Your home is your home regardless of whether you are renting it. However, rental apartments can feel less homey than owned apartments.
This is because you are not allowed to make changes like knocking down walls and replacing your carpet with wood flooring. The good news is there are several ways you can temporarily modify your apartment to put your own stamp on the space and make it feel like home.
Although temporary modifications are not permanent, you still need to check your lease or talk to your landlord to find out which adjustments you are allowed to make. It is important to keep all the original hardware you will be replacing as well. This is because if you move out of the apartment in the future, the original fixtures and fittings can be reinstalled if necessary. Read on to find out the five best ways you can temporarily modify your apartment.
Walls and Windows
Many landlords are happy for you to paint the walls of your apartment. Choosing your own colors can make all the difference to how inviting your environment feels. If you know you will have to repaint the walls before you move out, it is best to choose just one or two walls to paint in order to save you a lot of hard work later on. By choosing bold colors for specific walls, you can make a real statement.
If painting is not allowed or if you prefer your walls to have patterns or stylish designs, use temporary wallpaper. There are many peel-and-stick wallpapers available that should not damage your walls. Temporary wallpaper can brighten up your apartment and it is easy to install and remove as well. To avoid the hassle of wallpapering or painting, you could simply hang wall art or tapestries on your apartment’s walls. Choose pieces that go with the existing décor of your home. Also, pick large artwork so it covers enough wall space and creates an impact.
If you have white plastic blinds or other tasteless shades, you can take them down and replace them with more stylish blinds or curtains. This is a simple task that can make all the difference to the feel of your home. Just remember to keep the original blinds so they can be put back up when you decide to leave the apartment.
Cabinets and Door Knobs
It can be expensive to remodel a kitchen. In any case, it is probably prohibited by your lease. However, you can easily make temporary modifications to your existing kitchen cabinets, as well as bathroom and other cabinets. If allowed, you could completely change the cabinet doors or paint them. Adding contact paper to drawers and shelves is also a great way of personalizing your apartment.
Alternatively, or in addition to the above, you can buy new knobs for cabinets to give them a new lease on life. Measure the distance between the two holes and buy new knobs or handles to fit. There is a plethora of great designs available, so you will easily be able to find knobs to express your personality. You can also replace knobs on doors throughout your apartment in order to match the rest of your new décor. When you unscrew the original knobs, remember to keep them and the accompanying screws so they can easily be refitted later on.
Showerhead and Faucets
Replacing your showerhead and faucets can instantly upgrade the look of your apartment. Installing the right faucets and showerhead can make your kitchen and bathroom be more energy efficient too. Select a statement faucet for your bathroom or kitchen to create a focal point for the room. There are plenty of different designs available, so it is easy to find faucets and a showerhead that reflect your taste. Also, remember to purchase faucets and a showerhead that have the same fittings as your existing ones.
It is easy to replace a showerhead. All you have to do is unscrew the existing showerhead and replace it with the new one. Replacing faucets can be a little trickier, but the process is still relatively simple and there are numerous online videos demonstrating. To replace faucets:
- Find the water valve underneath your sink and turn it off.
- Remove the nuts from underneath the faucets.
- Remove the drain and disconnect the drain flange.
- Place a bucket underneath to catch any escaping water.
- Clean the faucet holes.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the new faucets.
Shelving and Storage
Create more space by installing new shelves and creating storage facilities. You can usually put up new shelving without having to ask your landlord’s permission, but it is always best to check. Shelving does not do much damage to an apartment and your landlord may be happy for you to leave the shelving in place when you move out. If you do need to remove the shelves, the task is simple. After you have unscrewed them and taken them down, all you need to do is fill the holes with filler and paint over top.
Design and install custom storage options too. For instance, installing pull-out shelves can create more space. If you are buying ready-built units, make sure you have the precise measurements before you go to your local hardware store. You will have to be proficient in DIY to install large items like pull-out shelving units.
Lighting
Apartments can often feel dark and cramped but by using the right lighting, your space can be transformed. It is relatively easy to replace lighting fixtures in each room. Choose fixtures that complement the rest of your new décor.
If you want to replace major features like a ceiling fan, speak to your landlord first. He or she may be happy for you to make the upgrade. Perhaps your landlord has even been meaning to replace the ceiling fan for some time and is therefore willing to pay all or some of the costs. If you make temporary modifications to your home that upgrade the apartment, it is very possible you will not need to remove the items when you move out, and you may even be offered a discount or credit for the upgrade.
Related Article: How to Find Hidden Treasures at Estate Sales
By Admin –
