So you want to refresh your rental but don’t know where to start, and the idea of “home renovations” seems expensive, unfeasible, and like something you should leave to the professionals on HGTV. Not to mention, your apartment is just a temporary home and putting effort into it feels silly. But, that’s where you’re wrong! Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes, and we found the most approachable ones that anyone can tackle in their spare time. Because we promise there’s no need to rip out plumbing or buy new cabinets to make your rental feel more like home.
Paint
It’s no secret that a few coats of paint can do wonders for your walls, cabinets, and beyond. Create an accent wall with a pop of color, paint old furniture, or cover old tile floors (if your landlord will let you).
Add more kitchen storage
If you’re lacking counter space and cabinet storage, a kitchen cart easily doubles as a kitchen island or even a breakfast bar (just add stools).
Add a backsplash
Make your kitchen feel gourmet, or your bathroom look like a spa, with a peel and stick tile backsplash. You can find different styles and sheet sizes at Home Depot, Target, and Amazon. Just measure, cut, and apply, and remove whenever you want.
DIY headboard
Headboards are expensive, but a staple gun and fabric aren’t. Create a custom headboard with a few cheap materials that you can find at any home improvement store and quickly makeover any bare-bones bedframe.
Update your vanity mirror
If your bathroom mirror is outdated or lackluster, you can show it some love by adding a frame, painting its existing frame, or replacing it altogether with a more modern mirror.
Hang shelves
Floating shelves are easy to install and instantly add more storage to any space. They’re great for bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, and they double as a place to show off your favorite pieces of decor, books, or plants.
Upgrade pulls and hardware
Breathe new life into furniture, cabinets, and doors by replacing old knobs, pulls, and hardware. Be sure to hang onto the old stuff though in the event you need to put it back when you move out.
Put up a room divider
Room dividers create functional divisions between adjoining spaces. If you live in an open studio or a junior one-bedroom, you can put a room divider between your living space and kitchen to create the feel of a bedroom minus installing a wall. For less hassle, bookcases do the trick, too.
Change out plate covers
If your light switch and outlet plate covers are dingy, chipped, or shiny plastic, replace them with something that’s more your taste.
Install cord covers
And by install, we mean peel and stick. It’s that easy. If you have cords hanging from wall lights or electronics, hide them with a cord cover which blends into the wall and gives the appearance of faux trim.
Apply contact paper – everywhere
Contact paper, believe it or not, can transform a variety of surfaces throughout your home from your appliances to your windows. It comes in different patterns, finishes, and styles to help you cover up even the most out-dated countertops or cabinets.
Swap your shower head
You are by no means married to the showerhead your rental came with. A rainfall showerhead, or something with slightly better water pressure, will dramatically improve the look of your bathroom.
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