July 27, 2022

Tips on Renter-Friendly Design

When moving into a rental space, it can be challenging to come up with affordable and efficient renter-friendly design options for your new place, while staying in compliance with your rental agreement, we’re sharing creative,  non-permanent ways to customize your space along with convenient decor and tech-forward appliances that will make your apartment a fresh, new space.

Semi-permanent decor alternatives  

• Adhesive wallpaper: 

Not only is adhesive wallpaper cost-effective, it also allows you to personalize your apartment without the worry of permanently changing your walls within your rental space. With its easy to use application, this wallpaper can be put up in seconds around your home! Here’s a great video that shows the effortless steps of using adhesive wallpaper: Everything You Need to Know About Peel and Stick Wallpaper. You can find adhesive wallpaper anywhere from Walmart, to Target, to Amazon for as little as $6 per 14.5 feet

• Peel and stick backsplash: 

A peel and stick backsplash is a great option for those who have moved into apartment rental spaces that have neutral kitchens and bathrooms and are looking to jazz up the colors of the room. These easy-to-use adhesives are durable and long-lasting for anyone looking to accomplish a high-quality look in a quick period of time. You can find a stick and peel backsplash at any department store for around $15 per 24in x 6in piece of adhesive. 

• Interlocking tile/wood flooring: 

The most convenient way to make a big change to your space is by changing the flooring to modernize and create contrast for a more open-looking space.  These durable and waterproof tiles lock into place and can be easily taken apart when it comes time to move out. Another great way to utilize these tiles is by using them to floor your outdoor spaces. Anyone can purchase interlocking flooring at stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot for around $60 per bundle of flooring. 

• Magnetic/adhesive wall attachments: 

One of the best hassle-free ways to hang up decor is by using command strips or magnetic hooks rather than damaging your walls by using nails. You can find these appliances at most grocery and convenience stores at very affordable prices. A good alternative to nailing in shelves is using “No Nail Ledges” found at any home decor store or online at Amazon or Etsy for about $20. These ledges are sustainable and can hold up to ten pounds. A great way to store anything from books to decor on your walls without the damage or hassle that comes with nails. 

Effortless and affordable decor 

•  Lighting: 

Lighting is the foundation of creating an open feel to your space. To welcome more natural lighting into your space, incorporate renter-friendly mirrors into your decor around the room. This will reflect any existing natural lighting to make the room appear lighter. Aside from natural lighting, artificial lighting is just as crucial to creating a bright and welcoming home design. In order to save space, renters can purchase lamps that attach to a bed frame available at any home decor store for less than $20. Purchase LED strips that stick to your wall, under your bed, or behind furniture to access hassle-free and easily hidden lighting. LED strips are available at almost any store for an average cost of $15 per roll. 

• Decor pieces: 

A common and affordable way that renters can add design aspects to their apartments is by adding plants. Plants can add color, height, and life into any room at very low maintenance if you get your hands on the right plants. Colorful pillows on top of light furniture brighten up a room while simultaneously allowing you the freedom to decorate to the aesthetic you’re going for. Changing appliances such as door knobs, cabinet knobs, and the shower head in a rental space can dramatically change an outdated space to look more modern.

Smart home devices for rental spaces

• Smart speakers: 

Smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home are common yet underrated renter-friendly devices that make life easier for a renter. Smart speakers are small, reducing the room used by large speakers. Any renter can control the lighting and music in their space with their voice or mobile device.

• Google Nest Hub Max: 

The Google Nest Hub max offers the most convenient features for anyone moving into a new space. This device is a small tablet that can be placed anywhere throughout your home and control lights, temperature, sound systems, and security systems, and allows you to make calls and view any platform of social media. As one of the highest reviewed smart home items, the Nest Hub Max provides so much to new homeowners in one platform for an average cost of $169 available at any technology store.

• Amazon Fire Stick: 

The Amazon Fire Stick is used by over 50 million people for its affordable price and easy accessibility to multiple streaming services. This remote is only $50 and provides access to Hulu, Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and over 80 other platforms. This device makes streaming convenient for renters who don’t want to keep up with multiple remotes or deal with the hassle of Cable or Satellite TV. 

Many renters run into challenges while finding renter-friendly designs that feel unique to them. However, with the help of a few adhesive alternatives, unique decor pieces, and smart home devices, creating a personalized place for renters can become effortless. Are you in the market for a new space to make your own? Check out our available apartments at venterraliving.com and find your new home at one of our communities across the U.S!