Refined Whimsy

Without losing your deposit!

As someone who has been renting for over a decade, one thing about me is I’m getting that security deposit back. No one should be forced to experience beige walls and basic lighting.

These rental friendly updates are guaranteed to not only make you feel at home, but also pass inspection day with flying colors.

Paint

That’s right, you can totally paint your apartment or rental home. While some management companies prefer you to stick with light or pastels if painting in order to make it easier to repaint upon your departure, I’m keen on a quick repaint myself before leaving to avoid limiting my personal color preferences. Complexes will repaint between tenants regardless of whether or not you paint during your lease.

*RW TIP – remove a light switch panel and scrape off a shred of paint to save for moving out if you decide to paint it back to Default Dust. Many home improvement stores will color match or help you find a similar shade.

While painting may not be for everyone, it adds an unmistakable warmth to your space that’s totally worth an afternoon of damage control when your lease is up.

Swap Hardware

Those dated knobs and chrome hardware? Toss them in a baggie and put it under the sink until it’s time to move out. Many shops from Michaels to Amazon can lead you to modern and unique pieces that are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Art Work

Maybe this is a given, but there aren’t as many constraints as you may think. Command strips are a fine way to hang your pieces, but don’t be afraid to pick up a hammer and nails. From canvas work to wall baskets and fabric hangings, nails or screws will be more worthwhile in the end. A $5 tub of spackling can get rid of any and all holes you may create over your rental period – and it’ll last you multiple moves guaranteed!

Peel & Stick Vinyl

Want some backsplash magic? Some faux tile that isn’t from the 80s? The rental game has been forever changed. So many online retailers now offer interesting and unique tile options that can add some personality to your space for a relatively inexpensive cost. I’d recommend taking measurements of the area you’re tiling so you know how much to order, but these can be cut and configured as needed too.

Curtains

Some vertical accent can really soften a space in ways you may not consider. Hang rods higher and wider than your window frames to hide those unflattering blind panels that you can’t seem to escape in the rental realm. Opt for light and airy fabrics like linen or cotton for a relaxed vibe, or go for velvet if you lean more dramatic and luxurious!

Making a rental feel like home is all about finding creative ways to add your personal style without causing permanent damage. Almost everything you add can move with you, so what’s the harm in a little personality? Start with one or two ideas from this list, and before you know it your rental space will feel like a true reflection of you.