Interior Solutions for Rented Housing: How to Improve Without Major Renovation

Rented housing often requires modifications to create comfort and make the space more functional. Major renovations are usually excluded due to rental conditions, but that doesn't mean improving the interior is impossible. In this article, we'll explore ideas that help transform a rented apartment with minimal changes and costs.

Mobile Furniture: How to Create Coziness Without Extra Costs?

Rented housing rarely provides ideal conditions in terms of furniture. To create a cozy space, choose mobile and functional items that are easy to move.

Tips: Use modular furniture. For example, sofas made of separate sections can be easily rearranged and adapted to different needs.

Small tables and light shelves also help change the interior without the need to fix them to the walls. They add functionality and won't require approval from the landlord.

Removable Wallpaper and Stickers: A Fast Way to Transform Walls

One of the easiest and fastest ways to update the interior of rented housing is to use removable wallpapers and stickers. They are easy to apply and remove without damaging the wall surface.

Tips: Try accent walls. Choose one wall in the room and decorate it with removable wallpapers or stickers with an interesting pattern. This creates a visual center and brings life to the space.

Lighting: How to Add Warmth and Coziness?

Lighting plays a key role in how the interior is perceived. Rented apartments often have basic light fixtures that can create cold and uncomfortable lighting.

Tips: Use additional light sources. Desk lamps, floor lamps, and fairy lights help create soft and pleasant lighting in the room.

Example: Place several lamps with warm light in the corners of the room. This creates a cozy atmosphere and visually expands the space.

Home stager, creator of the studio “Air” and the course “Real Home Staging,” Nina Vanchugova says:

"Transforming rented housing into a cozy and stylish space is a task that requires not only a creative approach but also the ability to work within limitations. As someone who has repeatedly transformed their own rental apartments and later worked with clients' spaces, I want to add a few more points, although of course this list is not exhaustive.

Rented apartments often suffer from color monotony (e.g., all beige or gray) or excessive variety (many different prints).

This can be fixed with paint or textiles: we can either calm down the interior or add texture to it. Calm, monochromatic fabrics help restore harmony, and adding textured details can give the interior depth.

Design: Nina Vanchugova and Natella Chernyavskaya

Create focal points in noticeable areas, such as the space above the sofa or bed. Light frames and posters can be a cost-effective solution. Even better if you can draw an interior painting. Don't fear holes in the walls — modern mounting systems easily come off without leaving traces.

In complex cases, it's worth asking the owner for permission to make small changes, such as repainting the walls. In one of my rental apartments, I repainted the entire room: from the walls to the wardrobes and bed. It turned out great, and the owner didn't mind.

A simple change of textiles in the bedroom — bedding, curtains, or pillows — is already enough to transform the room. But if you learn how to make beds properly, like we do, it elevates the room to a higher level.

If you plan to live in the apartment for a long time, invest in replacing the kitchen backsplash, chandelier, and even mirrors in the bathroom. These inexpensive updates can dramatically change the atmosphere and make the living space more modern and cozy. As an option, you could also update the bathroom seams if they already look outdated, buy stylish baskets, and white towels.

And finally, the obvious but most important: cleanliness in the apartment, absence of unnecessary items on surfaces, clean windows — all of this will definitely improve any interior and won't cost you anything.

Textiles: Easily Change the Mood of a Room

Textile items — pillows, blankets, curtains, and rugs — can significantly change the appearance and atmosphere of a room. They are easily replaced and don't require significant costs.

Tips: Experiment with colors and textures. Change the curtains for lighter ones or add bright pillows to the sofa. This instantly refreshes the interior.

Example: Lay a soft rug on the floor in the living room. This not only adds coziness but also protects the floor from wear.

Reflections: Creating an Illusion of Space

Reflective surfaces are excellent tools for visually expanding the space. They reflect light and make rooms brighter and more spacious.

Tips: Place a large mirror opposite the window. This helps to make the most of natural lighting and visually expands the room.

Example: Hang several small mirrors of different shapes on one wall. This creates an interesting decorative effect and makes the space more dynamic.

Green Corner: Plants for Coziness and Freshness

Plants in interesting planters not only decorate the interior but also improve air quality. They add freshness and create a cozy atmosphere.

Tips: Choose low-maintenance plants like Sansevieria or Spathiphyllum. They require minimal care and grow well indoors.

Example: Place several plants on the windowsill or shelves. This creates a living corner and brings life to the interior.

Design: Alexandra Bakanova

Personalization: Creating Your Own Space

It's important that rented housing reflects your personality and style. Personalization helps you feel at home even in a rental apartment.

Tips: Use personal items in decoration. Photographs, paintings, souvenirs from travels — all of this makes the interior more individual.

Example: Create a gallery of photographs on the wall. Use frames of different sizes and shapes to create an interesting and unique visual arrangement.

Transforming rented housing without major renovation is quite possible. The key is a creative approach and the ability to use affordable means. Mobile furniture, removable wallpapers, proper lighting, textiles, mirrors, and plants — all of this will help create a cozy and stylish space in which it's pleasant to live. Don't be afraid to experiment and add elements that reflect your personality and make the apartment truly yours.

Cover: Design Project by Maria Pashkevich