Upgrade your Rental Without Breaking the Bank

Upgrade your Rental

Upgrade your Rental Without Breaking the Bank

You can’t always make an apartment 100% your own. Likely, your lease prevents you from any major modifications, and you don’t want to waste money on enhancements you will only temporarily enjoy.

That said, there are creative ways to infuse your personality without spending a ton. We’ve put together ideas that won’t cost you a fortune or your security deposit but will deliver big style.

Liven up your walls

Temporary wallpaper can have a dramatic impact on a room with very little commitment. Transform every wall with fun colors and stripes or focus on a single accent wall for an easy-yet-impactful fix. We recommend Chasing Paper for a chic and modern feel, Tempaper for patterns from well-known designers, and Walls Need Love for bold geometric prints and large-scale murals.

Try temporary tiles

Whether you’re trying to hide linoleum floors or a dated backsplash, peel and stick styles are a great way to refresh your bathroom or kitchen without the hassle of grout. Simply peel off the backing and apply it over the existing surface. Wallpops offers a variety of intricate styles at a reasonable cost.

Swap out handles and knobs

Fresh hardware can completely change your cabinetry — both in the bathroom and the kitchen. Choose brass or matte black for a modern touch or try Anthropologie if you’re looking for something more eclectic.

Invest in a good light fixture

Builder-grade lighting is usually terrible. Apartment Therapy wrote an entire article about those awful awful lamps that commonly plague city apartments. Pendant and flush-mount lighting don’t have to cost a fortune — Article, West Elm, and CB2 have lots of great options under $200. As long as you store the apartment’s original fixture someplace safe, you can restore it before you move.

Install dimmers

If you’re hesitant to change-up your lighting fixtures, there’s still a lot that can be done to improve the mood of your home by adding dimmers. There are sliding and push-button options. All are relatively inexpensive and allow you to escape harsh overhead lighting.

Lose the cheap blinds

If your window treatments are bent and dusty from years of use, consider an upgrade. Install a curtain rod with some drapes for more drama, or try roman blinds for a more bespoke feel. IKEA has great budget-friendly options. If you’re looking to infuse some earthiness into your space, bamboo blinds from Home Depot or Bed Bath & Beyond will create a more natural look.

We hope these tips go a long way in making your space your own. If you have ideas you’d like to share, tell us in the comments.

source : blog.kaiyo