Living in a rental can be confusing when it comes to designing and decorating the unit. You’ll end up asking your landlord or property manager questions like, “Can I paint this wall? Can I remove this? Can I add holes to the wall to hang up pictures?” It can be a frustrating process if desired answers are turned down. Regardless, you still need a space that feels like your own! Throughout this blog, you’ll realize that Command hooks and peel-and-stick will become your best friend. The idea behind each concept is to create rental friendly designs that are achieved with minimal effort.
It is important to note that the tenant is responsible for removing each design idea before moving out and restoring the unit to its original state when they moved in.
*Click each photo to take you to its related article or listing.
1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Each rental situation is unique. Some landlords allow tenants to paint the walls, while others discourage changes. Regardless, tenants can consider putting up peel-and-stick wallpaper as a feature wall in a room. It is a cost-efficient solution that adds personality to a unit. When it comes time to move out, unpeel the wallpaper (carefully), and that’s it! If there are damages to the wall, it is the tenant’s responsibility to fix this.
2. Peel-and-Stick Contact Paper for Countertops
Not every unit is up to date with the latest amenities or modern renovations; a kitchen is the biggest giveaway. Brighten up the space by adding peel-and-stick contact paper to the countertops. Use a credit card or scraper tool to push out all the air bubbles. Upon watching MANY YouTube videos on the topic, allocate more time to the task than you think it will take – a whole afternoon should be sufficient.
Love how it turned out? Consider implementing this idea to your bathroom vanity, desk, coffee table, nightstand, or bar cart. If the contact paper looks real enough, it can really elevate a space!
3. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
We promise this is the last peel-and-stick option. Do you want to add another layer of depth, brightness and character to your unit? Look into adding a peel-and-stick backsplash to the kitchen. It requires no grout and can be accomplished in a short amount of time. The best part: When you move, unpeel the backsplash, place it on wax paper, and you can take it to your next rental or home!
Want a minimal but exciting look? Go for a hexagon backsplash. Want to add a pop of colour? Go for a Mediterranean tile look. Want a modern farmhouse look? Go for a chevron, plank, or subway tile backsplash.
4. Add a Rug to Define the Space
Area rugs are a great way to add personality to a room and (when done properly) make the space appear larger. Rugs have the capability to define a room and create the whole décor aesthetic. If anything, rugs hold more power than we are aware of.
Tip: For dining room rugs, make sure the rug is large enough to remain under the chairs when they are pulled out. Living room rugs should be large enough to fit completely underneath all of the furniture, or 75% of the front of the furniture. A rug in the bedroom should completely cover the bed and nightstands or be placed just in front of the nightstands and cover the bed.
5. Use Command Hooks to Hang Curtain Rods
As much as we all love blinds and shutters, hanging curtains can make a person feel like they have their life together. It is a minimal detail that is often overlooked and, if done correctly, can create a sense of elegance. Add curtains to your rental by sticking two Command hooks to the wall and placing the curtain rod on the hooks – easy! Take it one step further by using a mixture of blackout and sheer curtains: double curtains = double elegance.
Tip: Place the Command hooks and curtain rods higher than the window’s height to create the illusion of increased height and depth from the window.
6. Create a Gallery Wall
Creating a gallery wall is a great way to mix tones, texture and personality into the space and create dimension. For a rental, make sure the frames are light enough to withhold Command strips and refrain from falling over.
Tip: Take packing or poster paper, trace each frame, then tape the paper to the wall to make the right configuration for the gallery wall.
7. Add Decking Tiles to Your Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Having a balcony in a condo or apartment is a luxury but can sometimes feel drab with the uniform tones. Upgrade the space by adding decking tiles! Get a put-together look for less and go from slab to fab – get it, concrete slab! IKEA’s Runnen patio tiles come in three options: Brown stained, dark gray, and artificial turf. However, there are other patterned designs available on the website. Unlike other IKEA furniture, the patio tiles are a relatively easy installation and don’t require confusing instructions – click the tiles together, and it’s done!
Go for a tiki/tropical theme by adding the brown stained Runnen tiles to the floor and create an artificial greenery highlight by hanging up the artificial turf Runnen tiles on a blank wall or divider on the balcony. Bonus points if you add tropical plants or succulents.
Conclusion:
Living in a rental can sometimes feel unwelcome. Adding character to the unit and creating a cohesive design aesthetic can be accomplished through minor and cost-effective solutions. The result is a unique space that is tailored to you!
If you end up implementing any of these ideas, tag us on Facebook or Instagram @rpmprofessionals! We would love to see your place come to life!
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