Calling all rented home- and apartment-dwellers! You can live in the home of your dreams right now—all you need is a little creativity and some elbow grease. These DIY projects and clever hacks can dramatically transform your humble abode without costing you your security deposit. Here’s an added bonus: you can take several of these upgrades with you to your next place, too.
“Upgrade” your appliances.
If you’ve always dreamed of stainless appliances, you’re in luck! With a few dollars and a couple of minutes, you can completely transform your black or white appliances with stainless steel contact paper.
Get the tutorial here.
Julie Blanner
Spruce up your kitchen with removable subway tiles.
Subway tiles instantly elevate a kitchen or bathroom. 3D subway tile wallpaper or stick-on tiles will give you the same look—without grout or adhesive.
Lisa Hauenstein
DIY your own faux-marble countertops.
Bet you didn’t think a countertop makeover was on the table! Thanks to a little marble contact paper, you can have elegant (and still durable) countertops in just a few hours.
Get the tutorial here.
Make Do and DIY
Swap out old hardware.
This upgrade is almost too easy to be true. Exchange your rental’s outdated pulls and knobs for hardware that suits your style. Make sure to keep the original hardware on hand—before you move out, change it back and take your new hardware with you.
The Fresh Exchange
Remove cabinet doors.
You don’t need anything extra to achieve this look. Simply take your cabinet doors off their hinges! Store them in a safe place until you’re ready to move out, and then reassemble.
Better Homes and Gardens
Hide those ugly plastic blinds.
We’ve all been there. Pull up those horizontal blinds and hide them behind DIY no-sew faux Roman shades.
Get the tutorial here.
The DIY Playbook
Install a new lighting fixture.
Old lighting fixtures are quick to date a home. Remove your existing lighting fixture to instantly update your space. We love these budget farmhouse lighting fixtures from The Turquoise Home. Wondering how to install a new fixture? Check out this how-to guide from Apartment Therapy.
The Turquoise Home
Create an accent wall with removable wallpaper.
An accent wall brings instant flair to a bland space. Check out these companies to find the removable wallpaper that’s right for you.
Wallsneedlove
Cover outdated flooring with a vinyl floor cloth.
Masking ugly flooring is easier than you’d think. Whether you like dramatic tile or something simple and understated, vinyl flooring could be the perfect upgrade for you!
Bill O’Leary | The Washington Post
Create a custom shower floor mat.
Cover old or damaged shower tiles with a DIY teak shower mat.
Get the tutorial here.
TeakWorks4U
Mask a dull patio with temporary outdoor decking.
Weather can do some serious damage to an exposed balcony or back deck. Give yours a temporary facelift with easy to install outdoor flooring.
Dust Jacket Attic
Decorate with washi tape wall decals.
Washi tape is great for creating designs on walls and taping up posters or photographs. When you’re ready for a change, it peels off without leaving any residue. Try this simple Scandinavian design made with black washi tape—it’s great for a children’s rooms.
Everything Emily
Build a cover for your bulky radiator.
Whether you want your radiator to blend in, or you’re looking for some stylish storage, a radiator cover is a great way to turn this bulky necessity into a desired piece.
Get the tutorial here.
Miss Mustard Seed
Create a reclaimed wood wall.
If you’re a fan of shiplap, this is the next best thing—perfect for renters! These removable, reusable reclaimed wood planks easily create the wall of your dreams.
Buy it here.
Artis Wall™
Make a landlord-approved chalkboard wall.
Always dreamed of having your very own chalkboard wall? Good news! Chalkboard contact paper exists. We think this idea is absolutely perfect for a home office or kitchen.
Icing on the Cake
