My Boho Rental Kitchen
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through links on my site, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.
I decided that I wanted a boho-style rental kitchen. First, I ordered peel-and-stick tiles online for a backsplash.
Peel & Stick Tile For Rental Kitchens:
The peel-and-stick tiles that I ordered on Etsy are very colorful and completely changed the look of my apartment’s kitchen. They gave it more of a boho look.
A Faux Backsplash:
In this photo, you can see a white strip at the bottom where the backsplash meets the countertop. I don’t know what it’s called, but I found this white roll in the flooring section at Lowe’s.
It is made of rubber. I attached it with strong double-stick tape and painted it white. Now I have a water barrier behind my sink. I guess you could call it a “faux” backsplash.
Embellishing With Wood Appliques:
I glued on a wooden applique I found at Lowe’s. It took a few days to make sure it would stick. Then I painted it white to match the cabinets.
Buying A New Faucet:
I purchased a different faucet. Some will say, ” You rent that apartment, why would you pay $69 for a kitchen faucet?”
I absolutely detested that cheap faucet that came with the apartment. Hated it! I couldn’t clean around the plastic that housed the hot and cold water.
You know my motto: Love it while you rent it. And if you hate it, go ahead and spend a little money so you can love it.
The faucet I purchased was a Moen, and the cheapest decent faucet that I could find.
That “someday” house renters are hoping to buy might never happen. You might be run over by a Frito-Lay truck, or some other disaster could befall you. You might go into debt and never have good enough credit to get a mortgage.
So put a little money in the place where you live NOW. You will be happier with it, and $69 for a new faucet is not a huge price to pay for a happier kitchen.
Whimsical Window Treatment:
Then I added a new window treatment. I simply used a regular old extension rod and layered vintage linens across it. Just switch out the linens when you’re bored with the look.
One of my favorite things about this whole redo is that the “faux backsplash” I came up with was under $10, and I had one whole section left.
Painting The Countertops:
Here’s what I did with these textured counters that had all sorts of squiggly colors I hated. I used a very thick white paint, suggested by someone from Ace Hardware. With quite a few coats, it took away the texture, and my counters are now smooth, white, and pretty.
Then I used polyurethane to coat the countertops to keep spills and such from ruining them. It takes about a week to cure, so it should be cured now.
It gave the countertops a fresh and updated look.
Painted Kitchen Island:
Here is the newly painted kitchen island. The one I purchased for $45 last summer. I considered staining it. But I have absolutely no experience in staining furniture.
So I just painted it white.
I painted the red “EAT” sign aqua.
New Electric Outlet Covers:
I also bought new electric outlet covers. They are silver. Really, this is not a big expense at all, and renters should think about making this small change.
It just looks a whole lot better than those beige covers they slap on because they’re cheap.
This old dishwasher (which I never use) did not escape my paintbrush. Since it is never used, I didn’t see a problem with painting it.
So there you have it. My boho-style apartment kitchen.
If I move and lose a $300 deposit, I’ll deal with it. I’d much rather be happy with it while I live here. And who knows. I may never move.
Well, for all your troubles that sure looks good now, Brenda. I'm smiling thinking about what your handy man was thinking to himself when he had to put your cabinet doors back ON….lol
That rubber piece is baseboard-they used to use it a lot when they installed vinyl flooring to act as the finishing piece between wall and floor.
You have done a great job all the way around.
Do you know what Ooops is? The product? Ooops will take paint off almost anything…and a little can of it goes a really long ways. It is handy to just keep a little squirt can of it around.
Hope you have a great weekend. xo Diana
I'll have to look into Ooops. And I did take the doors off last year. But it was not as easy to put them back on. So here he came with his electrical tools!
Yeah, I imagine he thinks I'm as nuts as the guy with the 10,000 square foot house who is so unhappy. We Americans probably really confuse this simple man who cannot understand why I'm doing these things!
Your kitchen is adorable! I can't believe how neat the backsplash is. Way to go Brenda. 🙂
The faux tiles are not behind the white splash guard. I was afraid when I put that on and painted it the final white coat, I'd manage to get it on the tiles. so they're just cut up to the edge of it.
You'll have to tell Volare that he is famous and we all feel like we know him. The tiles are fabulous. I never knew they existed. You did a great job and it looks wonderful. I'm so glad you got this finished and can rest for a little bit – until the next project that is.
I have tried to tell him. I don't think he understood. I asked him how his name is spelled so I could get it right. I didn't have a pen handy, but there's I think an "i" and a "y" in there somewhere. Anyone familiar with Russian names?
He also ended up putting those cabinet doors on for me. I tried for about an hour. But having one foot on a step stool and the other foot on the counter trying to balance a door to put a screw in just was not working. I walked around and found him and he came and did it for me. Nice man! I gave him this beautiful painting I'd had since 1985 for him to give to his wife. I'm always giving things to him so I feel like I'm not taking advantage of him. He's not supposed to do this stuff. I imagine he walks in the door with stuff and she says: "So what did you do for her today?"
Looks great, and I know you love it! I do too! Who put in the faucet for you, the handy man? The material you used for splash guard or back splash is called cove base. It is often used for a what is a baseboard in some houses though most are wood, like mine are oak. Picture commercial installations like a hospital or school, that is what they might have, in stead of wood baseboard. Usually with vinyl flooring… or it is for a toe kick area. That small, recessed space between the bottom of your cabinets and the floor is known as the toe kick. The toe kick allows you to stand next to your base cabinets without stubbing your toes. Mine are oak also, but many are this hard rubber. AT least it looks like that is what it is ! Either way it looks great.
Now I know where I've seen that before! In hospitals, schools, and the like. I'm so glad you told me what it is. Cove base. Well, it works!
Oh, and I forgot. Yes, Volare put the faucet in for me.
Brenda, I just learned that rubbing alcohol takes dried paint off everything! My 55 year old Costco stool looks brand new!
Good that you brought this up. Very timely. Because I've got dried red paint on a mirror I painted turquoise. I'm thinking of putting it above the washer/dryer so I have a mirror that makes a space looks larger. Will try this for sure!
I love it. I think I will try that paint treatment on my counters.
Well, it was a cheap fix. Put polyurethane on when you're done and let it cure and you can wipe the counters down like they were laminate or anything else.
Since my surroundings are so important to me, and since I spend so much of my life in here, I have to have something I truly love or I won't be happy living here. This is a 1960s apartment. It wasn't exactly my taste when I decided to move here. But the fact that I'm kind of off to myself, as much as I can be living in an apartment, and the size of the fenced in patio, sold me. I knew I could take care of the rest.
I'm in love with your new tile backsplash. It's a brilliant idea and so beautiful! Everything you painted looks sparkly fresh and new. I just absolutely LOVE that shot of your colorful bottles on the window sill beneath your pretty new valance. I agree, the chance of losing your deposit is worth having a look that makes you happy.
I felt a little guilty buying the faucet. I don't take big purchases lightly. And $69 wasn't a small purchase for me. But I absolutely love it!
Brenda, I LOVE IT! The faux tiles are what I noticed first and thought you had gone out and bought some vintage tiles. The tap (faucet) is so much better, and as you have to use it all the time why not change to what you want. Everything looks brilliant, be proud of what you achieved here it's fabulous! x
I'd say this was around a two hundred dollar job. What with all the paint, the faux tiles, the switch plates, brushes, faucet, etc.
Still a bargain for the big changes you got. Lots of bang for your bucks I'd say!
Love that peel and stick backsplash! The whole kitchen looks wonderful.. You did a great job for so little money!
Brenda love love love those tiles they look beautiful!! Would you consider going all the way across near your washer and pot rack I think that would look awesome! Loving your window treatment too…so pretty!
Well, these aren't cheap. Even faux. With them being shipped from India, that was a good expense. So just my half was nearly a hundred dollars. Can't afford to buy more! And also, what I put them over was laminate. The wall behind the washer is sheetrock. I had a stopping place at the end of the laminate, and that's where I stopped. I didn't have enough to go farther.
Wow Brenda. Great colours with white areas of peace. Painting the center island white was a great idea. The fridge and dishwasher look like new. Great idea to put the rubber backing on the counter. No more water down the back of the counter. Love the updated faucet and replaced outlet covers. It was worth the expense to have something you like rather than putting up with the faucet that you disliked. Having your groceries all together makes life easier too. Great window treatment, I think I will try that too. A huge job Brenda that looks wonderful. You took what you had done when you set up your kitchen and made it better.
Joy
Thanks, Joy! I respect your opinion highly. I didn't want it to be a jumbled mess. But my inclination is always to add more. I tried to cut back on that.
I love the "new" kitchen! So fun but not overwhelming. 🙂
Yes, now that I look at this kitchen up against the first kitchen, I do see that it was a bit overwhelming!
I think your kitchen is lovely! I wasn't sure about the boho look, but you have done a wonderful job. The tiles are so pretty!
I really struggled with this kitchen. Just like last time. But I'm liking the lighter/brighter look.
I love everything about it! Wonderful job.
I think all the white balances out the multi-colored faux tiles.
Love, love, love it! You are my inspiration! It's so bright and colorful Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.
I'm glad you like it. I'll always share. A fail or a non-fail.
I seriously thought you took up tiling! Those Moraccan tiles look authentic and really add to your boho cottage look you've go going on. I love your window treatment made from embroidered linens, too! I think you're wise to make your home your own by investing a few dollars. Your makeshift backsplash adds a nice finished look to the kitchen and your white painted countertops give you a neutral backdrop to add whatever colors you like. I'm pulling my hair out over the mistakes I made when I installed the tongue and groove planking, but they're up and I'm probably the only one who will ever notice…..I hope! Well done, Brenda!
Believe me, there are lots of mistakes if you look close!
Brenda, what would you do with brown (fake wood) formica cabinets? What I've seen online looks so complicated. Thanks
I'd paint them. Paint is cheap. If it doesn't look right, you can always do something else. I'd ask the paint shop guy to show you a really thick paint like I got, then paint over it with something else.
I meant to say, I love every little thing about your new kitchen.
Thanks! I like it too. I like that's it white and bright. White means clean to me.
You are amazing! I love every little thing about it your new kitchen.
Oh and about that plant ~ try turning it a quarter turn each day and it will straighten itself out.
Susan and Bentley
I love the new backsplash! Years ago before I was married, I was very Boho. It's a fun and happy style and it really allows one to let the creative juices flow. I liked your kitchen before and didn't know if I would like this better, but I do! I am also with you on making your space your own even if you rent. I always changed fixtures and painted everything when I rented. As it turned out, the new tenants always liked it and the landlord didn't have to change a thing. One's happiness and contentment is worth much more than a $300.00 deposit.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I think so too. You have to like/love your space. Otherwise you won't be happy in it. Life is short. Be happy!
I like the new look. As for the "leaning" plant, maybe if you put it somewhere for a couple of weeks where it faces the sun it will pull to the other side, and even itself out.
Yes, that's just what I'll do.
LOVE….LOVE IT!!!!!!
Thank…thank you!
Well, I couldn't figure out what to do with that window. The windows here are terribly ugly and cheap. You sure don't want to highlight them. I thought of all kinds of things, but finally, this was the easiest and I rather liked the concept of layered linens in lieu of a curtain.
I really like the new look! Much lighter and airier with the white instead of black ~ and I LOVE your window treatment!!
Good job!
Brenda, I think your faux tiles look just great! They are really show cased with all the fresh white you have painted. I hope it's ok to say, I like this so much more than the previous make over you did on the kitchen. The two plates look very pretty with the new "tiles". Well done girl!!
Of course it's okay to say! I love feedback, good or bad. This look is more cleaned up and light I think. I wanted black counters because that's what I'd ordered and had put in at the little blue house. But really, the white fits this kitchen better I think.
You're so clever! That rubber coving makes the perfect backplash!
Do you have any idea what they use that for in flooring? Must be at the bottom of the wall is all I can imagine. Oh well, cheap and worked!
Brenda they are used for kick plates at the bottom of cabinets.