Non-Permanent Renovations For Tenants
Posted on: 2021-03-15
While homeowning is often the ultimate goal of most individuals and families, there is nothing wrong with calling a rental unit your home.
However, it can be hard to truly make your space your own when you are limited by the changes you can make to a unit you are renting from someone else.
Thankfully, you can always indulge in a reversible remodel – meaning that you can make temporary and stunning changes that can easily be reversed when it’s time to pack up and move on.
If you are looking to update your rented space and create a look that matches your decor and personality, here are some easy, inexpensive and temporary changes you can make to your home:
Removable Wallpaper
Many landlords may allow you to paint walls, but this permanent change may be frowned upon – especially since landlords like to keep colors and designs in their units neutral and functional.
Luckily, you can buy removable wallpaper to create a feature wall and add some style and personality to your rented space.
You can choose from basic wallpaper materials or even opt for removable fabric wallpaper. Both styles peel right off, giving you a range of versatile choices when it comes to adding color, pattern and texture to your home.
Additionally, you can even purchase peel-and-stick kitchen backsplashes to update the look of your kitchen!
Light Switches and Power Outlet Covers
The key to a reversible remodel is adding in features that can easily be uninstalled when it’s time to pack up and move.
Replacing your light switch and power outlet covers is a simple and cost-effective way to add some style to your home.
Purchase plain white ones and paint them or cover them in washi tape to match your decor. Alternatively, you can always browse second-hand stores and antique shops for some unique and classy designs.
Just make sure you keep the original covers to reinstall.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Depending on the age of the unit you are renting, you may find yourself living with some outdated light fixtures.
Swapping them out is easy and allows you to choose lighting that matches your style. You can replace simple ceiling lights with classy chandeliers or add some swiveling lights to your bathroom to extend the light’s reach.
Just remember, as always, to keep the original fixtures to reattach before moving out.
Add Some Stainless Steel
Stainless steel contact paper is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without investing in new appliances.
You can add it to your fridge, dishwasher and stove to create a clean and fresh brushed metal look.
Get even more creative by adhering it to your cupboards and drawers!
Removing contact paper of any kind can take a bit of elbow-grease but this update is completely reversible. To remove stubborn contact paper, use a hairdryer, plastic scraper and an adhesive remover.
If removing from glass, use a single-edge razor blade and adhesive remover.
Invest in Living Decor
Sometimes the most eye-catching changes to your home decor don’t have to involve making any changes to the unit’s structure or surfaces.
For instance, you can create a comfortable and homey feel to your apartment by adding a few plants, colorful pillows and textured throw blankets.
You can also cover well-loved hardwood or carpeted floors with area rugs for a clean and updated look.
Lastly, consider turfing well-worn and boring window blinds with patterned drapes and curtains to take your living space to a whole new level!
Removable Shelving
While the idea of installing a wall of custom built-ins may make your landlord cringe, you can always work around this by installing removable shelving.
Look for floating shelves that require only a few screws for a clean look or opt for hanging shelves for something unique and stylish.
If your unit does have built-in shelving that is looking a bit dated, you can always cover its interior with fabric or contact paper in a pattern that really pops. When it’s time to move out, just peel away the material.
Create a Luxurious Bathroom
The beauty of bathrooms is that small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to updating the style and created a space of comfort.
You can easily replace your showerhead without making any permanent changes to your bathroom – and you can take the new piece with you when you leave!
Think about purchasing a rainfall showerhead or showerheads with multiple settings.
You can even install a curved shower curtain rod to create more space in your shower – especially to accommodate that luxurious rainfall showerhead!
A shower bench is a great option if you have the space. It can aid both the young and the old!
If you have a stand-up shower, give it a spa-like feel by covering the floor with a cedar deck. These are designed with support slats that allow water to easily drain and the decking is easy to remove when it’s time to move or clean.
Switch Out Hardware
Just like your outlet and light switch covers, swapping out hardware such as doorknobs and cupboard handles is an inexpensive and easy way to match your decor to your taste.
This is especially true if you want to update your kitchen since switching out the hardware on your cabinets can have a huge impact on the look of the room.
Be sure to measure the width of the holes before you start buying up new hardware – you don’t want to be stuck with handles that are too big or too small.
Replacing hardware is simple and all you have to do is make sure you keep the originals to reinstall when you move out.
Make Your Space Your Own!
Even if you are renting, there’s no reason that you can’t personalize your space and create a warm and comfortable atmosphere that matches your unique personality!
If you are lucky to have a landlord that will allow you to make small changes to your unit, be sure to call in the professionals to make sure the job is done right.
Our experts at Parabola Developments can help you with your small-scale apartment renovations to ensure the job is done efficiently and correctly the first time around.
