Renting is a popular option for many Americans. As of 2019, there were over 44 million renters in the U.S., and just under 20 million lived in a single, detached home (not an apartment). Renting has plenty of perks, from not having to take care of maintenance on your own to being more affordable than homeownership.
But, there are some potential drawbacks, too.
Most of us have spent the majority of the last year “stuck” at home, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, many homeowners tackled improvement projects and upgrades to their living spaces. As a rental tenant, you might feel limited in what you can do to make changes.
Every contract is different. You don’t want to upset your landlord or make improvements that would violate your lease. But, there are some small, simple home improvement projects you can take on to make your rental unit or house feel more like a reflection of your personality.
Not sure where to get started? Let’s cover a few ideas that you can DIY right away.
Design for More Space
Rental homes come in all shapes and sizes. But, it’s not uncommon for apartments and single-bedroom homes to be on the smaller side. If you want to upgrade your space, a good place to start is to implement design work that can make it look bigger. You can do so with simple changes to your furniture and decor.
Start with the walls of a room. Colors matter when it comes to how the room is perceived. Ideally, you should paint rooms brighter colors instead of neutrals if you want them to look bigger. Unfortunately, painting isn’t always an option for tenants. So, consider alternatives such as:
- Temporary wallpaper
- Hanging art
- Tapestries
- Colored curtains
The feel of a room is also affected by light. Letting in as much natural light as possible will help a space seem more open, so utilize windows as much as possible. If you’re going to upgrade the interior lights of your rental, make the switch to LEDs. Not only are they brighter and provide a “cooler” light, but they can end up using 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving you money on your utilities.
Decorate for Your Personality
Different decorative accents can also make a room seem bigger, but that’s not why most people choose to bring in decor. When you’re living in a rental space, it’s important to make it feel as “homey” as possible. Stark walls and no accent pieces will make a home feel colder and less welcoming.
Maybe you can’t tear down a wall or remodel the kitchen to fit your wants. But, you can decorate your rental any way you’d like.
One great way to improve the space, boost your mood, and bring more comfort into your home is to utilize houseplants. The houseplant industry has seen quite a boom recently. As of 2019, it had increased by 50% in three years. Thanks to the COVID pandemic, that number is now even greater. There are many benefits to having houseplants, including:
- Improved mood
- Cleaner air
- Reduced stress and fatigue
- Added life to a neutral space
If you don’t have a green thumb, consider starting with cacti and succulents. They’re generally easy to take care of once you know the amount of sunlight and water they need.
Plants aren’t the only way to decorate for your personality. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Everything from removable wall decor to changing out the knobs on your kitchen cabinets can make a difference in the feel of your home. Small changes add up quickly and can be a fantastic way to show off your individual personality.
Pick One Room to Remodel
Any time the word “remodel” comes into play, you should talk to your landlord first. Suggest the idea of changing up one room in your apartment or house and give them the details of what you plan to do. At the end of the day, landlords need to make sure their properties are attractive and desirable for potential tenants. If you can prove your property will still be enticing, they might give you the green light.
There are plenty of ways to remodel a kitchen without causing any permanent changes or even spending a lot of money. Consider painting the kitchen cabinets, adding a temporary backsplash with peel-and-stick tiles, or changing out the faucets and fixtures.
Whether you’re moving into a rental for the first time or you’ve been renting for a while and need a change, don’t despair. There are plenty of simple home improvement projects you can make as a tenant that will boost the look and feel of your space and make it feel more like “you.” Keep these ideas in mind for your next DIY project, and you’ll quickly be able to bring your rental to life.
