Home & Garden
These 9 Tricks Will Make Any Rental Space Feel Like Home
All rental houses or apartments come with quirks. But these simple hacks can help transform your temporary space into your dream home.
Renting the perfect house or apartment is nearly impossible! Whether it's the unappealing carpeting or the not-so-ideal storage space, there are always a few things we would like to adjust. But since renters aren't typically allowed to make permanent changes, there's nothing to be done, right?
Wrong! When it comes to rental living, you don't always have to deal with the cards you've been dealt. And while living in a rental does come with its challenges, there are plenty of ways to truly make the space your own.
We've pulled together some simple decor hacks and must-have products that will make your home feel less cookie cutter and more like a reflection of you.
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(P.S. These hacks also can be useful for homeowners looking to optimize their space and style!)
1. Deck your walls with striking wallpaper.
If you're renting a property, chances are you're not always allowed to adorn the walls with your favorite shades of paint or permanent wallpaper. But who says you can't put up removable wallpaper? That's right — there is such a thing as peel-and-stick wallpaper, like this gorgeous mural of neutral watercolor. It's perfect for creating a stylish accent wall or adding endless design elements to your home. And the best part? It's super easy to remove, so your landlord never has to know!
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Check out more stylish wallpaper options here.
2. Create a cozy nook that fashions as both a living and dining room.
If you're renting an apartment or smaller space, there sometimes can be a fine line between where the dining room ends and the living room begins. Luckily, there's a way to seamlessly mesh the two together to create one cozy-yet-functional space. Start by picking out a round table that can serve as both a kitchen table and a coffee table. Then, surround it with cozy ottomans for seating and storage, as well as comfy chairs, to create the ultimate gathering nook.
3. Add some privacy to a shared space.
Whether you need some privacy from a roommate or want to break up an open space without building a wall, using a room divider can do the trick. Use a wooden panel divider with shelving to create a new space that can also house your personal items. If you're hoping to section off a bedroom, a ceiling curtain track or a hanging room divider might be your best bet for some extra privacy.
Check out some more room dividers and partition walls here.
4. Embellish your entryway with style and storage.
Not all homes are created equal when it comes to a proper entryway. But instead of tossing your keys and coats on the kitchen table or sofa, why not craft an entryway that acts as an organized hub to store your everyday essentials? First, add some floating shelves to store belongings and mail, and then add some hooks to hang up coats and bags. You can get the two-for-one special with this mounted shelf that includes hooks. Finally, incorporate some mirrors, baskets, benches or accent tables to add extra storage. Dressing up your entrance will also warmly welcome guests!
Check out some more entryway storage hacks here.
5. Go green.
Even if your house or apartment is seriously lacking in the outdoor space department, it's still possible to incorporate outdoor elements into your home. Disperse plants in chic planters throughout your rooms, or hang them from the ceiling for dimension. You can also get a box to place on your window sill as well as stands and shelving to hold your greenery and give you the perfectly zen space.
Check out more indoor greenery options here.
6. Allow your kitchen items to double as decor.
Everyone knows that when it comes to the kitchen, there's always a lot of stuff — food, appliances, dinnerware, cooking supplies and more. But if you allow your fruits and veggies to float in hanging baskets, display your gorgeous dinnerware on countertop shelves and add your pastas and cereals into glass canisters, you can add touch of unique style to your everyday items.
Related: The Most Stylish Eco-Friendly Kitchen Items On Amazon
7. Let there be (non-fluorescent, plug-in) light!
No one likes harsh, headache-inducing lighting. If that's what you're currently dealing with, fear not: You might just have to improvise with some plug-in pendants and sconces. Add this hanging pendant light fixture over your kitchen table or island to add the perfect ambiance to the kitchen. Or place a few of these sconces in your hallway, bedroom or reading nook for some soft, unobtrusive lighting.
Check out more plug-in lighting options here.
8. Layer your carpeting and flooring for dramatic effect.
When you can't rip up that horrible wall-to-wall carpeting or add those hard woods you've been dreaming of to your rental, layering your ground with a beautiful area rug is your next best option. Instantly upgrade your space with this vintage distressed rug or modernize the room with a simple-yet-chic design like this one.
9. Give your bathroom essentials a home.
Bathroom storage isn't always optimal — or existent — in a rental (particularly if it's an apartment). If you don't have under-sink storage, there's always room to put in a mounted medicine cabinet with a mirror, or you can opt for some floating shelves. If you're really looking to save space, try this bathroom shelf that seamlessly offers over-the-toilet storage for towels, toiletries and more.
Check out more bathroom storage essentials here.
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