How To Make Your Rented Kitchen Feel More Like Home

Co-living is a housing concept that’s becoming increasingly popular, particularly because it is less costly than traditional rentals (especially in big cities!). Rent is often the biggest monthly expenditure for private renters, so living with a housemate makes sense if you’re looking to pare down your spending.  

Another reason why people opt for co-living is that it helps reduce feelings of loneliness. Whether you’re busy with work, moving to a new city, or in any other circumstance, it’s more difficult to make new friends when you’re over 40. Co-living offers a ready-made community and the chance to share meals with someone and to talk about each other’s days.

In a co-living space, the kitchen is arguably one of the most important rooms. It not only serves as a functional area, but also as the emotional core of the home. Kitchens are the hub for activities: it’s where you savour your morning coffee, craft your lunch, and maybe even end your day with a meal or movie.

It’s precisely for that reason that you want it to feel as warm and inviting as possible. However, you can feel a little bit restricted if the design isn’t all up to you. But don’t worry: it is possible to transform your rented kitchen into a stunning, welcoming space where you’ll feel inspired every day (whilst also keeping your landlord happy). Ready to learn how?

Inject Some Colour

You may not be allowed to paint the kitchen walls or change the units in a rented kitchen, but who says you can’t infuse the space with your own personality?

For example, using temporary vinyl is a great option because it can be easily removed while still allowing for a small, yet impactful short-term change. This way, you can add colour to the walls and even the backsplash (the good thing is that peel-and-stick wallpaper is very affordable).

Linens are another simple way to mix up décor in an otherwise plain kitchen. Think tea towels, curtains, or place mats, which are available in nearly any colour and pattern you can imagine, making it easy to find what fits your style.

Also, accessories are part of any renter’s toolkit, so consider adding some colourful kitchenware with great potential to transform the space, like a bright toaster that will stand out against a kitchen with a white backsplash and black counters.

Bring In a Portable Kitchen Island

If space permits, consider a kitchen island to warm up a cold kitchen. This piece can instantly enhance the space’s visual appeal and add a stylish focal point to the design. Besides, islands are ideal for a co-living space because they encourage socialisation, allowing you to create a cosy spot for chatting while enjoying your morning coffee.

The good news is that not all kitchen islands are built in: you can go for a portable one instead, which is flexible and therefore suitable for renters. What’s great about them is that they can be repositioned to free up space and, at the same time, offer unique design opportunities, such as creative material combinations and repurposed furniture. If you want to make it more functional, you can opt for a portable kitchen island with storage solutions, such as drawers for linens, utensils, and kitchen gadgets, helping keep essentials tucked away while offering quick access during meal prep.

Add Warm Lighting

A rented place can feel much bigger, brighter and more welcoming if you add cosy lighting. In a rented kitchen, the lighting scheme is often functional but not very fancy: the norm is a few spotlights here and there or a single basic ceiling light.

A plug-in standing light can go a long way towards increasing light levels and creating instant mood. Whether under shelving, on the ceiling, or above the dining table, a little extra, warm light helps change the mood.

Another thing you can do is switch to smart bulbs, which add functionality like colour-changing, making it one of the best modern kitchen ideas. In many rented kitchens, cool-toned lighting is the standard, which is great for preparing and cooking food. However, if you want a cosier atmosphere, smart bulbs will let you control the mood of the space without making permanent modifications, so both you and the landlord will be happy.

Incorporate Plants

If the kitchen looks dated for your taste, plants can truly make a difference. Not only will they make the space more inviting, but they also offer a few health benefits, so your landlord may actually be grateful to you for incorporating them. For instance, they improve air quality by removing pollutants, and even their smell can spike happy hormones in your body, reducing stress and anxiety. Just think about it: have you ever felt grumpy while in the forest? Exactly. That’s just nature doing its magic: bringing tranquillity and peace.

When it comes to the types of plants to add to a rented kitchen, we recommend low-maintenance varieties. Some great options include Spider Plants, Pothos, and Snake Plant, each with unique benefits. Make sure to always check the natural light in the kitchen before choosing a plant, as well as humidity (kitchens get humid due to cooking, and these conditions are more suitable for some plants compared to others).

Social ideas

To make the kitchen more appealing, despite those older kitchen cabinets, a great way to make a room feel warm is to associate it with good memories and experiences. Preparing a meal for housemates and enjoying time together there is equally important as the décor and kitchen style.

Some co-living places organise monthly or weekly meet-ups in the kitchen as a part of the package, but self-generated groups also tend to happen and create a feeling of belonging.

Image source: Unsplash