7 quick, easy & temporary ways to update your kitchen

Have I told you how much I love a good project?  

I love to tackle renovating a space and giving it a new look. And updating your kitchen in a simple, quick, inexpensive and easy way is always a good thing.

Maybe it was because I grew up in a house where there was always a project going on- hammers and nails and sawdust were pretty much always around. I was used to big projects happening all around me but sometimes, the best ones were the ones that took just a couple of days rather than months of work.

But what if you want to refresh the kitchen and make it feel new- but are renting or maybe just waiting on that big remodel. Today it is all about some ideas for updates without any demo and rebuild work involved – but that can give you the look- and that can be done quickly.

Yes, I love to swing a hammer and reinvent a space. I am somewhat addicted to renovating – I love seeing something as is and making it look different. But I also love projects that get done in a snap and that are easy to do- instant gratification type projects. And the good news is- not all projects require demo and rebuilding to make a space feel fresh-change the look or make it more like you want it to be.   

A question I have been asked several times recently is how to update and refresh a space if you are renting or don’t want to tackle a renovation project-  how can you get that look temporarily in your home?

And so today- we are ‘tackling’ a different kind of a renovation….a no commitment, no demo and no demo mess way to refresh the kitchen. I have updated this post was some get the look links below in case you are ready to tackle a quick transformation and any of these ideas speak to you.

Peel and stick tile

Yes, you heard that right.  They have the most fabulous invention now- tile that is all about simple- peel and stick and no messy grout.  And it looks pretty darn amazing.

This is faux marble- but they have TONS of different looks to choose from.

The best part about peel and stick- it is temporary of course. Just follow the instructions for installation and for peeling it off without damaging the surface. In full disclosure- I have not used peel and stick tiles or papers- so am not sure if it is a bigger job than it seems- so I would definitely follow all instructions to make sure it is done correctly.

Wood Plank

Oh yes… this is one we have actually done. Out in the cottage- we have a beaded board  that we cut and attached to the wall as the backdrop. It is simple and easy to do- and it gives you the look of old cottage walls. You scan secure with a couple of nails or even some of those double sided sticky tapes.

3. Use Faux Brick 

In the same line of thinking- you can also use a faux brick panel as a backsplash. I have used faux brick panels for faux fireplace inserts or as a beautiful backdrop- so if you are handy with a saw and want something more textured- that is a simple way to get the look with little commitment. Just use a couple nails or screws – or that double sided tape to attach to the wall.  Or a more simple option- this is actually a peel and stick wallpaper. Who. Knew. 

4. Change the cabinet hardware

Simple and easy way to update- is to simply change the hardware. As long as you keep the style the same so you don’t have to add any new holes or anything- swapping the knobs and handles is an easy change.

We changed the hardware to brass and it instantly changed the look.

5. Add a Plate Rack to a shelf

So simple and easy- I bought wood plate racks at Ikea- and tucked two of them into the bottom section of the open shelf for a charming plate display area.

6. Use Artwork or a Chalkboard for a fun look 

A simple and easy way to break up all those cabinets and make the kitchen feel more decorated is to use artwork or a chalkboard.

I love the old chalkboard in the little cottage kitchen- and I just added some tiny old artwork on the shelves in the house. I will blog about those & shelf styling ideas soon.

7. Use a temporary floor covering

Of course a rug can cover a multitude of older or not your style floor sins- so that is a simple option to just plop down in the kitchen. But another option- if you are able to paint your floors- you can do that and stencil them for a custom look until you are ready to renovate. Or-  again that peel and stick tile pops up as an option. this one has a barn wood look – and how easy would that be to change the look in an afternoon.

Of course there are many other ways to give your rental kitchen a fresh look- or give your home a refresh on a quick turnaround dime- new window coverings, a fresh coat of paint and color, add new interesting decor- like a stack of breadboards – or even just change the shelf displays for a different look.

Get the Look

*affiliate links

Happy easy updating all!