Just because you don’t own a space doesn’t mean you can’t put your own personal stamp on it. Update your generic rental and make it feel like a cozy and stylish home with these tips – I made sure to include ideas you can execute in no time and for less than $500, with little risk of losing your deposit. Plus, many of these additions can travel with you as you move to a new place.
If you are a homeowner, you’ll want to check out these tips, too. Who knows, you might also be inspired to give your place a little makeover this weekend!
1. Always verify with your landlord what you can and cannot do, to be on the safe side. He/she might not be willing to invest in something major like a new flooring, but don’t assume you are not allowed to paint or put a few nails on the wall. Don’t be afraid to ask!
2. Add a rug – It can make such a big difference in a space! A rug is the simplest way to hide an ugly or damaged floor, but also to create zones in your room and to anchor the space. Yes, this also works to hide a stained, wall-to-wall carpet! Don’t be afraid to layer two rugs on top of each other to add some dimension.
3. Replace fixtures that you use every day like a new shower head or faucets. You can find lovely styles at affordable prices, making them useful investments that personalize your space instantly. Just remember to swap them with the old ones when you move.
4. Never underestimate the power of a good houseplant. It quickly livens up a space, and it helps purify the air, too. It’s a perfect non-permanent way to add style to your rental.
5. If you have any outdoor space, add planters, window boxes and hanging baskets for a little personalization. These are relatively inexpensive and portable if you decide to move. Create a cozy area to make the most of the space available and to make it feel like an actual room/extension of your apartment, with a chair, side table, rug, etc. Have a look at this roundup of inspiring balconies of Scandinavian dwellers.
6. Paint – Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint to clean up a space! If your landlord agrees, consider repainting your kitchen cabinets for an updated look, without making a significant investment.
7. If you can’t paint the walls, paint the furniture. It will freshen up your space and add personality. A pop of color or a deep, rich hue will give an older piece of furniture a more contemporary vibe. I recommend using chalk paint – It is matte, you can use it on a variety of surfaces, and offers excellent adhesion with minimal prep. If you prefer a high gloss piece, try automotive paint for fast drying and super resistant finish. Shop garage sales, second-hand stores, and thrift stores to find items you can transform into one-of-a-kind pieces.
8. Consider peel & stick wallpaper to create a feature wall, or wall tiles to update your kitchen’s backsplash. These temporary products are easy to install and remove if needed.
9. In the same line of thoughts as the previous tip, vinyl floor cloth or tiles can transform the look of your space in a short time. Have a look at this terrazzo inspired option, this geometric design, hickory planks imitation or cement tile replica.
10. A simple hardware update can make a big impact in a kitchen or bathroom. Just remember to hold on to your old ones, so you can swap them again when you move. You can look at bix box stores like Home Depot or Ikea, or at a more specialized company like Superfront.
11. Add curtains – Ikea has a few nice options to dress up your windows. I like the SCHOTTIS shades that attach with adhesive strips for when you need a cheap and fast way to get more privacy. You can also simply get a beautiful piece of fabric and attach it with curtain clips. Drapery can give the illusion that a small window is much larger than it really is, too.
12. Fabric can be used for more than curtains – Cover a canvas to use as art, create room dividers or screens, or make an interesting wall hanging to hide damages and discoloration. It is also a beautiful way to bring texture, color and pattern to a plain room.
13. Swap your lighting to dramatically transform the look and atmosphere of your rental. Simply reattach the original fixture before moving out. Make sure to check out this article for a few of my top tips when choosing a table lamp.
14. If you are a little handy, you can easily create a custom radiator cover to this disguise unattractive unit. Plus, it will serve as additional shelving for your space. Here is a nice little DIY with cane, or check out this simple IKEA hack.
15. Modernize old appliances with stainless steel contact paper. This change has the power to totally transform your kitchen when you have to live with dated design.
16. Create a temporary gallery wall. If your landlord doesn’t accept nails in the walls, simply use Command strips. You can source affordable art on Etsy, Minted, or at The Poster Club, where you can use your Insiders discount code to get 20% off until October 1st, 2020.
17. Enhance your outdoor space, entryway, mudroom, or even shower floor with Ikea’s RUNNEN tiles for a custom look.
18. Mirrors add more space instantly and will make your small rental feel brighter too. It’s like adding another window to the room.
19. Choose furniture with hidden storage space. I especially like ottomans for toys, throws, etc. They are easy to move around, they also provide extra seating when you have guests, and keep the clutter at bay.
20. Embrace the quirks rather than fight against them, and learn to work with what you have. I find that the best interiors strike a balance between old and new. Does your bathroom have those colorful tiles that were popular in the 1950s? Paint (if allowed) your walls in a neutral color and add simple, modern accessories; you might end up loving the vintage charm!
I hope you enjoyed these tips. If you also have one you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to comment below!
To view my go-to sources for beautiful lighting fixtures, visit the dedicated section in the Sourcebook.
First photo: Jonas Berg for Stadshem