Rental Inspiration: Before & After Budget-Friendly Makeovers

If you're renting and want to spruce up your space but aren't sure where to begin, we've got you covered.  The tips and examples below will help you get started. And, who doesn't love those inspiring before-and-after videos? We've included a few useful ones. All of these projects are budget-friendly. However, before making any changes as a tenant, be sure to review your rental agreement and consult with your landlord or property manager. That way, you know you're following all the rules and guidelines listed and discussed.

Want to revamp an outdated kitchen? We love the example below because DIY blogger and YouTuber Actually Alli provides lots of ideas that you can apply when upgrading your culinary space. She used some nature-inspired green peel-and-stick tile to add a colorful backsplash. (Notably, she put down contact paper first so that it’s not going to damage the drywall.) If you think you might want to try this handy product, make sure it's okay with your landlord or property manager. Additionally, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of peel-and-stick tile.
Alli also enhanced her kitchen by reorganizing drawers and adding under-cabinet lighting to brighten the space. She bought a new light fixture, swapped out the hardware to tie it all together, and purchased a new rug and art to add more color. Finishing touches, such as a new cutting board, a coffee area with new mugs, magnets, and personalized kitchen towels, completed the new look.

Before & After Bedroom Makeover on a Budget

While this makeover project isn’t specifically geared toward renters, it has helpful tips from interior designer Trish Johnson. She used a wall stencil instead of pricey wallpaper, made big-box bedding look high-end, and created clothing storage with wardrobes. Many rental homes have a small master bedroom, and Trish shows how to work with the space you've got. She balances masculine and feminine elements, utilizes symmetry, incorporates pops of color, and offers some helpful storage solutions.

Tiny Bathroom Makeover on a Budget

When you love your rental house but hate its tiny bathroom, there are some easy, budget-friendly ways to update it. In the example below, Alli Cherry declutters her cramped bathroom and adds some vibrant elements. For instance, a rolling cart for storage can really do wonders for a little bathroom. So can a bright new shower curtain, framed photos, and a new mirror. We also like that she repurposed some items to keep costs down. Plants are another addition that adds greenery and a touch of nature. Watch the video below to see how she adheres to her landlord's requirements while still creating a cheery and functional space. 

To learn more about space-saving tips and tricks, check out our article about how to maximize small spaces in your home.

Renter's Apartment Makeover

If you're living in a small apartment or studio, the video below shows you how you can effectively divide up the space and make it your own. It includes some straightforward DIY projects explained by designer Keyanna Bowen. Keyanna provides ideas and tips throughout the video. When renting a small apartment, it's important to find ways to maximize space by using bookcases, creative storage solutions, and possibly purchasing or building a divider wall. Making each sectioned-off space feel like its own area was one of Keyanna's goals. She added some color, wallpaper, and sophisticated design choices to make each space feel unique. Because her client Sammie is also an artist, Keyanna created a designated craft corner that is both cozy and functional. New purchases included a couch, wall art, a hanging chair, throw pillows, storage baskets, plants, bedding, and area rugs.

3 Tips to Remember When Updating Your Rental Home

When thinking about how to update your rental, you may feel constrained by the fact that you don't own the home. But there are plenty of cost-effective ways to make it really feel like it's yours.

1. Focus on High-Impact Areas: Updating every area of your rental home all at once is a lot of work. Instead, focus on areas such as the kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom. Additionally, if you're renting a home with an exterior space that you can update, like a porch, patio, or backyard, that's another space that may need a boost. Simply updating hardware like drawer and cabinet handles, replacing light fixtures, and adding new hanging or potted plants are great places to start. And even purchasing a new chair, sofa, or bedspread can make a frequently used room feel like new. Check out these local home decor items found right here in Kitsap County. Again, be sure to review your rental agreement and ask questions to make sure you don't make any changes that could cause issues with your landlord or property manager.

2. Shine a Light on What You Love: Look at all of the mementos, art, and furniture you already own. Are there ways to draw more attention to it and brighten up a certain room in your rental home? For instance, you may have a shelf or countertop that you can declutter and then decorate with a family heirloom and/or a couple of your favorite books or candles. Perhaps you can add a floating shelf with a new lamp or pendant light above your desk or beloved recliner to literally shine a light on some framed photos or a few colorful travel souvenirs. Remember: less is more, especially if you want to draw guests' eyes to a specific spot.

3. Coordination is Key:  You can effortlessly make any room feel more cohesive by adding coordinating accents. Matching towels that complement the shower curtain and bath mat enhance any bathroom and are budget-friendly. Add a kitchen mat with tea towels that coincide with the color scheme to strategically add splashes of your favorite color. Additionally, vintage curtains with interesting patterns can also add visual interest. But it's best if they match with the rest of the decor so that everything looks and feels intentional, not haphazard and cluttered. When you're done updating a room, step back and admire your work. Notice where your eye goes first and the way it travels around the room. See if there's anything else you can add, change, or remove to tie the room together and give it the look and vibe you want.