The famous food writer M.F.K. Fisher once mused, “The problem of an ideal kitchen grows more complex as I ponder on it.” Indeed, with all of the choices to be made regarding kitchen makeovers, from hardware details to major appliances, creating your dream kitchen can feel like a huge undertaking, not to mention a major investment. Leave it to TikTok to disabuse you of the notion that you need an unlimited budget or an architecture degree to radically update your home’s cooking space though.
As the interior designers and DIYers of #DesignTok demonstrate, there is an abundance of options to fit every skill set and budget, rental homes included. Though it may take some craftiness and a bit of elbow grease (not to mention some tough decisions on where to splurge and where to save), it is doable. So, if you’re seeking inspiration for remodeling or renovating your kitchen—a place that fits your specific needs—here are seven TikTok creators with clever ideas for you.
White kitchens are timeless, but according to Kyla Herbes, the blogger behind House of Hipsters, they just need to be warmed up a bit. Incorporating materials like wood is one way to bring in a touch of warmth. “Layer in a couple of vintage breadboards against your backsplash, swap out your ceramic fruit bowl for a turned wood bowl,” Kyla suggests. “Or go all-in and add fluted wood paneling or wood slats to accent the wall or ceiling.”
For her impressive kitchen transformation, Kyla wanted to keep the existing all-white cabinets, both to minimize waste and rein in the budget. This motivated her to splurge on Buster + Punch brass pulls and stunning lighting from Hudson Valley Lighting—an Art Deco–inspired chandelier and a glass rod chandelier.
She balanced the cool cabinetry with earth-toned stones in the counters, backsplash, and a pièce de résistance island. The latter is a newer quartz design by Cambria called Clairidge, with tiger-like stripes of brown and tan. She adds, “It almost reminds me of coffee with milk.”
If anything’s clear from this brilliant remodel by Drew Scott, it’s that renting shouldn’t be an obstacle to building a dreamy kitchen. As Drew explains, “I wanted to create more of a statement within the space.” He recommends finding your kitchen’s unique elements and emphasizing them with decor or paint.
“I was in love with the arch opening leading into the breakfast nook and thought some bold wallpaper would be a perfect addition,” Drew says. “I took the design from there and added more black to all the window trim along with a new peel-and-stick backsplash in a rustic white brick. I also painted the underside of the arch black, so it looked like more of a focal point in the room.”
Indeed, renters who want to update their kitchens have an arsenal of tools to choose from. Drew emphasizes that “peel-and-stick tile and backsplash can be your best friend! Or, if you don’t like your floor, try utilizing peel-and-stick flooring.” He notes that cabinet hardware is another easy way to transform the cabinets without having to repaint, and finally, “swapping light fixtures and adding peel-and-stick wallpaper are other easy swaps that make all the difference.”