linens placed in your home at each cleaning. Regardless of the number of tenants, make sure you provide adequate storage space in sleeping areas.