When renting an apartment home, it can be difficult to showcase your individuality without wanting to change everything. If you want to make upgrades to your space, think of simple and effective renter friendly improvements that are easy to install and remove. Thankfully, you found the right blog to spark some home improvement ideas within budget!

Wall and Paint Alternatives:

The majority of homes come with white walls. This can be seen as boring or bland, but you can change your perspective and see it as a blank canvas!

Use Command Hooks and Strips: These are amazing for hanging artworks, mirrors, and shelves without the use of nails or damage to the walls. They come in all different shapes and sizes to hang all your treasured finds.

Explore Removable Wall Decals/Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: Add color and patterns without damaging walls. This can also be great for a child’s room or a home office or flex space to give the room a bit more flare and dimension.

Add Texture with Fabric Wall Hangings: These are a creative way to add dimension, texture, and color to your space. They are typically handmade and can be found locally or can be DIY’d at your next craft night!

Beautiful Bedroom with Unique Artwork and Wall Hangings. Photo Courtesy of Camden Tempe West.

Kitchen Upgrades:

The kitchen is a space where we spend a lot of time inside our home. It is the perfect place to begin hosting and cooking a beautiful holiday meal, or teaching your child how to make your fan-favorite recipes! Small changes in the kitchen can change the atmosphere and bring a homey feel to an area you spend a lot of time in.

Change Cabinet Knobs and Handles: This change may seem tedious; however, adding in handles that spark joy within your space can create a world of difference. A simple shape change or color swap can completely change the look of a room. I enjoy curating knobs or handles from vintage stores as they have a bit of a story. You can find new designs at stores like Hobby Lobby or Anthropologie. Just make sure to keep the original hardware and reinstall it when it’s time to move out.

Try Out a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash: Some homes do not have a backsplash which gives you another blank canvas to work with. This can mimic tile or another fun pattern and can be removed easily. Find a design or color that coincides with your style and don’t be afraid to get creative with it!

Decorate Countertops with Artwork: Find small but impactful artwork or trinkets to display along the countertop or island to give your kitchen a bit of a personal touch. I look to decorate with different shaped charcuterie or cutting boards, which can give a more modern space a peaceful or vintage feel.

Decorated Kitchen with Simple and Unique Touches. Photo Courtesy of Camden Sotelo.

Lighting and Fixtures:

Good lighting can enhance your mood, boost productivity and create a more inviting environment in your apartment home. Great lighting can make a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your home.

Add Lamps and Plug-Ins Sconces: Using wall lamps or plug-in sconces adds simple lighting within large spaces. There is no need to rewire and a well-placed lamp can draw attention to artwork or furniture in a room.

Switch Out Your Lightbulbs: Using smart bulbs or dimmable bulbs helps by changing the color and the mood in a space while adding ambiance and can increase energy efficiency.

Put Up Curtains and Window Details: Utilizing natural lighting can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting. Natural light exposure can also help regulate your circadian rhythm. Find curtains, drapes or window treatments that will add some texture and color to your rooms while allowing natural light in as well, especially if your home has a few windows.

Flooring Mats and Rugs:

The majority of flooring in an apartment home is one color, whether that be carpet or vinyl wood-look flooring. Area rugs are a great way to pull together your color palate in some color, design style and can break up your room into zones. Adding these rugs to your rooms does not cause any damage and can really elevate your space.

Consider Large Area Rugs: Rugs can come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Adding them set the tone for large or small rooms. Rugs also help to absorb sound, helping create a more peaceful environment. Don’t forget to get rug pads to help keep it in place.

Designed Living Room with a Large Area Rug. Photo Courtesy of Camden Tempe East.

Beddings and Linens:

Purchasing bedding and other linens can be costly, so it’s important to find ways to make changes within your budget. Bedding, linens, and pillows are statement pieces inside our homes.

Invest in Duvet Covers over Comforters: Duvet covers create an easy way to change up your bedroom space without needing to buy a whole new comforter. These can come in all textures, colors, and designs to really create a peaceful space.

Grab Some Fun Throw Pillows: Pillows are a simple and easy way to add personality to your bed or sofa. I choose pillows with zippers so it’s easy and inexpensive to simply swap out the pillowcases to change colors and patterns without having to splurge on all new pillows.

Simple swaps and nods to your creative side can really transform your apartment into a home. Create a budget prior to settling into your home, so if you choose to use some of these home improvement ideas; you know the extent of what you can afford and can change. These are only a few ideas to create a space upgrade in your home- don’t be afraid to get creative and find more ways you can turn your simple space into the home of your dreams!

Schedule your tour to find the perfect home to bring your interior design dreams together at your nearest Camden today!