Rental Kitchen Design Inspiration: Peel-and-Stick Marble Countertops That Look Incredibly Real

If you've ever lived in a rental home or apartment, you probably know the struggle of wanting to make it your own, but knowing every change you make has to be easily reversible for when you move out. 

Well, when Cooking Channel star Kelsey Nixon moved into a new rental home this summer and didn't love the dark kitchen (the room she spends the most time in, of course!), she gave it a temporary makeover to turn it into a light & bright oasis — and luckily, she's spilling her rental renovation tips & tricks.

Her big secret? Peel-and-stick countertops and subway tile backsplash. (Seriously, they look SO real.)

Kelsey Nixon

TRICK NO. 1: PEEL-AND-STICK MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

"I was really careful to measure each area of countertop I was covering," Kelsey says. "Then I would cut it out and slowly — very, very slowly — peel off the backing while using some great tools that I got from a wallpapering kit to smooth out any bubbles. Keep in mind that you will have some imperfections." 

Shop similar peel-and-stick marble countertops here. (FYI: these aren't matte like Kelsey's.)

Pro tip: Peel-and-stick marble material like this can also work really for a rental bathroom makeover.

TRICK NO. 2: PEEL-AND-STICK SUBWAY TILE BACKSPLASH

"I chose one with white grout, as I felt like that looked a little bit more realistic," Kelsey explains. "It really took me no more than 45 minutes to an hour to do the entire backsplash."

Shop similar peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash here.

Plus, watch Kelsey whip up her quick Thai Crunch Salad in her beautifully renovated kitchen.