One of the perks of purchasing a home is the opportunity to remove or change anything you don’t like about it. Renters, however, don’t have the same privileges and are usually much more restricted in what they can and can’t do. But there are a few alterations you can make, with the peace of mind that it won’t cause issues with your landlord down the track.
In this article, discover seven ways you can improve your rental home without having to seek permission. Some are tried-and-tested options that have been around for years, while others reflect recent improvements in home and hardware products.
You’ll find more design inspiration online via this source, which lists rental properties throughout the United Kingdom. Get style ideas from London apartments and Welsh country homes, as well as cottages in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. No matter what aesthetic you are going for, chances are there are ways to achieve it while keeping the landlord happy.
Install peel-and-stick tiles
If you have unsightly flooring in your rental, such as dated vinyl, you can give it a quick and easy upgrade with the help of peel-and-stick tiles. Usually made from vinyl, these “tiles” are less than 0.5 millimeters thick and can be installed without requiring any underlayers. All you have to do is peel off the backing and stick them down, instantly transforming a space. Peel-and-stick tiles are designed as a temporary solution, with a lifespan of anywhere from five to 25 years. This makes them an ideal solution for rental spaces such as bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.
Apply removable wallpaper
Similarly, you can upgrade your walls with removable wallpaper, a landlord-friendly solution that looks and feels like real wallpaper. It’s a great option if the paintwork in your rental is looking a little lackluster or if you just want to create a statement wall. Traditionally, applying wallpaper can be tricky, with glue, rollers, and heat guns required. But with peel-and-stick wallpaper, all you have to do is peel the fabric away from the backing paper and smooth it onto the wall with the help of a plastic scraper.
Invest in LED light bulbs
Swapping out your existing light bulbs with smart LEDs is a simple way of improving your rental’s energy usage. LED bulbs use less power than incandescent bulbs, and some can even be controlled via a phone app or by virtual assistant voice technology such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. While LED bulbs tend to be more expensive than incandescent ones, their electricity savings and long lifespan make them more than worth it.
Upgrade cabinetry hardware
Replacing the existing hardware on kitchen, bathroom, and laundry cabinets is a simple way to make a high-impact change without costing a fortune. Simply purchase the ones you like, unscrew the existing ones, and screw the new ones in. Always save the original hardware somewhere safe so that you can replace it at the end of your lease. Because you can take your preferred ones with you, it’s worth investing in high-quality hardware that you really love and can use for many years to come.
Add a removable backsplash
Some kitchens come with a backsplash, while others don’t. But you can easily add your own (or change the existing one) with the help of peel-and-stick options. As with peel-and-stick tiles, they are usually made from a thick vinyl that can easily be cut to fit your requirements. It’s important that you select peel-and-stick tiles that are suitable for long-term heat exposure as they will be positioned close to your stovetop. To remove, all you need is a heat gun or a hairdryer to soften the adhesive before peeling off.
Create atmospheric lighting
If the lighting in your rental is too bright or too dim, you can play around with adding floor and table lamps to create the atmosphere you’re after. Second-hand and vintage stores are great places to find affordable lights that will add a lot of charm to your space. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit on lights that you really love because you can easily take them with you at the end of your lease. You may also want to switch out any light shades that don’t work with the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Channel your inner designer
Most rentals come as a blank canvas for you to design as you please. This is a wonderful opportunity to flex your creative muscles and come up with a design aesthetic that is completely your own. This means selecting furnishings and decor that bring your vision to life, whether you’re after a chic, minimalistic look or more of an eclectic feel. If you’re not sure what your style is, there is plenty of online inspiration from experienced interior designers to help you get started.
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