When you’re a renter, creating a space that reflects your personal style and feels like home is easier said than done. Oftentimes, rentals have basic finishes throughout that haven’t been updated in years. On top of that, without the proper upkeep, apartments can show a lot of wear and tear much to the dismay of you, the renter. But, fear not, as there are a few landlord-approved ways to remedy poor paint choices and drab light fixtures that will have your apartment looking less like it stepped out of the ’90s and a little more like home.
Replace Hardware
Updating the hardware throughout your rental is a quick and inexpensive way to add your personal touch. Best of all, it doesn’t require any heavy lifting (or machinery) to get the job done, just a screwdriver and some patience. From the pulls on kitchen drawers to doorknobs, you can change the look of an entire space with silver or gold finishes for a modern look, oil-rubbed bronze knobs and pulls for vintage vibes, or simple, black hardware to create more contrast. In the event that you move, you can easily change everything back to the way it was.
Paint Cabinets
If you have outdated kitchen cabinets, a few coats of black or white paint can go a long way. Similarly, you can give the same treatment to your bathroom vanity, giving your faux wood cabinets an instant facelift. In this case, you may want to check with your landlord before you pull out a paint brush.
Create an Accent Wall
If you don’t feel like painting your entire apartment (we don’t blame you), an accent wall is a great way to bring color or contrast into a room. Aside from paint, you can apply temporary wallpaper that’s designed for easy application and take down. Additionally, fake molding and trim can elevate the look and feel of any room.
Change out Light Fixtures
Ceiling lights and fans in rentals often leave a lot to be desired in the design department. Luckily, you can dramatically change any space with a modern light fixture. Not an electrician? We recommend you don’t DIY this one. Hire a professional or find someone in your area on TaskRabbit to get the job done for you.
New Window Treatments
Say goodbye to sad plastic blinds and replace them with a roman shade, bamboo blinds, or curtains. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of taking your blinds down only to have to put them back up when you move out, simply hang curtains over them. Curtains can also create a sense of taller ceilings, as well as give you another way to introduce color, texture, and pattern into any room.
Hang Art
Art is a great finishing touch for any space, further infusing your personal style and creating visual interest throughout your home. To hang most pieces you’ll only need a hammer and nail, while other, heavier pieces such as vintage frames or mirrors, may require you anchor screws into the wall. Regardless, the process is painless and the effect is instant.
Before you take start ripping hardware off cabinets demo-day style, you should still ask for your landlord’s stamp of approval. They’ll likely give you the go ahead, and for larger projects, they may even offer to split the cost.
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