As a renter, I don't want to invest in upgrades or harm any surface that will upset the landlord. But... and that is a big BUT the counter lighting sucks!
I actually dreaded working in the kitchen which is sad because I like to cook, and the kitchen is the hub of many activities!
I went searching and found 3 awesome ways to light up the areas without investing a lot of money, wireless, (no plugging in) and they can actually come with you if you move.
1. LED MOTION SENSER STRIP LIGHT
You can actually use these anywhere, such as closets, pantry, stairwells. They come on automatically and turn off 15 seconds after you walk away. But I seriously found them awesome for counter lighting. If you have upper cabinets in your rental kitchen, you simply attach it to underneath and this will light up your work area. For 35 bucks you get two of them! Plus they are slim so you can't see them!
These are super cool too. Especially if you have many areas to light as you get a 6pack. I personally found the strip lights lit up a larger area, but these would work too and you can spread them around.
If you have a small area you need to light up, or the table is maybe where you do your prep, then this battery operated clamp on light is a quick fix. It is also rechargeable!
I was so amazed at how many options there are on the market for lighting that doesn't cost and arm and a leg.
You can get super creative with lighting. I have all kinds of ideas now! I personally found the strip lighting will light up a larger area. It comes with ways to stick them to under the cabinet, but I went with the 3M removable stickers so as not to cause damage if I remove them.
Although... I am sure your landlord would love for you to leave them behind! Many kitchens, especially tiny ones, lack enough electrical outlets to cater to more lighting. I love the place and am happy here, but I realized I will have to get creative if I want to cook anything without slicing my fingers off in a dark corner of the countertop.
Most wireless options tend to be rechargeable too, so that you don't need to stock piles of batteries, which is awesome from an environmental point of view.
CHANGE THE LOOK OF THE KITCHEN WITH LIGHTING
It is amazing just how you can turn that dark counter in your kitchen into a warm and welcoming area. Just because we rent doesn't mean we can't personalize these spaces just a little more to make them home!
I hope I have inspired you to get creative! If you plan on staying in your rental for a while, or even just a few months, make it feel like home. Lighting is everything especially in the depths of winter. It creates a warm and welcoming environment.
If you are renting and your kitchen has seen better days, or maybe you own your home but have no money for renovations, then check out these ideas!
As someone who has been on both sides as a tenant and a landlord, I was amazed at the products on the market that can transform a kitchen but be removed quickly without damage at all!
If you want to put your own personal stamp on your kitchen without damage, then check this out!
Cover the back splash, counter top and floor for an instant uplift. It is like a different kitchen!
You don't even have to use all these ideas. Just one of these would make a huge difference. All you need to do is make sure the area is clean and then cut, peel and stick.
Some landlords are not that great at keeping things nice, but at the same time they don't want you to do any permanent DIY. I wish I had come across these products especially the counter top idea when I was renting. The counter in my rental had literally worn and looked ugly.
I sourced many of these products from the video online for a good price.
The Decorative Peel and Stick Counter Top
If you want to also do the floors you can get peel and stick to cover existing.
Moonwall Stickers have a ton of different designs to choose from. They are peel and stick and durable.
The products on the market are super durable and have that 3D look to give them depth and some realism, as if they were real ceramic tiles.
Did You Get an Ugly Refrigerator in your Rental?
Some rentals include appliances, and many refrigerators have seen better days. You can paint them with appliance paint but that can be messy, permanent and stinky. I came across these fridge stickers that can literally make your refrigerator front and center and definitely a conversation piece!
There are so many creative ways to decorate your rental kitchen and put your own personal stamp and flare on it. Make yours bright and clean and you will enjoy hanging out in the kitchen!
Kitchen Cabinets
If you update the back splash, counter and floors and are left with pretty ugly cabinets, and you are willing to go the extra mile to cover them, you can transform them instantly with this removable peel and stick faux wood.
I thought this made for awesome shabby chic!
You can totally update your kitchen on the cheap and it will look awesome. This is not just for rental kitchens. This is an awesome way to temporarily update your present kitchen until you can afford to do the renovation.
Why live with an ugly kitchen?
It is the heart of any home. To enter a nice fixed up kitchen first thing in the morning can make your day that much brighter, especially if you are going to be living here for a while.
If you are not a fan of painting or DIYs, then by using removable products you are not causing any harm. There is no mess, spilled paint, special equipment or smells.
You may find the landlord will want you to leave it!
Aipolloo LED Motion Sensor Under Cabinet Lighting 2 Pack - 67 LEDs Magnet Closet Lights - Wireless Battery Operated 2500mAh Rechargeable Lighting - Magnetic Kitchen Counter Light - Black- HW40 
LEASTYLE Under Counter Lights for Kitchen，Wireless LED Puck Lights with Remote Control 6 Pack, Under Cabinet Lighting Battery Operated,Steps Lights Indoor, Stick-up Lights Wireless 
Desk Lamp Battery Operated Rechargeable Clip On Reading Light 3000mA Light up to 100 hrs Flexible Gooseneck Cordless Dimmable Lamp for Desk Bed Headboard Piano (Black) 
