Are you a budding DIY enthusiast looking to breathe new life into your rental property? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As a fellow home renovator, I’m here to share some of my top DIY rental renovation tips that you can actually pull off – no professional contractor required.
Embrace the Modern Loft Vibe
When my husband and I stumbled upon this unique 2003-built rental property in the heart of Aberdeen, we knew we had found a hidden gem. Sure, it wasn’t the typical old-world charmer we usually gravitate towards, but the industrial-chic, modern loft vibe had us hooked.
As I shared on my blog, the house was actually built to be completely wheelchair-accessible, with concrete walls and commercial-grade finishes throughout. At first, I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated by the prospect of making this space feel cozy and inviting. But once I started playing around with design ideas, the vision for our “Vintage Loft” rental quickly came to life.
The key was embracing the home’s unique architectural features rather than fighting against them. Those concrete walls? I decided to lean into the industrial aesthetic by pairing them with warm wood accents and vintage-inspired decor. And that towering, two-story staircase railing that initially gave me pause? With a little creativity, I transformed it into a stunning focal point.
Curate a Cozy, Lived-In Look
One of the biggest challenges with a rental property is making it feel like a true “home” rather than a generic, impersonal space. But trust me, it’s entirely possible with the right DIY touches.
For our Vintage Loft rental, I knew I wanted to inject tons of character and warmth to offset the more modern, commercial-grade bones of the house. That meant scouring flea markets and antique shops for unique pieces that would add instant personality – think vintage artwork, ornate mirrors, and one-of-a-kind furniture finds.
Just like our friends Carey and Jordan demonstrated in their rental-ready renovation, mixing high and low elements is key to nailing that effortlessly chic, lived-in vibe. Pair your vintage treasures with more budget-friendly pieces from places like IKEA or Target, and you’ll have guests feeling right at home in no time.
Another tip? Don’t be afraid to get a little DIY-happy. A simple coat of paint can work wonders in transforming dated cabinets or tired furniture, while thrifty DIY projects like creating your own artwork or building bespoke shelving can add loads of personalized style.
Embrace the Challenges of Rental-Friendly Design
As any seasoned DIYer knows, working within the constraints of a rental property can present its fair share of unique challenges. But far from being a deterrent, I see these limitations as an opportunity to get creative.
Take, for example, the fact that we couldn’t make any structural changes to the layout of our Vintage Loft rental. Instead of gutting the space and starting from scratch, I had to get inventive with my design decisions, carefully curating furnishings and decor that would complement the existing bones of the home.
And let’s not forget about those concrete walls – a true double-edged sword when it comes to rental renovations. On one hand, they provide a sturdy, durable foundation that can withstand the wear and tear of frequent guests. But on the other, they presented a unique challenge when it came to things like hanging art or installing custom built-ins.
As I discovered through my research, the key is to get creative with your mounting solutions. Command strips, wall anchors, and even heavy-duty industrial velcro can be lifesavers when you’re working with surfaces that just won’t cooperate with traditional hardware.
Make a Statement with Standout Accents
One of my favorite parts about designing this Vintage Loft rental was the opportunity to really let my personal style shine through. And what better way to do that than by incorporating some truly jaw-dropping, statement-making accents?
Take, for instance, the custom fireplace feature I dreamed up for the living area. While the logistics of actually installing a functioning fireplace in a rental property are still TBD, I couldn’t resist mocking up a design that combines rustic, reclaimed wood with sleek, modern elements. It’s a perfect representation of the juxtaposed aesthetic I’m going for in this space.
And then there’s the kitchen – oh, the kitchen! As soon as I laid eyes on that blank slate of a space, I knew I had to do something bold and unexpected. That’s where the idea for the rich, jewel-toned green tile backsplash was born. Paired with a burgundy accent wall and warm wood tones, it creates a truly show-stopping focal point that sets the tone for the entire Vintage Loft vibe.
These kinds of dramatic, one-of-a-kind accents are exactly what turn a rental property into a memorable, Instagrammable space. And the best part? With a little DIY elbow grease, you can absolutely recreate that wow factor in your own home, no matter where you live.
Prioritize Functionality and Convenience
Of course, as a savvy DIY renovator, I know that style and aesthetics aren’t the only factors to consider when tackling a rental property makeover. Ensuring your space is functional, comfortable, and convenient for guests is just as important.
That’s why, even as I was dreaming up all those bold design statements, I made sure to keep practical considerations top of mind. For example, preserving the home’s existing wheelchair accessibility on the first floor was a non-negotiable for me. After all, being able to accommodate all of our guests’ needs is crucial for a successful rental business.
And let’s not forget about storage – an eternal struggle in any home, but especially in a rental property. As my husband so wisely pointed out, we needed to be intentional about incorporating ample storage solutions throughout the Vintage Loft to keep things tidy and organized for our rotating cast of guests.
By striking the right balance between form and function, you can create a rental space that’s not only a visual showstopper, but also a comfortable, practical home-away-from-home for your lucky tenants. And really, what more could you ask for?
Embrace the Unexpected
At the end of the day, one of the most thrilling parts of tackling a rental property renovation is the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. After all, as a DIY enthusiast, I live for a good design challenge!
When I first laid eyes on this modern loft-style rental, I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated. The concrete walls, the industrial finishes, the atypical layout – it was all so different from the old-world charm I typically gravitate towards. But instead of shying away, I decided to lean into the uniqueness of the space and use it as an opportunity to flex my creative muscles.
And you know what? I’m so glad I did. Embracing the unexpected has resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind rental property that I can’t wait to share with the world. From the bold color choices to the custom built-ins, every design decision has been an opportunity to put my own personal stamp on the space.
So if you’re embarking on your own rental renovation journey, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to try something new. Lean into the challenges, get creative with your solutions, and most importantly, have fun with the process. After all, your rental property is a canvas just waiting to be transformed – why not make it a true reflection of your unique style and personality?
