Owning a home was once considered part of the American Dream, but as real estate prices continue to skyrocket, it’s become more of a pipe dream. Renting can be a better option for many reasons: it’s more affordable, comes with all of the comforts of ownership without many of the headaches and responsibilities, and is much less of a commitment if you may have to move. Before you complain that you have to take a rental “as is” because you can’t remodel, check out Alexandra’s pro tips for updating your semi-permanent space.
There’s nothing like the power of paint to transform kitchen cabinets! Most can be painted, even if they have a glossy finish. Just make sure you’re using a high-adhesion, shellac-based primer so it doesn’t chip. If you don’t want to go all-in on a full scale color change, (or if your landlord is against it), switching out the hardware on cabinets and drawers can add vibrancy, texture, and personality. (And psst, that’s peel-and-stick backsplash!)
Change up the look in an instant with peel-and-stick products. Often rental kitchens are outdated, but peel-and-stick tile sheets can go over just about any existing backsplash or flooring tile, even the textured kinds. You won’t have to sacrifice aesthetics, either. Some of the most trendy tiles, like Zellige, come in completely removable peel-and-stick form. They won’t do any damage! There are so many options to choose from. My favorite brand: Smart Tiles.
Peel-and-stick sheeted floor tile is waterproof, so it works excellent in a kitchen or bathroom (though I wouldn’t recommend putting it into showers and tubs). It applies just like wallpaper would on a wall, only on the floor. My favorite brand: Quadrostyle.
As a designer, upgrading all of the overhead lights in a rental is non-negotiable. There’s nothing quite like a statement light fixture to effortlessly elevate a room, serving as its focal point. Even if your room is small, go big with your lighting. You’ll love the results!
The perfect rental that checks all of our boxes, plus has character is hard to come by — especially among new-build, cookie-cutter condos. Enter peel-and-stick molding, which will instantly give your walls a rich, vintage charm. This molding is easy to install and is completely renter-friendly. My favorite brand: Luxe Architectural.
So you found your dream apartment! But the hardwood floors are in a tone or condition that completely kills your vibe. The solution: rugs, rugs, and more rugs. Not only will they add warmth and serve as sound insulation, they completely shift the way a room feels. A lively, airy rug will brighten up a space with dark floors, and one with darker hues adds coziness to stark spaces that can feel sanitized. Same goes for carpet that you don’t love — cover it with a rug! In this case, size matters; a too-small rug will make your room appear smaller than it is. My favorite brand: Rugs USA.
Countertop renovations are a huge undertaking. Although there are peel-and-stick products designed for kitchen surfaces, I don’t recommend them, as moisture can easily get between the counter and contact paper. Instead, pick colors to decorate your kitchen that complement the existing fixtures you just have to live with. In this kitchen, for example, the green cabinet color and backsplash compliment the orange countertops perfectly.
Find Alexandra on YouTube and Instagram @alexandragater and online at alexandragater.com.
Photography (Photos 1 and 2 / Profile Photo): Lauren Kolyn Photo
Photography (Photos 3, 4, and 5) : Carla Antonio
