This utilitarian dorm apartment was transformed entirely into a cozy home... without making any permanent changes AND spending as little money as possible. It's PACKED with DIY ideas!

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Aug 17, 2020

8 Wall-Mounted Nightstands and Cabinets That are Downright Magical

Elevate your space in more ways than one.

Madelyn Simons

Jul 31, 2020

This Rental Apartment Proves You Can Have a Colorful Home Despite White Walls

This small apartment fits a fun family of five.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Jul 24, 2020

A Rental House Was Completely Transformed Without Any Major Renovations

And all the changes were easy, budget-friendly, and landlord-approved!

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Jul 23, 2020

You Can Fake This “Dream Kitchen” Feature in 30 Seconds—Even in a Rental

If you can’t have your dream kitchen, you might as well have your dream *tiny* kitchen, right?

Olivia Muenter

Jul 20, 2020

A Smart Storage Hack for Those Short Upper Kitchen Cabinets

Unless you remodeled your kitchen from scratch, with a custom layout and cabinets, it’s probably not perfectly suited to your needs (I’m looking at you renters). But, there are still lots of ways to configure your space—and especially those plain basic boxes on the wall—and make it work for you today. Take note of this clever project that squeezes every drop of storage out of your cabinets, especially those shorter ones above the fridge and stove.

Ayn-Monique Klahre

Jul 17, 2020

5 Ways to Instantly Modernize an Old & Dated Apartment

Your apartment. It’s not quite a dream home. The floors are terrible and the kitchen is in need of an overhaul. Your rental might not be Mr. Right, but it is Mr. Right Now. If the place you call home feels a little dated, here are some easy ways to modernize your apartment.

Taryn Williford

Jul 17, 2020

The Renter’s List: What You Should & Shouldn’t Be Spending Big Bucks On

The semi-nomadic life of a renter can make it hard to make a commitment—to furniture, to art, to a real set of knives. And yet, there are some items worth investing in, even if you don’t know where you’ll be living a couple years from now. These are things you’ll want to take with you, even if it means buying some bubble wrap and renting a U-Haul on moving day.

Katie Holdefehr

Jul 17, 2020

Small Bedroom Storage: 10 Over-the-Door Organizers Under $50

An organized home is incredibly gratifying. It allows tasks to get done more smoothly, cleaning completed more quickly, and projects processed more enjoyably. Plus, the tranquility and uncluttered emptiness of an organized home is a beauty all its own. These over-the-door storage products won’t tidy your entire home, but small organization projects are an encouraging way to start!

Angie Cho

Jul 17, 2020

Renters Solutions: 7 Real Life Examples of White Walls that Work

Renters everywhere face a common enemy: the dreaded white wall. But should you have walls you cannot paint, fret not! These Apartment Therapy renters work with the white wall, not against it. Granted, we are not all blessed with crown moldings or 15 foot ceilings, but the principles ring true for many a space. The key element is natural light. Jesse’s Modern Bachelor Pad House Tour – Jesse’s space is a veritable tutorial in how to get the most out of a rental.

Elisabeth Wilborn

Jul 17, 2020

How To Fight The Rental Battle of the Beige in Every Room in The House

Between beige walls, brown floor tiles, and oak wood cabinets, most rental apartments have cornered the market on neutral. If your walls are the color of a bandaid, and your landlord has no pity for your palette woes, it’s up to you to take the bull by the horns and deal with it. One of the easiest ways to combat the lack of vibrant color is with really bold bedding and artwork. You’d never walk away from Jen & Kirstie’s happy, welcoming rental and think it’s boring.

Dabney Frake

Jul 17, 2020

Adventures in Urban Gardening: The Fire Escape Farm

I love New York and I love my itty bitty apartment, but one of the things that’s been the hardest about downsizing from nearly 1,000 square feet to 250 is not having room to garden. There’s something about growing things, I’m convinced, that is good for the soul. So this year I decided that I would try my luck with a little garden on the fire escape.

Nancy Mitchell

Jul 17, 2020

10 Problem-Solving Kitchen Essentials from Amazon

The biggest misconception about rental kitchens is that they’re unchangeable. Too many renters think that just because their appliances are mismatched, they have to stay mismatched. Or that there’s no getting around looking at the neighboring brick wall while you do dishes. There are lots of temporary rental solutions that won’t risk your security deposit.

Lisa Freedman

Jul 16, 2020

Can We Make Over This Rental Bathroom for Less than $500?

Erika’s young and doesn’t spend an arm and a leg on rent. Sure, her bathroom is functional, but all those shades of off-white are a style travesty that could make even the most stalwart of tenants cry beige tears. It’s a rental, so nobody wants to go nuts and spend a lot of money to renovate it, but Erika wanted something a little more fun and befitting her age. So, the goal is to give her an entirely new, bright, amazing bathroom for $500. Think we can do it?

Dabney Frake

Jul 16, 2020

11 Essential Organizing Products for a Small Bathroom

In the bathroom, space is always at a premium, and that’s esepcially true in a smaller bathroom. If you’re at a loss as to where to store all the necessities in your teeny tiny bathroom, these 11 hardworking products can help. The Componibili is a great piece for adding a little storage anywhere in the house, but it’s especially nice in the bathroom: the doors mean less visual clutter, and the unit can tuck neatly into a corner or under a pedestal sink.

Nancy Mitchell

Jul 16, 2020

Be a Better Neighbor: Ways to Soundproof Your Apartment

Lower The Ambient Noise: Consider where and which devices are making all the noise in your abode. Every little electronic device and appliance can contribute to the sum of ambient noise in the home: from the whirring of a computer and cable box fans, to your air conditioner, water heater, and refrigerator running hard all day to keep us comfortable.

Jason Yang

Jul 16, 2020

9 Renter-Friendly Amazon Household Products Our Readers Swear By

Renters deserve beautiful, functional homes too. I recently combed through the conversations happening in the comments on hundreds of our posts and identified nine products that our readers use and love—all of which help you fix up your space as if you own it. Here are 10 renter-friendly products that won’t risk your security deposit, and make your space better than the day you moved in.

Dabney Frake

Jul 16, 2020

Here’s What a List of “Home Goals” Should Look Like

Do you have goals for your home? I think it’s really effective–in all areas of life–to write down your goals and share them with others. And your home should be no exception. Whether you rent or own, whether you plan to be there for seven more months or seven more years (or forever!), you should keep a list of things you’d like to get done for a happy life at home. To get the most out of your list, make it a good mix of goals.

Taryn Williford

Jul 16, 2020

The Battle of the Bugs: How To Prevent & Get Rid of Pests

A couple of weeks ago I helped my brother pick out an apartment in Northern Virginia. We found a great one-bedroom in an older apartment complex, recently remodeled, it has ample storage, a large patio, and it’s close to his work. One little problem: we started to move him in and found a roach hanging out in the kitchen cabinet. Then we found another by the sink. And a tiny one was running across the pantry door. Uh-oh, there’s a bug problem.

Erin Roberts

Jul 16, 2020

Energy Saving Task Lighting in the Kitchen: 10 LED Under Cabinet Lights

I recently installed under cabinet lights in the kitchen of my rental apartment, and for a relatively small investment, they have made a big impact: They provide lighting for such kitchen tasks as dish washing and food prep, and their ambient glow is a pleasant alternative to the harsh overhead lighting I relied on previously. Fluorescent, halogen and xenonTOP ROW1. NON LED Countertop Light, $20 from IKEA2. LEDme Button Light, $54 from WAC Lighting3.

Kate Legere

Jul 15, 2020

This Cookbook Author's Apartment Is a Great Example of How to Adapt a Rental

Cookbook author, holistic nutritionist, and food stylist Kirsten Buck's 700-square-foot apartment is full of inspiring renter's solutions and ideas.

Adrienne Breaux

Jun 1, 2020

This Small Apartment's Temporary Kitchen Backsplash Idea Is Cute and Stylish

"It isn't about buying the most expensive or trendy items, it is about surrounding yourself with things that you love."

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Apr 28, 2020

A Rental's Clever IKEA Hacks and Decor Are How You Distract from Beige Carpeting

There are SO many good storage and IKEA hack ideas in this rental apartment!

Jessica Isaac

Apr 27, 2020

Here’s How Hidden Cabinet Hacks Dramatically Increased My Kitchen Storage

Behind-the-doors ways to make the most of your current kitchen.

Rachel Jacks

Apr 21, 2020

An Epidemiologist Answers the 6 Questions You Have About Doing Laundry in a Laundromat

What precautions, exactly, are important to take when you do laundry at the laundromat? And which anxieties can you wash away with the grime on your leggings?

Ashley Abramson

Apr 21, 2020

5 Drying Racks for Life Without a Dryer

For the last month my washer/dryer combo hasn’t had the dryer functionality, and I’ve had to come up with some creative solutions for drying my clothes. I thought about only wearing quick-dry athletic wear, but that’s proved to be unfashionable. So, in the end, an over-the-door drying rack is the best solution for me and my apartment.Here are five options for drying without electricity: Antonius Drying Rack for over the door from IKEA; $7.

Claire Bock

Apr 9, 2020

Peel and Stick Products That Just Might Surprise You

Even more reasons to use these rental-friendly finds.

Dabney Frake

Apr 1, 2020

A Small NYC Studio Has Clever Storage Solutions and Cute Plant Displays

From using the built-in hamper for bathroom storage to purchasing a storage sofa from IKEA, this studio dweller has found ways to be creative with her small home.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 30, 2020

4 Reasons Why Your Landlord Might Deny an Emotional Support Animal

While some landlords enforce a no-pet policy in their buildings, the Fair Housing Act, a federal law protecting tenants from discrimination, upholds tenants' right to have an ESA at home.

Karen Morales

Mar 21, 2020

This Rental Apartment Wows With a Burgundy Kitchen and Bold Blue Tiled Bathroom

The unit is one of nine residences in a converted former refrigeration factory and features a large open-plan living area with original wall-to-wall factory windows.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 19, 2020

How to Make the Most of Your Seriously Small Apartment Balcony

Spring is here! After all those months spent cooped up inside, the weather is finally nice enough to enjoy the outdoors. Because we know that a lavish roof garden (or even a backyard) isn’t a reality for a lot of apartment dwellers, we’ve compiled this gallery of inspiring small outdoor spaces. Even if your balcony is one of those tiny ones with barely enough space to step outside, there’s something here for you.

Nancy Mitchell

Mar 17, 2020

My Life Without a Dishwasher

My current flat has a dishwasher, which, after 5+ years of living in London without one, felt like a huge luxury when I moved in a year ago. In my naivety, I thought I’d become so used to and efficient at washing my own dishes that I’d barely use the thing. Yeah, you can guess how long that attitude lasted. The following statement pretty much sums up how my flatmate and I view doing the dishes: if something fits into the dishwasher, it’s going into the dishwasher.

Eleanor Büsing

Mar 11, 2020

Kids’ Room Inspiration: White Walls + Statement Curtains

If you’re looking to add color, pattern, or texture to a kids room in a rental, don’t despair! Even with requisite white (or bland beige) walls, statement curtains can come to the rescue: 1. Arden’s White & Black Wonderland achieves a sophisticated look (and good nap time dimming) with black curtains. 2. Bright, Colorful Abode owes its name, in large part, to its golden yellow curtains. 3.

Regina Yunghans

Mar 11, 2020

Can’t Paint Your Child’s Room? Add Color with a Statement Rug

If you are thinking of ways to start decorating your child’s room and are daunted by the white walls, start with a large, colorful statement rug! The rug can be the starting point of adding color to a neutral palette. Check out some of these rooms that do this very thing and pay attention to the way each room builds layers of color and texture in order to create a pulled-together look. This rug in Isabella’s room packs a colorful, geometric punch.

Christine Lu

Mar 11, 2020

Brilliant Bike Storage

You know how, when you have a new interest, it’s suddenly all you can see? Just as a newly-expecting couple might see babies everywhere they look, so it is with me and bikes. I’ve recently decided to buy one, and find myself checking out others’ wheels 24/7 these days.

Eleanor Büsing

Mar 11, 2020

Design Solutions: Incorporating Vintage Elements With a More Modern Style

While I absolutely covet many of the elements featured here, I understand that everyone’s taste is a little different, and some people might not choose green tile or wood paneling or shag carpets if they had the choice. But whether you’re renting or buying, and whether you love them or hate them, here are some ideas for making vintage features work with your modern style.

Tess Wilson

Mar 11, 2020

Before & After: Washi Switch Plates

Light switch plates aren’t something I give much thought to. Until I see a really cute one. Mari, who blogs at Crab + Fish, used washi tape (the craft material du jour) to transform plain light switch plates in her home. It’s simple, cheap and super renter-friendly.As you can see, she didn’t just do one or two switch plates, she liked the look so much that she kind of just kept on going.

Carrie McBride

Mar 11, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Making Any Rental More Energy Efficient

Think that because you don’t own, you have no control over your home’s energy use? Not true! Here’s our ultimate guide; full of links to quick, easy and yes, even inexpensive, ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your bills (your landlord will thank you!). Most of these changes are likely to pay for themselves in energy savings over the duration of your rental.

Rachel Wray Thompson

Mar 11, 2020

13 DIY Ideas to Chic-Up Any Kitchen

Don't let a blah kitchen get you down - pretty it up with one of these DIY projects.

Amelia Lawrence

Mar 4, 2020

A Cozy, Formerly 'Plain' Condo Proves the Power of Small Updates on a Rental

This designer's biggest goal was infusing a plain, contemporary condo with vintage soul.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Feb 28, 2020

9 Important Design Truths Every Renter Should Remember

Renting can be a pleasure. No real home-owning responsibilities, you’re free to put down temporary roots and not worry about the roof. Renting can also be a pain and source of frustration, though, when you don’t have total control over the look of your space. When you can’t paint the walls, knock down elements or do the kind of customizing you dream of. But a home that inspires, motivates, functions and looks like you is still within your temporary reach.

Adrienne Breaux

Feb 26, 2020

9 Things You Should Upgrade in Your Rental (and Then Take With You)

Make yourself a little happier with your home, without throwing money down the drain when you move out.

Taryn Williford

Feb 24, 2020

Banish Bare Walls, Even in a Rental: The Best Sources for Removable Wallpaper

These are your best bet.

Jason Loper

Feb 22, 2020

The One Item You Already Own That'll Make Laundromat Trips Easier

And other renter-friendly laundry tips.

Karen Morales

Feb 21, 2020

This D.C. Rowhouse Tackles Common Rental Woes With Ease

Raisa and Henry employ light-colored furniture, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces in their DC rowhome to help add more natural light to the space.

Amanda Archibald

Feb 20, 2020

This Is the Single Most Renter-Friendly Thing You Can Buy at IKEA

According to an IKEA employee.

Jennifer Billock

Feb 6, 2020

This Boho Apartment Shows How to Add Loads of Color to a Standard Rental

From the hot pink sofa to the art, decor, plants and more, this small apartment is proof you don't have to sacrifice color when you rent.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Jan 22, 2020

Five Useful Dollar Store Items Every Renter Needs, According to the Pros

Who says home maintenance needs to be pricey?

Kate Streit

Jan 3, 2020

5 Things Every Renter Should Know

REAL ESTATE

According to tenant lawyers.

Brittany Anas

Dec 27, 2019

6 Bad Renter Habits You Should Quit Right Now

Maybe you should rethink wall-mounting your flatscreen.

Chelsea Greenwood

Dec 12, 2019

6 Things Every Renter Should Have Under Their Kitchen Sink

Vodka isn't just for your bar cart.

Lambeth Hochwald

Dec 10, 2019

The Best Thing We Did To This Rental Bathroom Was (Almost) Free

A weekend shower tile refresh that's both transformative and cheap.

Dabney Frake

Dec 5, 2019

A Small D.C. Rental Apartment Has an Envy-Inducing Rug and Art Collection

And it was furnished on a budget using mostly vintage and secondhand items!

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 21, 2019

6 'Renter-Friendly' DIYs That Could Ding Your Security Deposit

Think twice before you peel and stick that subway tile backsplash.

Brittany Anas

Nov 23, 2019

5 Super-Smart Solutions for Super-Small Kitchen Woes

Really smart solutions for making a little kitchen work just as well as a big one.

Nancy Mitchell

Nov 19, 2019

This $7 Renter-Friendly Amazon Find Lets Me Decorate My Walls Without Ruining Them

While duct tape usually gets touted as the fix-everything sticky product, I think this tape might be out to steal that title.

Ashley Ross

Nov 9, 2019

B&A: A Dated Powder Room Makeover Is Fantastic and Full of Ideas for Renters

The powder room of a young downtown Toronto family got a colorful floral makeover.

Adrienne Breaux

Nov 7, 2019

A 550-Square-Foot NYC Rental Is Organized, Colorful and Decorated for Under $4K

Must-haves for the renter were: a space for entertaining, a dedicated area for her to work from home, and a sofa and/or daybed that could be converted into a comfortable spot for guests.

Adrienne Breaux

Oct 31, 2019

This Furniture Collection Can Be Built In Minutes, No Tools Needed

It’s a godsend for those who’d rather not exert too much energy by fumbling around with cumbersome tools and assembly instructions.

Kenya Foy

Oct 22, 2019

A Rental Home’s Tiny Bathroom Shows the Power of a Cheery Shower Curtain

Though her bathroom is quite small, this renter still wanted to give it a fun pop of color and pattern, using an Apartment Therapy favorite shower curtain.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Oct 17, 2019

A Small and Stylish LA Loft Features Smart Space Maximizing Tips

Utilizing empty wall spaces. Investing in a few quality pieces to tie your room together. Esthetician Monique Aquino makes the most of her 600-square-foot rental apartment.

Melanie Rieders

Oct 18, 2019

A College Senior Made a Standard-Issue Dorm Room Actually Look Stylish

This college senior challenged herself to design a dorm room that's a happy, bright, and organized refuge...and one that DIDN'T feel like a little white box!

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Oct 17, 2019

This Rainbow Rental Has ’70s Lamps, Dinosaurs, and So Many Patterns

The color palette is anything goes—everything from "Peewee's Playhouse" primary pops to the sunny, faded palette of a teenage girl's bedroom in 1975.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Oct 9, 2019

The $5 Cleaning Solution That Saved Me Hundreds on My Rent Deposit

It works like magic!

Sholeen Damarwala

Oct 8, 2019

5 Rental Tweaks That’ll Feel (Almost) Better Than Therapy

With a little research and creativity, you can make rental upgrades that will totally improve your quality of life at home.