How to Fix Your Rental Apartment’s Most Annoying Features

Without upsetting your landlord.

Unless the rental gods have blessed you, it's rare to find a home that doesn't have some features you don't love. Maybe your rental is in your dream location and is the perfect size, but those drabby curtains and outdated flooring are not your vibe.

As a renter, there will likely be limitations on what you can change or modify in your apartment. While you might not be able to rip up the floors, the good news is there are some things you can do to elevate your apartment and make it look significantly better.

1. Unsightly floors

Flooring makes a huge difference to your home's overall look and feel. If you dislike what's been laid down in your rental, use area rugs to cover it up and add a touch of personal style.

2. Drab curtains

If the existing window treatments are outdated or ineffective, consider adding curtains or blinds that match your style while providing privacy and blocking out light. Sheer curtains are a great choice here as they will allow light to enter your space but still provide privacy.

A good tip to make a space look bigger is to hang the curtains from the top of the ceiling to the bottom, even if the windows aren't that big.

3. Lack of natural light

A lack of natural light can put a real damper on things. Adding mirrors to enhance what natural light there is is a smart move. It's also worth focusing on artificial lighting and investing in some good lighting fixtures and bulbs. Task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting can all help create a well-lit space.

4. Ugly walls

Can't paint? Turn to art or removable wallpaper.

For a gallery wall that's equal parts curated and casual, mix up the shape, size, and colour of your frames. For wallpaper, consider your style and pick a design that fits in with the colour scheme of your existing furniture.

5. Outdated fixtures

Old, outdated fixtures and fittings in the kitchen and bathroom can be an eyesore. But the good news is they can be easily swapped out for more stylish designs! A few easy replacements will give your kitchen and bathroom a fresh new look.

6. Lack of storage

Storage in an apartment can be limited. The first step would be a good de-cluttering session. Take a hard look at what you have and donate/throw away anything that you don't use.

When it comes to optimising storage space, it's important to take a floor-to-ceiling approach. Vertical space often gets neglected but by using tall shelves, hanging up mops in cupboards, and using hanging organisers, you'll save yourself a decent amount of floor space.

When it comes to buying furniture, opt for designs that double as storage space e.g. a bed frame with drawers or a coffee table that opens.

7. An awkward layout

A strange layout requires a bit of extra attention. Make sure you take measurements of your space so you can identify exactly what will and won't fit. You may need to do some experimenting with furniture layouts. Minimalism is a great style to embrace if a room is awkwardly shaped as it can help maintain a sense of openness and flow.

8. An ugly bathroom

If you're dealing with a bathroom that's less than pretty, it's time to look at the details. Make things more luxurious by adding a nice tray for lavish soaps, hang some plush bath towels in your favourite colour, lay a matching bath mat, and add an indoor plant that's bathroom-friendly.

Holiday cut-off dates:

Without upsetting your landlord.

How to Fix Your Rental Apartment’s Most Annoying Features

Without upsetting your landlord.

1. Unsightly floors

2. Drab curtains

3. Lack of natural light

4. Ugly walls

5. Outdated fixtures

6. Lack of storage

7. An awkward layout

8. An ugly bathroom

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