The Affordable Way To Make Any Rental Feel More Like Home

It can be difficult to make your rental feel like your real home since you may not have the freedom to make changes. Rentals generally contain very bland and neutral interiors because they're easy to maintain as people move in and out, which can be especially frustrating for design-minded people who love to be creative with their spaces. But there's an affordable solution if those white walls are boring you: Try adding some fake architectural details that look like the real thing using peel and stick options to upgrade your rental.

Peel and stick isn't just for wallpaper anymore — it comes in many varieties that work with your style. You can add a tile backsplash, chair rails, or faux wood accents with the ease of peel and stick. Faux wood wall panels add a trendy and modern look while also offering some noise cancelling benefits, making them perfect for renters sharing thin apartment walls. Faux finishes are a great solution because they take the commitment away while still allowing you to add all the character that you want. When you're ready to leave, they can be easily taken off the walls to restore them to move-in condition. These options are also much more affordable and easier to install than the real thing. Normally, real wood accents like chair rails can cost several dollars per linear foot, but peel and stick chair rails can run about half of that. 

The beauty of peel and stick is that you can try out trendy accent wall concepts without the worry of commitment... and only tackling one wall is faster and more affordable than tackling all four walls in a room. If you like an old world feel, try peel and stick faux masonry like brick or stone. By changing up the texture of your room's interior, you can create a focal point to draw the eye and decorate around.

To make your rental feel even more like home without over-committing yourself, think of accessories you can take with you when you move. For example, if you've been keeping an eye on cabinet hardware trends, you may already know that these items can be easily switched out without any damage done. Make sure to save the original handles that were already in the home and replace them when you're ready to move out. Additionally, vintage accents can bring interest to the blank canvas found in most rentals. So once you've added some structural interest to get your decorating inspiration rolling, head out on a thrifting treasure hunt.