Hooray! Your new apartment has a fabulous location, updated appliances and...all the personality of a dentist’s office in Des Moines. Don’t stress, though—we asked our designer friends to share their top tip for adding flair to a space that isn’t yours to keep.
The 5 *Best* Ways to Update a Rental Apartment
Upgrade Generic Lighting Fixtures
Coterie memberGabriela Gargagnoof Grisoro Designs swears by adding interest with elevated lighting fixtures. Her tried-and-true go tos? “Wall-mounted plug-in sconces instead of table lamps (who doesn’t love a good swing-arm sconce?), and if you have harsh, recessed lighting, add a few interesting lamps with soft lighting to create a more inviting space.”
Install Legit Window Treatments
Interior designerBella Manciniswears that curtains, roller shades, blinds and elevated window hardware can make a space feel light-years more polished and personalized. “Custom window treatments are literallysotransformative that they’re worth the expense!” she insists.
Splurge On Removable Wallpaper
The single most impactful way to upgrade a rental?Removable wallpaper, of course—even if it’s just an accent wall or two. “You can’t take it when you leave, but wallpaper really adds so much personality,” says Coterie member and Homepolish designerTina Rich. “It’s well worth it”.
Invest In Quality Furnishings
If you know that your space is temporary, it can be tempting to opt for bargain furniture. But if you ask designerTharon Anderson、质量块are a worthy splurge—not to mention, the best way to make your space feel like a real grown-up home. “If a standard-size sofa fits in your apartment, it will surely fit in your house some day,” she says. Don’t waste money and displeasure on a lumpy sofa that will only last a few years.”
个性化的空间油漆
An oldie but a goodie: In most rental spaces, you’re welcome to paint the walls if you return them back to their original state upon leaving. So why not take advantage? “Don't shy away from painting your rental just because you’ll likely have to paint it back,” says Homepolish designerTali Roth. “It's important to create a space that feels uniquely you in the interim, and a coat of paint is thebestway to achieve that.”