Narrow galley kitchen
Counter 75 cm, oak shaker cabinets, cold flush mount light.
- Adhesive cabinet pulls ($18)
- Under-cabinet LED strip ($22)
- Peel-and-stick backsplash ($45)
- Over-sink cutting board ($35)
Landlord risk: low. Total around $120.
Upgrade your rental kitchen without losing your deposit.
Enter a few details about your kitchen. Get a ranked list of reversible upgrades with cost ranges, landlord-risk ratings, and a plan you can print or save.
- 24reversible upgrades
- 3risk levels
- 4preset kitchens
Quick preview
Counter width90 cm
CabinetsOak shaker
LightingCold flush mount
Top pickAdhesive pulls
Cost range$12 to $35
Tell us about your kitchen
Start with a preset or enter your own numbers. You can change anything later.
Your upgrade plan
Upgrades are ranked by your priority. Lower risk means fewer problems with your landlord.
No plan yet. Fill out the form above and press Generate plan.
Example plans
Three real-world rentals and what worked best for each.
Studio corner kitchen
Counter 120 cm, flat white cabinets, no overhead light.
- Plug-in pendant lamp ($40)
- Tension-rod shelf ($15)
- Magnetic knife strip ($12)
- Removable contact paper ($20)
Landlord risk: low. Total around $87.
Family rental kitchen
Counter 180 cm, raised panel cabinets, track lighting.
- Replace hardware with matching knobs ($30)
- Under-cabinet LED bars ($38)
- Over-sink drying rack ($28)
- Inside-cabinet door organizer ($24)
Landlord risk: low to medium. Total around $120.
Common mistakes renters make
Avoid these and you are more likely to get your full deposit back.
- Drilling into cabinets. Many landlords count that as damage. Use adhesive or tension-based options first.
- Leaving sticky residue. Test adhesive on a hidden spot. Use heat when removing. Clean with warm soapy water.
- Forgetting lighting. A $30 plug-in pendant can change the whole room and is easy to remove.
- Blocking ventilation. Do not cover vents, under-fridge gaps, or stove edges with contact paper.
- Buying before measuring. Counter width and cabinet door size vary a lot. Measure twice.
Frequently asked questions
- Will peel-and-stick tiles damage my walls?
- Most use removable adhesive, but test a small patch first. Some painted drywall may pull. Use heat when removing.
- Can I take upgrades with me when I move?
- Many items like under-cabinet lights, cutting boards, and shelf liners can be removed. Remove them slowly with heat.
- What if my landlord says no changes at all?
- Stick to fully removable items like rugs, organizers, and over-sink cutting boards. Get written permission for anything sticky.
- How accurate are the cost ranges?
- They are estimates based on typical DIY prices in the US. Your local costs may be higher or lower.
- Do you store my kitchen details?
- No. Your plan stays in your browser. You can print it or save it locally.
How to use this planner
Start by measuring your main counter from edge to edge. You do not need to be exact, but a rough number helps the planner suggest items that actually fit. Next, look at your cabinet doors and pick the style that matches best. If you are not sure, take a photo and compare it to the preset kitchens.
Choose your priority carefully. If you want the biggest visual change, pick "Most visible change." If you are nervous about your landlord, pick "Lowest landlord risk." The planner will reorder the list so the best matches appear first.
Once you have a plan, you can save it to your browser and come back later. If you save two or more kitchens, you can compare them side by side. This is useful if you are deciding between two apartments or helping a friend plan theirs.
What makes an upgrade reversible
A reversible upgrade is something you can remove without leaving holes, marks, or glue residue. Good examples are adhesive hooks, tension rods, removable contact paper, and plug-in lights. Bad examples are drilled shelves, painted cabinets, and glued countertop tiles. When in doubt, ask your landlord in writing before doing anything that touches the walls or cabinets.
Small kitchens need vertical thinking
If your counter is narrow, use the walls and the inside of cabinet doors. Magnetic knife strips, over-sink cutting boards, and inside-door organizers add a lot of function without taking up space. Under-cabinet lights also help a small kitchen feel bigger because they remove dark corners.
This planner assumes you own basic tools like a tape measure, a level, and a hairdryer for removing adhesive. It assumes you will read product instructions and test adhesives in a hidden spot first. If your kitchen has special surfaces like unfinished wood or textured walls, check the product compatibility before buying.