4 Landlord-Approved Decorating Tips for Renters

Top things to know about landlord-approved decorating tips for renters:

• Try peel & stick backsplash for a temporary aesthetic shift.
• Changing out your hardware can be a great way to switch up the look and feel of your space without damage.
• Adding curtains is a great way to elevate your space and add some texture.
• Layer on the rugs to cover up old flooring and bring in some warmth.

Do you have an eye for design but struggle to redesign your space because of apartment restrictions? Well, this one's for you!

Most of us have lived in an apartment at one time and have heard the dreaded words "don't put holes in the wall!" Unfortunately, this is most apartments, especially ones in quick turnaround areas like around colleges. It's way easier to turn an apartment around for a new tenant if there's nothing to "fix." Which makes sense; we get it! But what does that mean for those who want to redesign every space we live and work in? It means we get to be creative, find solutions that won't break the rules, AND give us the HGTV-ready apartment we envision!

Below are some of my favorite apartment hacks that won't cause you to lose your security deposit.

1. Use peel & stick backsplash to your advantage.

This stuff is a game changer! It requires a little bit of patience and some accuracy but is very DIY-friendly. It looks fantastic and it peels off. It might take some time convincing your landlord that it actually peels off, but give them a demo; it works, and it's a great way to add your style to your apartment. West Elm and Tile Bar both have great reviews and tons of options as far as style goes. This backsplash would be a great addition to your kitchen or bathroom or even a fun accent wall.

Pro-Tip: Be mindful about wet spaces—I do not recommend putting this in your shower or in areas where direct water contact is possible.

2. Change out the hardware.

This is as easy as it sounds and it doesn't typically require any permission from landlords. Go through your kitchen, bathroom, office, or anywhere you have cabinets and update the pulls. Make sure you get something with the exact hole location as the current hardware. I've done this in one of my apartments before and my landlord gave me money off rent for the updates. My favorite places to look for hardware are CB2, Hardware Hut & Rejuvenation.

3. Add curtains to your space.

I can't tell you how many apartments I have been in with those awful spring-loaded roller shades (the designs have gotten much better recently, but still!). Feel free to leave them OR take them out. All you need is a screwdriver and a place to hide them until you move out (so you can put them back up). Curtains have the power to update your whole space. You can use them to make it cozy, give your apartment a modern look, or perhaps you need privacy. The possibilities are endless! When it comes to hanging curtains in apartments, there are three options:

1. Tension Rod: The tension rod isn't always the best option, but it will work well for you if you’re in an agreement with your landlord where there’s very little wiggle room for change. Make sure you get quality rods that won't lose as much tension. You’ll also need a lighter-weight curtain that won't put too much strain on the rod.
2. Kwik–Hang Bracket: The Kwik–Hang team is genius! This is the greatest invention for design-minded people who live in apartments. This option does require you to put holes into your trim, but it's on top of your trim—and unless someone is inspecting every inch of your space, no one will notice (plus, you can quickly fill in the holes and repaint before you leave if needed). This option is great because it's sturdy and you get to play with the rod style.
3. Classic Curtain Rod: The classic curtain rod leaves you with the most styling options, plus it allows you to make your windows and ceiling feel taller; which is always great. The downside is it requires you to put holes in your walls. Sometimes it’s worth asking your landlord; if you play it off as "updating the space," they are generally more willing to say yes!

4. Don’t be afraid to layer rugs.

Yes, you can layer rugs! This saved my last apartment. It was just outside of Boston and was "newly renovated," but it was a super old building, and there's only so much you can do as a landlord (especially when tenants have destroyed your apartments in the past). I get it! It had these terrible brown matted carpets in the bedrooms that seemed pretty clean, but they were not cute. The solution? I bought a giant 9x12 area rug and planted it right on top of the carpet, and it disappeared. If you go with this option, make sure you choose an area rug with a completely different color or funky pattern so it doesn't just blend in with what's currently there. Area rugs, in general, are a great way to add to your apartment space. Runners in kitchens and hallways can be lovely, and you can add a wholesome vibe to your bathroom by adding a teak bath mat.

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^{Photo Credit: (Left) Quadrotile}