Floor Counter Brown
How can I give my kichen a makeover when i'm renting?
I hate my kitchen. The walls are all plain white. The cabinets are brown and the floor is brown. The counter tops are white...but..look dingy yellow.
I would love to paint the walls and cabinets another color, but can't because I'm renting.
What can I do?
A lot of times the landlord will let you paint a neutral color if you ask really nicely and tell them you will get swatches for them to approve the color first. If they are hesitant to let you paint it a color because they'd have to match it to do touch ups later, tell them you will buy an extra gallon for them to keep or tell them you will add it to your lease to re-paint it to white before moving out.
If they still dont' go for it, try this: Buy a bunch of foam core board (you know, like you used for projects in school? Not poster board; the heavier stuff with foam in the middle). Cut it to the size of the space of the walls in between your upper & lower cabinets. The fit should be snug, so be careful in measuring and cutting. You can either paint, wallpaper, or upholster the foam core. Then tack it into place with small finishing nails in an inconspicuous place or by hanging a picture over top or use "Command" brand adhesive strips behind the foam core to attach it to the wall.
Oh also - if your countertops look dingy, it is probably because old tenants didn't do a good job cleaning and/or smoked and yellowed the white counters. Try using a watered down bleach or liquid Comet on the counters & scrub with a 'Mr. Clean' magic eraser. If you can find it, a great liquid cleaning product called "Mean Green" works wonders... if you have a 'Dollar General' store near you, they sell it. Trust me... it is great.
