Transform Your Rental Kitchen for Under $400

This cookie-cutter kitchen went from basic to boho — all for under $400. For the tenant, who loves to cook, the kitchen had good bones but felt cold and impersonal.

By adding pops of color, interesting pattern and a few expensive-looking design details, she achieved her goal. Now the kitchen's a fun, welcoming spot where she can whip up a gourmet meal while catching up with friends.

Using peel + stick tile on the walls, especially in cook zones, not only protects the wall, it also looks like a feature you’d find in an upscale kitchen. Mount the patterned tiles on 1/4" plywood, then secure the board to the wall with removable adhesive strips. Tip: Have the board cut to size in the store, so it’ll be easier to transport home. Total Cost: Around $62

No backsplash, no problem. This removable wallpaper features a weathered shiplap design so convincing you’ll want to use it everywhere. Who knows, your landlord may love the look so much, they reimburse you for the cost of materials. Total Cost: $35