How To Make Rentals Feel Like Home Without Going Over Budget

living room of a rental property
  • Use paint to transform a space with neutral colors and accent walls to give a cohesive feel.
  • Add personal touches like throw pillows, rugs, and curtains to make the rental feel lived-in.
  • Utilize lighting for both function and style to make the space inviting. 
  • Incorporate greenery to bring life and color into the rental.
  • Consider DIY projects such as build-it-yourself shed plans, peel-and-stick tiles, and decorative wall shelves. 

As a landlord, property investor, or rental homeowner, you know that finding the right balance between style and affordability can be a challenge. You want to create an atmosphere that appeals to potential renters while also staying within budget. Fortunately, there are many simple and affordable design tips that can make your rental property feel like home. Here are some examples.

Paint is Your Friend

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a rental property feel like a home is by using paint. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space, making it feel warm and inviting.

When selecting colors, it’s crucial to choose neutrals that will appeal to a wide range of renters. Earth tones, warm greys, and soft whites are all great options.

With this simple addition, you can easily update each room and create a cohesive, homey feel throughout the rental. If you can, add some accent walls using bolder hues like vibrant blues, deep greens, and soft yellows.

painting tools laid out in white background

Add Personal Touches

Adding personal touches to the rental is another way to make it feel like home. These items will make the space feel intimate and lived-in, which is vital in creating an atmosphere that renters will want to spend time in. The key is to strike a balance between personalized touches and a neutral space that will appeal to a wide range of renters. Here are some ideas:

Invest in Textiles

Investing in textiles is a great way to make your rental property feel like home. By adding throw pillows, rugs, and curtains in complementary colors and patterns, you can create a cohesive design that adds a personal touch to the space. You can also layer textiles to add depth and texture, which will make the rental feel cozy and inviting.

Lighting Is Key

Lighting is often overlooked as a design element, but it can completely transform a space. When selecting lighting for your rental property, it’s essential to consider both function and style.

The proper lighting can make a space feel warm and inviting, while the wrong lighting can create harsh shadows and make the rental feel unwelcoming. Use a mix of task lighting and ambient lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere that renters will enjoy spending time in.

Add Greenery

Adding greenery to your rental property is an inexpensive way to bring life and color into the space. Succulents, potted plants, and fresh flowers can add a pop of color and make the rental feel more vibrant. Just make sure to select low-maintenance plants that don’t require too much caring so they won’t be a hassle for your tenants.

modern minimalist living room with ample lighting, accents, and green plants

Consider DIY Projects

DIY projects can be a great way to add personality and style to your rental property on a budget. With the help of tutorials from online sites, you can quickly transform furniture and other items into custom pieces that will give the rental a unique touch. Here are some things you can try:

Build-it-Yourself Sheds

Building a shed in the backyard of your rental property can be an easy and affordable way to add value. Sheds provide extra storage for tenants, and they are also great places for gardening, hobbies, or even outdoor entertaining.

The best part is that if you’re handy with tools, you can often build a shed yourself without having to hire a contractor. Look online for efficient 10×10 shed plans that you can use as a guide, and you’ll have a beautiful and functional addition to the rental in no time.

Adding a Custom Backsplash

A backsplash is a great way to add personality and style to the kitchen. And with peel-and-stick tile options, it’s easy and affordable for you to create a custom look on a budget. Choose tiles in colors that complement the rest of the kitchen, and you’ll have an eye-catching statement piece that adds a unique touch to the rental.

Installing Decorative Wall Shelves

Adding decorative wall shelves is another easy and affordable way to make your rental property feel like home. You can use the shelves to display photos, books, plants, and other items that will add a personal touch to the space. The best part is they’re easy to install, so you don’t have to worry about hiring a contractor.

Designing a rental property that feels like a home without going over budget may seem like a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. By following these simple design tips and investing in critical elements such as paint, textiles, personal touches, lighting, and functionality, you can create a rental space that renters will love to call home. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between personalization and neutrality to appeal to a wide range of renters. So go ahead and start designing that perfect rental space – your future renters will thank you.

Like & Share

About The Author

Scroll to Top