Living in a rental apartment can be dreary sometimes, with limited space. So here are some various simple and cost-effective ideas to transform your rental apartment from dull and uninspiring to stylish and inviting.
Introduce personality and color into your rental apartment without the commitment of paint. Wall decals and removable wallpaper are affordable and temporary solutions that can add visual interest to any room. Think about the theme or mood you’d like to have in each room. For example, blues and greens give more of a calming, relaxing state of mind, whereas reds and oranges may provide more stimulating and creative feelings. Etsy has a variety of wall decals to choose from—lettering, art, and even nursery décor. They also have a few customizable options.
Upgrade your lighting fixtures or experiment with different types of lighting to create ambiance and enhance the overall atmosphere. Swap out standard bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on energy costs. For an added boost, try a small neon sign in the kitchen or some LED strip lights underneath the kitchen cabinets or behind the TV. These bright colors can instantly make a bad day feel much better. If you like twinkle lights, string some over a window or closet door and add a sheer curtain to make them shimmer.
Maximize space and keep your rental apartment organized with budget-friendly storage solutions. Use floating shelves, storage bins, under-bed storage or repurpose everyday items to create stylish and efficient storage options. Baskets are trendy for objects above the refrigerator or washer/dryer. Group small loose items in a tray instead of bulky packaging for more streamlined storage. Fill a tray with tiny cups and bowls to contain office supplies like paper clips, post-its, pens or other small office supplies.
Instead of investing in new furniture, update and refresh existing pieces. Techniques like painting, reupholstering or adding new hardware can breathe life into old furniture without breaking the bank. Add partial plush filling or foam to the cushions if the sofa needs more fluff. Always go big when purchasing foam since you can always trim to size if necessary. Amazon has quite a few upholsteries covers for couches too.
Who doesn’t love plants? Plants are lovely at introducing the beauty of nature into your rental apartment. Not only do they add a fresh and vibrant touch to any room, but they also help improve air quality. Look for some low-maintenance plants if you are starting on your plant journey, and locate where you will have sun in your place. Snake plants and parlor palms are easy to maintain and keep the air fresh. Read our blog on micro gardening if you want to grow organic herbs and vegetables in your apartment.
Update the look of your living room or bedroom by incorporating colorful throw pillows and area rugs. These accessories can add texture, warmth and a pop of color to the space without spending a fortune. Your pets will also enjoy these added textures, especially in the bedroom. Many stores like At Home or Home Goods have many decorative budget-friendly throw pillows and rugs.
Artwork is another addition to add to the walls. Unleash your creativity by making your own abstract artwork or photo collages. These personalized pieces can instantly liven up bare walls. Then, rally some friends on a Friday night and release your inner Picasso! Attend a “Sip and Strokes” or “Painting with a Twist” class. Have fun, and bring some fabulous DYI art home! Cheers!
