How to Customize Your Rental and Make It Feel Like Home Instantly
Renting a home comes with a unique set of challenges. While you may not have the freedom to knock down walls or install built-in features, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your space feel personal and stylish. The key is finding temporary, landlord-approved ways to transform your rental into a place that truly feels like home.
Luckily, small design updates can make a huge impact—without risking your security deposit. From easy décor swaps to clever storage solutions, there are countless ways to customize your rental while keeping it move-out friendly. Whether you’re in a cozy apartment, a rental house, or even a temporary space, these ideas will help you create a home that reflects your style.
Here are 10 creative and practical ways to customize your rental and turn it into a space that feels like yours.
1. Customize Your Rental: Start with a Fresh Coat of Paint
If your lease allows it, painting your rental is one of the most effective ways to refresh your space. A new color can instantly change the vibe of a room, making it feel more inviting and personal.
Opt for light, airy neutrals to brighten a small space or go bold with a feature wall in a deep green or navy. If painting isn’t allowed, try peel-and-stick wallpaper or temporary wall decals to achieve the same effect without the commitment.
2. Customize Your Rental: Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting has the power to completely transform a space. Most rentals come with outdated or builder-grade lighting fixtures, but you don’t have to live with them.
Consider swapping out existing fixtures for stylish pendant lights, modern chandeliers, or sleek floor lamps. Plug-in sconces are a great option for adding ambiance without rewiring anything. Just store the original fixtures so you can reinstall them when you move out.
3. Customize Your Rental: Invest in Statement Rugs
Rentals often come with less-than-ideal flooring—think old carpet, scratched hardwood, or outdated tile. Covering these imperfections with a stylish rug is a quick and easy fix.
A large area rug can add warmth, texture, and personality to your space while also helping to define different areas in an open floor plan. Layering rugs is another great trick for adding depth and coziness, especially in small spaces.
4. Customize Your Rental: Use Peel-and-Stick Solutions
Temporary décor is a renter’s best friend. From removable wallpaper to peel-and-stick tiles, there are endless ways to personalize your space without making permanent changes.
Use peel-and-stick backsplashes in the kitchen or bathroom, apply removable wallpaper to create an accent wall, or even try peel-and-stick flooring for an easy upgrade. These DIY-friendly solutions let you experiment with different styles without the risk of damaging your rental.
5. Customize Your Rental: Switch Out Cabinet Hardware
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your rental kitchen or bathroom is by replacing outdated cabinet hardware.
Swap out old drawer pulls and knobs for something sleek and modern—think brushed brass, matte black, or vintage-inspired glass. Just keep the original hardware in a safe place so you can reinstall it when you move out.
6. Customize Your Rental: Add Floating Shelves for Style and Storage
If your rental lacks built-in storage, floating shelves can be a game-changer. They provide extra space for books, plants, and décor while making your walls look more intentional and curated.
Install lightweight shelves with removable adhesive strips or opt for leaning bookshelves that don’t require any drilling. Styling these shelves with framed art, candles, and decorative objects can help bring personality into your space.
7. Customize Your Rental: Style Your Bathroom Like a Spa
Rental bathrooms can often feel uninspired, but a few small tweaks can make a big difference.
Upgrade your showerhead to a rainfall or handheld option for a more luxurious experience. Swap out the standard mirror for a decorative one that adds style. Hang plush towels, add a stylish bath mat, and display your essentials in chic containers to create a spa-like atmosphere.
8. Customize Your Rental: Hang Curtains for Instant Elegance
Curtains are a simple yet effective way to elevate a rental. Not only do they add texture and warmth, but they can also make a space feel taller and more polished.
For maximum impact, hang your curtains high and wide—about 6-8 inches above the window frame and extending past the window edges. If your rental comes with cheap blinds, consider layering sheer curtains over them for a soft, sophisticated look.
9. Customize Your Rental: Bring in Greenery
Plants instantly make a space feel more vibrant and lived-in. Whether you have a green thumb or prefer low-maintenance options, there’s a plant for every space.
Try placing a fiddle-leaf fig in a corner, hanging trailing plants like pothos from shelves, or adding small succulents to your coffee table. If natural light is limited, faux plants can still bring the same visual appeal without the upkeep.
10. Customize Your Rental: Make the Most of Wall Art
Nothing personalizes a rental faster than artwork. Whether it’s framed prints, canvas paintings, or a gallery wall, art adds character and dimension to your space.
If your lease doesn’t allow nails, use Command hooks or leaning frames on dressers and bookshelves to display your favorite pieces. Consider mixing different types of art—abstract paintings, vintage posters, or photography—to create a layered, curated look.
FAQ: Customize Your Rental
Q: How can I customize my rental without damaging the walls?A: Use removable wallpaper, Command hooks for hanging art, and peel-and-stick decals for an easy, damage-free update.
Q: What’s the best way to make a rental kitchen feel more modern?A: Swap out cabinet hardware, add a peel-and-stick backsplash, and update lighting fixtures for an instant refresh.
Q: Can I change my rental’s flooring?A: You can’t remove the existing flooring, but you can cover it with large rugs or try peel-and-stick floor tiles for a temporary upgrade.
Q: How do I make my rental feel cozier?A: Layer rugs, add curtains, incorporate soft lighting, and use plenty of textured fabrics like throw blankets and pillows.
Make Your Rental Feel Like Home with BY Design And Viz
You don’t have to wait until you own a home to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Whether you need help selecting furniture, planning a layout, or finding the perfect color palette, BY Design And Viz is here to help. Our team specializes in both interior and exterior design solutions, tailored to your needs.
Let’s make your rental feel like home. Contact us today to get started!
