Affordable and Risk-Free Home Upgrades for Renters
The population of renters is increasing rapidly. Rising prices of homes, plus the flexibility of renting, have a lot to do with this trend. In Memphis, Tennessee, for instance, 58% of the population are renters. It is because the average rent ($1063) is much lower than the median home value($163,000).
But renting can make you feel restricted when sprucing up your home. You’re afraid of violating your lease or, worse yet, annoying your landlord.
Don’t worry; there are plenty of home upgrades you can make that will improve your apartment and keep you in your landlord’s good books. And that too with little time, money, and effort.
So, if it’s time for an upgrade but not time for relocating just yet – buckle up because this blog post is about to take off!
Make More Room:
Cluttered spaces are the bane of everyone’s existence. Consider swapping out bulky furniture for something more space-savvy to make your apartment look bigger (without actually making it bigger!). For example, replace a large armchair with an ottoman that can double as extra seating. Or, if you have the space for it, invest in a storage bed with drawers below.
Since welcoming new furniture would require you to move the old one out of the way, try renting a storage unit to tuck your valuables away safely. Most storage Memphis TN companies, for instance, offer short-term and long-term storage units. And since the security is stringent, you don’t have to worry about theft or damage.
Embrace Houseplants:
Plants are the easiest way to elevate your space instantly. Best of all, they boost the air quality in your apartment too. For instance, aloe vera is perfect for those with a brown thumb and can help purify the air.
However, plants will require regular watering and maintenance. To avoid wet floors, you could get a self-watering planter. That way, all your plants will be hydrated and healthy without you having to worry about it.
You can also choose different planters to enhance your home’s look and feel.
Set the Mood with Lighting:
Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room. And the most excellent part? You don’t have to invest in expensive light fixtures to make a statement.
One of the easiest and most economical lighting fixes is to mount sconces on the wall. Place them strategically around your apartment to add a cozy and inviting feel wherever you go. Or, if you want to change the look of your dining room, replace traditional lighting with a pendant light.
You can also get creative and pair string lights with a poster board or floating shelves to create a gallery wall. And if you have an outdoor space, add some twinkle to it with solar-powered lights.
If your landlord isn’t even a bit flexible, you can always choose battery-operated lights that don’t require wiring or drilling.
Paint Your Walls:
You’ll agree that most rentals have dingy, dead walls that make you want to cry. Sometimes, the landlord doesn’t even patch up the nail holes and marks they left behind. But don’t be disheartened. You can still give your walls a makeover without breaking the bank or violating your lease.
But before you go all Bob Ross on it, talk to your landlord first. Depending on the property and your contract, you may be able to paint the walls, provided they go back to their original color before you move out (sometimes, it’s not even necessary).
Choose light colors to make your home look more spacious. Try to avoid using dark tones as they tend to bring down the vibe of a room.
Or, if you’re feeling extra creative, consider adding temporary wallpapers or decals. They look just as stunning but won’t require much effort or time to get them off when the lease is up.
Choose Peel and Stick Flooring:
Nothing ruins the look of a classic hardwood floor more than deep-set scratches and gouges. And if your rental space originally has carpets, don’t even get us started on the stains, rough patches, and stink.
But thanks to peel-and-stick flooring, you can get the look and feel of hardwood or tile without breaking your budget. Plus, it’s super easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about hiring someone to do it for you.
Make sure the floor is well-cleaned and flat before you lay the tiles. Otherwise, they won’t stick properly, leading to future problems like bubbling or creases.
And if you ever decide to move out, all you have to do is pull up the tiles and get your security deposit back.
Get New Hardware:
It’s all in the details and finishes. You can easily update your kitchen cabinets and bedroom drawers by replacing their hardware. It’ll give your space the facelift it needs without making too much of a dent in your wallet.
You don’t need advanced tools and skills to get the job done. All you need is a screwdriver and some patience, and voila! You get a brand-new look with minimal effort.
Swapping discolored door knobs and handles with eye-catching pieces will also add character to your home. Make sure to keep the theme consistent throughout, though. That way, you can achieve a more polished and sophisticated look.
Upgrade the Kitchen Backsplash:
An average person spends 67 precious minutes of their day in the kitchen. And cooking delicious food while looking at stubborn grease stains and grimy grouts is probably not at the top of your list. So, add a vibrant backsplash to bring an end to the loss of appetite because of the dull kitchen design.
Tiling your kitchen wall with colorful tiles takes time but is worth the effort. Plus, it’s a great way to express your personality with the help of vibrant patterns and textures. The best thing about backsplashes is their versatility. From subway tiles to terrazzo to mosaics, you can choose whatever style fits your rental space the best.
Conclusion:
Taking on these small projects can give your rental space a much-needed facelift without worrying about spending too much money or violating your lease. So go ahead and give your home a makeover—you deserve it!
Just remember to always talk to your landlord before starting any projects to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
And if your budget allows, professional help is a call away.
