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I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
DIY Projects: "Renovating" a Rental (12 comments)
Paint is the number one, simplest, least expensive way to transform a space. (Check with your landlord first, of course.)
by Coburn Architecture and Interiors
It's not always worth it to paint something this involved in a rental - unless it's a door of your own that you can take with you to your next home.
by Allison Cosmos 
A solid table acts as a moveable kitchen island. Adds character and counter space - and you can take it with you.
by Dufner Heighes Inc
Landlords are unlikely to warm up to wallpaper, but you can easily change the look of a wall with a bit of wallpaper and a large frame.
Ish & Chi: The studio
An inexpensive, mobile kitchen island (IKEA has lots of options) is a great way to spruce up a kitchen (plus, extra storage!) without spending too much.
by ikea.com
Renters often complain about ugly, dingy floors, but updating the floors can be an expensive proposition for a landlord. Cover up the mess with cool area rugs - as an extra bonus, they muffle sound.
Kim Johnson- renovated kitchen
Built-in bookcases might be an unattainable dream, but big regular bookcases - even inexpensive ones - can transform a room. Love them as room dividers...
by Dirk Denison Architects
or simply up against the wall, adding some spice + storage.
by apartmenttherapy.com
There's a lot going on in this kitchen - and heavy decorating is one way to own a space. Another simple update is cool hardware (like on the top cabinet) - you can always change it back to the boring stuff when you move out.
by anthropologie.com
comments
danielle70 says:
Great tips. Also, as Victoria said here recently, "decorate from your heart".
Danielle (that finally moved to her own place after years of living in rentals...)
Danielle (that finally moved to her own place after years of living in rentals...)
txranchgirl says:
Nice ideabook. I was thinking just last week that I wish I had been more innovative on a strict budget in my first post-university apartment. I think that, when possible, changing out any kind of cheesy chandeliers for more fabulous lighting can reinvent a space--and you can take it with you when you move.
Also. Love what the painted moulding in the Dufner Heighes photo does for the room--less invasive way to enhance with paint.
Also. Love what the painted moulding in the Dufner Heighes photo does for the room--less invasive way to enhance with paint.
sara1972 says:
I like the mobile island idea. Brilliant! The Dufner Heighes kitchen is stunning (i wish rentals could look like that...).
racorvese says:
Great tips... especially the kitchen island addition. I think paint is the best way to inexpensively update a rental and personalize it. Another way is to customize some draperies and even bring a beautiful chandelier or light sconces from a previous residence.
kitpollard says:
You're right - replacing those brass chandeliers is a really good way to make a space look less "rentish." There are some great chandeliers on ebay, too...
silver69 says:
Wonderful tips. Like racorvese, I also like the mobile island addition. Very cool.
sgarlick says:
while renting i have found a new love. push pins. you'd be surprised how much they can hold up. everything in my townhome [even some small shelves] are put up with push pins and hold very well. you do have to be careful, we live in a home where the wall texture is pretty thick, so test it out first. but i've even hung up some old antique 2'x4' wood chinese shutters just by using 2 push pins for each one. when you move, just put some paint on a q-tip and fill in the microscopic holes!
kitpollard says:
Wow - that really is a great tip. Easy clean-up is fantastic when you've got everything else to do for a move.
sfheather says:
I am renting a very small apartment in San Francisco. My landlord is very strict on what I can and can't do to the apartment, but I have found ways around that. Here are my tips:
1. Everything has dual-purpose: My couch becomes a guest bed when the pillows are removed, it also has space under for storage. Chairs/Ottomans also provide extra storage.
2. Use pretty material to make curtains for your apartment. Even if the windows are small, you can still have colorful floor to ceiling panels to bring brightness to a white room.
3. Japanese Shoji screens make great room dividers, but can also provide color, design, and/hide an eye-sore that can't be fixed.
1. Everything has dual-purpose: My couch becomes a guest bed when the pillows are removed, it also has space under for storage. Chairs/Ottomans also provide extra storage.
2. Use pretty material to make curtains for your apartment. Even if the windows are small, you can still have colorful floor to ceiling panels to bring brightness to a white room.
3. Japanese Shoji screens make great room dividers, but can also provide color, design, and/hide an eye-sore that can't be fixed.
gmdesign says:
Lighting is an often times overlooked design opportunity that can make a huge difference in a room. Standard apartment issued overhead lighting is typically very harsh and unflattering. Try using a combination of floor and table lamps for a softer effect. If you want to splurge a little, hire a professional (of course with your landlord's approval) to install dimmer switches. If you can change a light fixture, you can probably install a dimmer switch yourself. You can even find step-by-step educational videos on-line. However, do err on the side of caution if you at all suspect this might be a stretch for you, as there are safety standards to be met in order to protect you and other tenants in your building.
jozii says:
I have custom light switch/electric outlet covers that I have acquired over the years, and they make a nice style statement. I put the plain ones back when I move.
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