As the rental market in Canada’s urban centres is extraordinarily strong, many young professionals are looking for quick fixes that don’t put a dent in their wallets… or their landlord’s walls. Just because some of us don’t own our residence doesn’t mean we don’t want it to feel like home. Many of us have experienced the misery of living in an outdated space, and while we can’t renovate in a rental, numerous things can be done to make our apartment more enjoyable to live in.
1. Refinish an old, outdated ceramic sink
Porcelain sinks last many years, but over time the surface wears and you can be left with a grimy looking bathroom if not properly taken care of. Rather than removing and installing a new sink, refinishing the ceramic is a great way to restore and redesign a space.
2. Update old countertops with Instant Granite countertop film
Transform your countertops or any flat surface into Italian marble with instant granite. Made of two-millimetre thick Polyvinyl Chloride, with a powerful adhesive coating, this film installs to any smooth surface. It is scratch resistant, cleans with any multipurpose cleaner, and doesn’t show fingerprints. It looks just like higher grade marble, and is easily removable by using heat after your lease is up. As seen on Rachel Ray.
3. Apply tile tattoos and removable tile decals
Stained or old-fashioned tiles in both the bathroom and/or kitchen are another common element of a rental home.
If you are stuck with tired tiles but don’t want to spend the money or effort installing new ones, try adding removable tile decals. Much like wall stickers, these self-adhesive, water-resistant decals are specifically sized and designed to fit on bathroom and kitchen tile.
4. Curtain off a laundry area
To hide an unsightly washer and dryer, add curtain panels for an easy and inexpensive way to help sharpen up a laundry room or area.
5. Fake a brick wall
Use thin bricks (1/2 inch) to create an old New York apartment feel.
Applying brick wallpaper is another option that is less permanent and lower in cost to add character, style and rawness to your space.
6. Change your showerhead
Updating your showerhead is a quick and easy way to revamp your shower and bathroom from looking scummy to swanky.
7. Imitate wood flooring with vinyl flooring
If you want the look and feel of hardwood but don’t have the budget or want put in the effort on a rental, vinyl plank flooring is a great option.
Since vinyl plank flooring is more durable than wood, it can take a lot of abuse and is easy to clean. It is water resistant (and, in some cases, waterproof) and not difficult to install – just peel and stick!
8. Construct a faux fireplace
Many homes are built without fireplaces these days, so chances are you have fireplace envy if you are living in an apartment or a condo. To warm up your space and add a little more character, simulating one is an easy and inexpensive way to go.
9. Fake a headboard
A headboard is a fantastic way to complete the look of your bedroom but can get pricey. Re-purposing an old door, obsolete windows or using unexpected items can frame the bed to finish off the design of a bedroom.
10. Paint
Though this is the most obvious one, the easiest way to lift your rental home is with a fresh paint job… if your landlord will allow it.
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Cover image courtesy of: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
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