There is nothing more exciting than moving into a new place and decorating it to your heart’s content. It’s your chance to express who you are and turn your space into, well, your space.
If you’re renting your home though, it may feel a bit different . You probably won’t be as free to paint your walls in outrageous colors, hammer nails to hang photos, or make any major renovations.
Don’t worry! You don’t need to kiss your HGTV- inspired kitchen makeover goodbye. With a few simple changes and some DIY elbow grease here and there, you’ll be able to design a warm and inviting living space that speaks to who you are- even in a rental.
You can decorate your rental, make it your home, and get your security deposit back.
Below are 6 easy ways to upgrade your rental and create a space unique to you.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been rising in popularity over the past few years. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures ranging from traditional florals to contemporary geometric and animal prints.
Wallpaper truly has something for everyone, but it’s one major downside is that it is permanent. Or is it?
Peel and stick wallpaper is perfect for people who want a splash of color or a pop of pattern. It’s essentially a giant sticker, which means you can peel it off as soon as it’s time to move out.
Peel and stick backsplashes and floor tiles work in a similar way. Just pop it on and peel it off when you’re done. It’s as easy as that!
Change Your Lighting Fixtures
Lighting can make or break your home. Certain light fixtures don’t fit into modern styles, and different bulb types will cast your living space in different lights.
If you spot an outdated fixture in your rental that you can’t stand to look at, you can swap it out for something you actually like. Just make sure to save the original fixture for when you move out so that you can return your home to its original condition.
Liking your fixtures but not your lighting? That’s an even easier fix!
Different types of bulbs cast different types of light. It’s up to you whether you prefer bright whites, soft whites, yellows, or anything in-between. You could even opt for smart light bulbs, which can change color or turn on when they sense movement.
Revamp Your Window Covers
Your rental home will more than likely come with some sort of blinds or curtains. Once again, make sure to save the originals, but there is no harm in sprucing up your windows with new covers.
If your rental has plain, white, or beige walls, try adding in some colorful curtains that match your décor to tie the room together.
If you’re in an area with heavy light pollution you could also invest in blackout curtains. Put them up by themselves or hide them behind a more decorative covering.
Replace Hardware
Another way to add personality to your rental is to swap out kitchen and bathroom fixtures or doorknobs. All hardware should fit your theme, be it a color that you like, or just generally be something that you’d be happy seeing every day.
As per usual, just be sure to keep the original hardware. You’ll need to swap them back once you move out.
Add Some Greenery
What better way to breathe life into your home than to add some plants!
If you prefer fake plants, you can change them up year-round. Decorate with plastic poinsettias in the winter and fabric freesias in the summer to get into the spirit of the season.
Choosing live plants requires a green thumb, but there are plenty of shade loving varieties that will feel right at home in your rental.
Your plants will give you that homey feel, and their planters can add an impactful element to your décor scheme.
Decorate with Art
Artwork is another popular way to brighten up a space, and we highly suggest putting some on your walls. You won’t even need a hammer and nails to do so!
If you’d like to hang a framed piece, we recommend using adhesive strips or self-adhesive hooks.
You can also hang art without a frame by utilizing washi tape, clips, or tacks.
We recommend hanging smaller artworks together. You can pair them with shelves or windows to create a gallery wall.
If you’d like to make any large changes such as painting your walls or doors, or are unsure of what your rental will allow, contact your property manager.
At DJW Property Management, we want to make sure that your rental feels like a home. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions at all!
