kay harrison – The Interiors Addict

By Kay Harrison

Rental kitchens are not known for their idyllic makeup. From dim lighting to a lack of storage options, they can be a source of everyday dissatisfaction. However, with a little kitchen-whispering, you can coax more usability from your space. Here are 10 quick and easy tips, ranging from storage to aesthetic, to set you on your way.

Ugly cabinetry?

1. Line your shelves

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This is a sleek and simple solution to dingy cabinets. It keeps them neat and chic without tempting the wrath of your landlord. Select from a range of wallpapers and adhesive coverings. This injects pops of colour and personality into your space – understated or brazen according to your taste.

2. Change up your cabinet handles

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Go shopping for new hardware for your cabinet doors. It’s amazing what a difference this can make to the overall look of your kitchen. And there are plenty of cheerful-on-the-wallet options available.

3. Remove your cabinet doors altogether

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So you can’t stand the sight of those bland pine panels or (worse) that wood veneer? Get handy with your screwdriver and remove them for a fresh open-cubby look. Don’t throw them away! You’ll need to attach them again before you leave but in the meantime clean-lined kitchen shelving is uber-chic. Make-good the edging/cover the holes with wallpaper or adhesive covers.

Starved of storage?

4. Wire shelf inserts

Inserts are a great way for increasing the space available. Hook them under your shelves, over your doors or stand them over your plates to maximise the useable space.

5. Magnets

Consider a magnetic knife board to free up your counter space.

6. Hooks

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Add hooks to the insides of or beneath your cabinets. Ideal for teacups and mugs.

7. Think vertically

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Install a series of hooks on your ceiling or walls to utilise this hanging space. This is a visually impacting way to display your pots and pans for a rustic aesthetic.

Too dim?

8. Increase the wattage

A wattage of 80-to-100w is recommended for the kitchen.

9. Add swing-arm task lights

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Add designated task lights above your counters. A couple of swing-arm lamps add vintage accents and increase your functionality ten-fold. You don’t need to hardwire these in necessarily – just ensure some care is taken to secure the cords out of the way.

10. Install LED ribbon lighting under your cabinetry

If you’re a little handy with a drill, LED downlights are to-die-for. I love mine. But I didn’t install them. I’m smart enough to realise that DIY with electricals is not for me. If you’re the same, outsource the install or opt instead for stick-on battery-operated lights – you can buy them in most supermarkets.

La-voila! There you have it. Not too taxing on the grey matter I hope. Happy renting!

— Kay Harrison is a feature, blog and copywriter. She has work published in ACP magazines, ABC fiction, Overland, Seizure, trade publications and online forums and her creative writing has won several awards. Kay wrote this piece for Zanui.

5 DIY updates for your rental living room

By Kay Harrison

No question, the renter’s life is far from glam. But your decor doesn’t have to follow suit. A little out-of-the-box thinking is all you need to transform your space into a home sweet haven. Sure, there will always be those boxes that you cart from place to place unsure of their contents but too frightened to investigate. But cloaked in a nice throw and arranged around a coffee table, these can double as a boho-chic living nook.

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But jokes aside, decorating your home-on-loan is difficult. For one, there’s the investment and effort vs length of stay ratio to consider. But a few quick and simple (and cheap) adjustments can go a long way. After all, time has a way of getting away with you. And a refuge from the outside world is the most must-have of must-haves.

So today, we’re turning to your living space and we’ve put together a few easy DIY tips to make your space more livable.

Fire things up with faux wall-panelling

www.cardiganjunkie.com_2011_03_what-to-read-dabble-magazine.html — Photo credit: Cardigan Junkie

Dabble Magazine proves you can change the world with two paint colours, painter’s tape, a metal ruler, a level and a little DIY know-how. Above, they show us how to achieve a geo-chic look with just a little patience. Can’t paint? Washi tape is to DIY decor what half a toothpick is MacGyver. It doesn’t look like much but it can save your life. Washi tape is the perfect antidote to too much beige. Apartment Therapy also have some great suggestions for removable wall-panelling options.

Realise that New York loft look

Screen Shot 2015-04-14 at 8.08.28 am — Add an exposed brick wall to your space without the dust and fuss with these wallpapers. Photo credit: Zanui

Love that urban-industrial warehouse style? Introduce exposed-brick walls into your space with easy-to-apply wallpapers. Obviously this is asking for a more flexible landlord, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get. And if you’re planning on staying there a while, this kind of investment gives back ten-fold.

Re-purpose vintage tablecloths for super-cute curtains

We love that chintz meets lace look. You can create your very own window valances (use lace tablecloths) or curtains (use floral and patterned) with minimal fuss. Shop your local Vinnies to add some serious-nana style to your space. You can find curtain rings with metal clips attached for this uber simple make-over at the likes of Spotlight.

Line your shelving

Better yet, line behind, underneath, even on top of your shelving. Adding colour in unexpected spaces adds individuality to your home. Plus it keeps it neat and chic. And it’s easy to re-line with plain white when you leave.

Define it with decals

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Removable wall decals redefine your space instantly and peel away when you have to leave. And there is an almost infinite number on the market – from Banksy designs to quotes and iconic rockstars. Can’t argue with that.

Here’s to making a little sanctuary for yourself in your rental home! Go forth, chickens! Nest!