Home & Garden

8 Simple Rental Upgrades That Feel Like Home

Just because you rent doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring, cookie-cutter apartment. Leases can restrict construction changes, but there’s no restriction to what you can to spruce up your pad without risking your security deposit. Some of the best renovations include no holes in walls, no fresh coat of paint, no permanent commitment — just some creativity, forethought, and renter-friendly materials.

Whatever you live in — a studio, an apartment family size, or a short-term sublet — here are 8 thoughtful and amazingly effective things to do to your place to feel cozy, intimate, and genuinely yours — without breaking any rulebooks or bank balances.

1. Swap Out the Cabinet Hardware for an Instant Refresh

Few things shout “builder grade” more loudly than generic or outdated cabinet knobs or hardware handles. Happily, almost all rented cabinetry is held together by standard size screws, so it’s an easy task to replace old hardware with newer, style-forward pieces.

Choose matte black, brushed brass or even leather pull handles which gives a designer impression. All you have to remember is storing the original hardware safely to be able to re-install it prior to your move out.

2. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: A Low-Commitment Game Changer

Peel-and-stick wallpaper isn’t tacky decals anymore. These newer peel-and-stick wallpapers arrive in deep textural wallpaper and graphic prints — from false brick to flower murals — and can be installed in place without professionals or adhesives.

Apply it as an accent wall behind a bed or sofa, line the back of a bookcase or do the inside of closet doors as a secret color swatch. It is a simple talent, putting personality into it without a spot of paint.

3. Rethink Lighting With Plug-In Fixtures

Some! Some buildings have harsh overhead lighting or none at all. Don’t Install permanent fixtures, which you can downright not do in typical leases, but switch to plug-in solutions such as cord-covering sconces, dimmer-ready floor lamps, or under-cabinet LED lighting strips.

Smart bulbs allow you more control and allow you to change brightness and color temperature from your fingertips. Proper lighting can completely change the ambiance of your apartment from sterile to cozy.

4. Create “Built-In” Looks with Modular Furniture

By clustering modules of overhead storage units or bookshelves into one wall, this mimics the appearance of a custom built in. Ground the appearance with balance, use of similar color shades, and decorating devices such as art, baskets and decor lighting.

Missing the look of a custom banquette or window seat? Utilize a row of low IKEA cabinets topped with foam cushions. It’s a renter-friendly, completely reversible solution that provides a custom, high-end look in your space.

5. Upgrade Faucets Without a Plumber

Indeed, you can — faucet installation in kitchen and bathroom can generally be self-done, and you can reverse them, too, when you need to. You’ll require a wrench and patience for 30 minutes or so.

Select a matte black gooseneck faucet or a brushed gold bathroom faucet to completely change the ambiance of your sink area. Ensure, however, that your current faucet isn’t fitted within a custom-made countertop.

6. Embrace Large-Scale Art and Statement Mirrors

Tenants may be deterred by nailing, but damage-free hanging systems (like Command strips) or removable adhesive hooks let you hang heavy objects or mirrors without having to worry.

Long prints, tapestry fabrics, or dramatic mirrors can ground a room, introduce visual height, and bring light around – all without long-term commitment of painting or building. The trick is to select items that belong to you and feel intentionally placed.

7. Cover Unsightly Flooring with Layered Rugs

Faded carpet? Yellowed linoleum? Worn tile? Hiding all sorts of imperfections can be achieved by incorporating area rugs. Give it a big neutral rug to center it, and top it off by adding a smaller patterned rug to add texture and color.

Runner mats also refresh thin kitchen or hall floors. As you’re not sticky-down, you can roll them up and take them with you.

8. Add Texture from Textiles

Do not underestimate how much difference textiles can have to a room. Never think less of the power of fabric. Change plain blinds to soft curtain sheets (use wall hooks or stick ones), get a new look for your shower curtain to something cool and full of feel, or use new pillows and throws to change the feel of a room.

Look for soft fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool to bring warmth and a nice look, more so in rooms of one or light colors.