Introduction: Embracing Rental Life
I’ve been an apartment-dwelling city slicker for over a decade now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about making a rental feel like a true home. My first place was a cozy 600 square feet, then I upgraded to 750 square feet, and now I’m living large in a 1,100 square foot apartment with my little family of three.
The struggle to manage my constant urge to redecorate and upgrade, while also keeping clutter at bay, is all too real. But over the past year, I’ve discovered tons of renter-friendly projects that have allowed me to add style and personality to our space without pissing off the landlord (or causing any irreversible damage).
As it turns out, there are actually plenty of ways you can make a rental feel more like your own, even if your lease is short-term. Of course, it’s always important to check with your landlord before making any changes. But with a little creativity and the right tips, you can turn your bland, cookie-cutter apartment into a stylish, personalized oasis.
Upgrade Your Lighting
One of the easiest and most impactful renter-friendly upgrades is swapping out the standard lighting fixtures in your apartment. If you’re stuck with boring flush mounts or generic hanging lights, those are usually pretty easy to replace.
I recently gave my living room a total transformation by swapping out the stainless steel flush mount for an oversized, woven chandelier. In the kitchen, I found some pendant light covers that looked way better than the frosted white cylinders that came with the place. Just be sure to hang onto the original fixtures so you can easily reinstall them when it’s time to move out.
The Everygirl recommends hiring a certified electrician to handle any lighting changes, which I absolutely agree with. Messing with electrical work is best left to the pros, unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
But if you want to add some extra ambiance without any wiring, stick-on, battery-operated wall sconces are a genius renter-friendly hack. I used these from Amazon in my daughter’s room, and they’ve been a total game-changer for mood lighting. They click right into place magnetically and even have a motion sensor, so they automatically turn on when she gets up at night. Definitely a must-have for any rental!
Embrace Peel-and-Stick Everything
If you’re afraid of committing to a permanent paint color, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a fantastic alternative. You can use it on walls, in your closet, lining drawers and cabinets, or even as a backsplash in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s completely removable when you’re ready to move out.
Business Insider recommends checking that any peel-and-stick backsplash you use is rated for heat exposure if it’s going near the stove. You also want to make sure the surface is completely dry before installation to prevent mold.
But wallpaper isn’t the only peel-and-stick superstar in the rental upgrade game. You can also use peel-and-stick tiles to totally transform your floors. Business Insider says these are a great way to disguise ugly tile, vinyl, or carpet without having to rip anything up. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the surface before applying.
Spruce Up Tired Fixtures
Another easy rental upgrade is swapping out dated fixtures, like kitchen and bathroom faucets, showerheads, and cabinet hardware. Business Insider says replacing a showerhead is as simple as unscrewing the old one and screwing on the new one. And for kitchen and bathroom faucets, you’ll just need to work with the water supply lines, which is usually best left to a pro.
When it comes to cabinet hardware, that’s an easy DIY project. Just unscrew the old knobs or pulls and screw on the new ones. I saved all the original hardware from my apartment in a zip-top bag, so I can easily put it back before I move out. Hardware in finishes like brass, matte black, and classic cylindrical shapes are all super on-trend right now and will instantly elevate the look of your rental kitchen.
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
The little details in a rental can make a big difference, too. Swapping out dated switch plates and outlet covers is a super simple upgrade that instantly adds a cohesive, polished look. Business Insider recommends checking out options from Anthropologie, which has some seriously gorgeous and unique designs.
And if you want to add a little extra somethin’-somethin’ to your walls without committing to paint, Business Insider says you can use the genius Command hook hack to hang curtains or tea towels. All you need are a couple Command hooks, a small rod, and some curtain clips.
Bringing it All Together at ABC Home
At the end of the day, a rental doesn’t have to feel like a generic, temporary space. With a little creativity and the right renter-friendly upgrades, you can turn your apartment into a true reflection of your personal style and make it feel like a cozy, inviting home.
And if you’re in the Aberdeen area and need some help bringing your rental upgrade vision to life, be sure to check out ABC Home. Their team of experienced building and renovation experts can help you tackle everything from lighting swaps to peel-and-stick installations and more. Time to get that rental feeling like a million bucks!