Also reminder it is a rental and I am not a fan of farmhouse personally :)

Since it’s rental, I would focus on rugs you like (maybe simple sisal-look?) and bringing in a few of the right accessories - like a vintage wood cutting board, rosemary plant or simple white orchid, charming chunky canisters, low key backless black stools at the counter - a simple lamp looks terrific in a kitchen if you have the right spot

I often think fewer but larger items work better, they can give visual impact with a cluttered feel - have fun making it your own :)

I'd paint the island and pantry door the color of the walls. Add at least undercabinet leds for task lighting and put a single bowl sink in. If the range is radiant, I'd change to a Frigidaire slide-in, not the freestanding, induction. Supply some pots and pans from Costco.

What other colors will be there as in couch or tables, or anything that you have to coordinate with? It's really a nice space. I get it as it's not my dream background either but all things considered, I think it will work very nicely and is adaptable. Just give a suggestion for colors or things you have and love and then I'm sure you'll get more focused suggestions.

Cute rental! It looks functional and a perfect place to come to after a long day! Now, how to make it yours... I assume you can not paint or if you do, you lose the deposit. Yes? Or maybe you are happy to lose the deposit and want to go crazy with paint.

Lets assume you have to keep it as is. French Cottage is your goal.

Maybe you could change the light fixtures temporarily while you are renting

1-Light Matte Black Vintage Distressed Antique White Birch Wood Pendant · More Info

1 Light Mini Pendant - Pendants - 71-BEL-3093830 - Bailey Street Home · More Info

Marino Counter Stool, White Wash · More Info

Add french cottage kitchen stools and baskets with earthy pieces..

Consigned, Vintage White Wicker Basket · More Info

Wooden Candle Holder in Contemporary Rubbed Finish - Set of 2 · More Info

Pillow Decor - Pug 14 x 14 French Tapestry Throw Pillow With Insert · More Info

DII Assorted French Grain Sack Dishtowel, Set of 3 · More Info

I never like decorating on top of cabinets but... in your case it might help to create the feeling of being in a French Countryside in your favorite cottage.

Traditional Kitchen · More Info

Maybe a peel and stick wall paper that you can put on one wall or as a backspalsh in the kitchen

GW5271 Watercolor Spring Flowers Peel&Stick Wallpaper Roll 20.5in W x 18ft L · More Info

Majestic Crane Tropical Print Textured Wallpaper 57 Sq. Ft., Cream, Double Roll · More Info

Rug, Erin Gates, Orchard, ORC-2, Natural, 3'6" X 5'6", 49084 · More Info

Add some small lamps on the counter, since there is no under cabinet lighting.

Hey! Gotta love those builder grader kitchens! Its screaming for a touch of your personality and style ! I would definitely switch out the pendants and keep these in the garage so you can switch them back before you leave.

Pendant Suggestion

Something else that you could do that's super easy is switching the hardware on the cabinets. Keep this hardware so you can put it back.

Hardware suggestion

Hardware Suggestion

I would do a really cool knob on that pantry door also really easy to switch out. All of this can be done on a Saturday.

Door knob Suggestion.

Post pictures when you do it would love to see it !

Blessings,

Kristina

Nancy Meyers kitchens tend to be all white, so that is unrealistic. Can you post some of your favorite French cottage inspiration pics here so we know exactly what about that look you are going for. There is the TJ Maxx version of French cottage, there are actual French cottages, and I'm sure there are things in between. Just show us exactly what you love in pictures and we can better help you.

I've rented in homes that are totally not myself and made it work. I think your furniture and new curtains and decor in the adjacent areas are going to do a lot to take the focus away from the currently bare kitchen that you don't love.

Really you have a nice blank canvas to work with. What is your favorite color? Found rugs with that in them. Personally I seem to gravitate towards light blues. So an ivory rug with some light blues would be nice, One runner and a circular rug for your table. A cute canister set you might check out some peel and stick wall paper. Can’t wait to see what you decide on.

Wow thank you all!! I am so excited by all the recommendations. This was our current rental before we started packing things up! I am open to growing from this. This was our first home

You can always make suggestions to the owner. Paint can be done anyway. The sink and range are a couple reasonable modernization updates. It depends on how long you inrend to be there.

It’s a rental. Sorry but certain items are not available for you to have unless you own your home. Better to save money to put yourself in a position to buy a home. That kitchen is much better than most renters have in their apartments.

Actually, if those photos are of your furniture and accessories that you are moving to your new place, I think they will coordinate nicely with that kitchen. Wait until you've moved in completely and then add a bit of your personality in the kitchen with a rug, some kitchen towels, storage jars, bar stool cushions, maybe a small art print. But it is a kitchen....no real need to go wild.

@beverlyFLADeziner I’m surprised to see such a response from a professional. I think being young and in a position where we are not able to buy should not prevent us from adding our own renter friendly touches to our space where we will call home. All of these people’s suggestions were helpful and most of them will work just fine. I was in no way complaining about my kitchen. I am ecstatic to have a place to call home that is so lovely.

I think you could do a lot with the kitchen and dining area to evoke a French country atmosphere.

Peel and stick wallpaper is a terrific idea, since it's not permanent. French country uses toile a lot, so that would work. I also like the stool that Boxerpal posted. Also consider hanging copper pots, wrought iron plate racks, and other accessories.

A painted armoire with transferware dishes is a great country French look:

Gaillardia show home · More Info

Here's a blog post from someone who transformed a builder grade kitchen into a country French style. Although they made some more permanent changes, like painting the cabinets, there are lots of good ideas for you in the way of accessories.

https://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2013/10/diy-kitchen-makeover-builder-grade-to.html

You also might check out this blog site, she's all about French country/cottage:

https://designthusiasm.com/townhouse-french-country-home/

This was on Apartment Therapy recently, a small rental with French aspirations. I thought it turned out cute but not over-the-top ”Frenchy”.

In my kitchen with limited storage, I have decorated ceramics a la Provençale or Deruta (okay, that’s Italian, but similar feel) and LeCreuset (a TJMaxx find!) to hold things like S&P shakers, coffee filters, and utensils. I think they lend a French air.

Apartment Therapy kitchen