How to Improve the Interior of a Rental Apartment: 8 Budget-Friendly Ideas from Professionals

Can a rental apartment be cozy like home? Definitely yes! Designer Victoria Kiorsak shared simple tips on how to quickly and affordably hide all the shortcomings of a rented apartment and make the interior truly welcoming and familiar — the kind you want to come home to. Always.

Victoria Kiorsak — Designer

The key is in the paint

Painting the walls, most likely, will be allowed by any landlord. I don't know a better way to instantly change the space: painting is a cheap and fairly simple way to transform the interior by yourself. And don't be afraid to use deep colors: they will make the space cozy, vibrant, and very stylish.

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New textiles

Textiles are a luxurious element of any room. Refresh the curtains, decorate the sofa with pillows in various colors and sizes — the apartment will instantly feel different. Plus, bright textiles divert attention from the flaws in the finishing.

Design: Yevgeniya Kostenko
Remember about accents

If you decide to go for a neutral palette, just add splashes of color. Bright colors in small amounts bring freshness to the interior. A collection of favorite books in bright covers, colorful photo frames, an unusual-shaped footstool, or a unique wall item like a JuJu Cameroon hat — classic elements of success in decorating a dull space.

Design: Sofya Ryabova
Buy a rug

Restoring or replacing the floor covering is an expensive and rather long process. In this regard, the problem can be easily solved with a good, and more importantly, colorful rug. It can not only hide an ugly floor but also easily zone the room and give it the missing layering and sophistication.

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Don't be afraid to use wallpaper in the bathroom

In small spaces like a bathroom, wallpaper can and should be used. Given that there are now many high-quality self-adhesive options (they are easy to install and remove later), this solution should not upset the landlord. Act! How many times do you want to examine cracks in the plaster?

Design: Inna Arbua
Experiment with lighting

Well-planned lighting scenarios can transform a space in the most magical way — quickly and effectively. A big mistake is relying only on general lighting: additional light sources are a must-have in modern interiors. Buy a floor lamp, hang stylish wall sconces, and get table lamps with original shades — one of these options will definitely serve you well.

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Update the look of furniture

Can't afford to replace old furniture or even the upholstery, which has long been disappointing? A simple and inexpensive option is universal stretch covers or slipcovers: in just a few minutes, they will give your furniture a fresh, neat, and elegant look.

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Invest in your sleep

Not ready to buy a new bed? Then invest in a good mattress that you can always take with you to your new apartment. You surely work a lot, so you should rest well. Trust me, such a simple element as a mattress can conceptually change your world.

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On the cover: Design by Yevgeniya Kostenko