BRENTWOOD RENTAL HOME

This Brentwood rental home was one of the investment properties owned by the same client behind the Lake Austin Bungalow remodel. The original galley kitchen dated to the 1960s -- aging cabinets, laminate countertops, outdated appliances, and a layout that felt tight and dark. Owner Bert Bell reworked the plan with a rental-smart approach: modernize the space, maximize durability, and create a kitchen that would hold up and look great for tenants long-term.

The wall at the end of the galley was opened to extend the kitchen and bring in more natural light from the adjoining living area. New frameless slab-door cabinetry with a wood-grain laminate finish was built to the ceiling for maximum storage -- a finish chosen specifically for its durability and ease of cleaning in a rental setting. Granite countertops and a blue-green glass tile backsplash give the space real visual punch without adding maintenance burden. Stainless steel appliances throughout -- gas range, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher -- round out a kitchen that looks and functions well above its rental price point.

The result is a bright, functional investment property kitchen that feels significantly larger and more updated than its 1960s starting point -- and a client who came back to KBB for additional work on his other properties.

Explore more Austin kitchen remodels or learn more about kitchen remodel costs in Austin, TX. Looking for inspiration? Browse our kitchen remodel ideas.