Renovation Ideas That Won't Hurt Your Security Deposit

If you have a really good lease, it wouldn't be surprising if you would want to make some home improvements to make your rental living condition a lot more pleasant and in tune to your personal style.

However, we also know how it's not that easy to make improvements in your rental without getting the wrath of your landlord. Isabelle LaRue of YouTube channel Engineer Your Space has some tips and ideas on how you can make a rental renovation without hurting your security deposit as reported by Brickunderground:

Let there be (fashionable) light:

More than just providing a source of light, lighting also serves a design or aesthetic function. Most rentals come with the generic or standard rental lighting (that let's admit, not quite up there in terms of style) and this could bring down the vibe in your space. There are several safe lighting choices that you can do to your rental such as plug-in pendant lights and wall scones that usually don't involve any electrical re-working. Another tip is by applying the rule of "layering" which means creating several sources of light instead of just one harsh source.

Make a splash

Also serving double-duty, backsplash is another brilliant renovation idea that you can do for your rental unit. Apart from protecting your walls from stains and splashes, it is also an effective way to add character and interest to your kitchen. From clear acrylic panels, tempered glass, temporary tile (that works as stick and peel) to personalized DIY tiles made of clear glass tiles and your favorite fabric or photos at the back, your kitchen space will no longer lack in the style department.

You-know-what's in the details

Add architectural interest to your space with the use of subtle yet impactful decorative moldings. The blank wall and boring door could instantly get more pizzazz with this simple yet high impact renovation. Also, to create a more open space for the usually limited rental square footage and a more stylish appeal, replace the kitchen cabinet with open shelves. "It can make a small kitchen feel more open and it's also an opportunity to add visual interest by creating a space to display pretty dishes," LaRue suggests.

Divide and conquer clutter

Optimize your use of the scarce rental space using room dividers made of DIY panels, bookcases, and other decorative elements. Create two separate areas for different functions like creating a home office by placing a divider between the entry way and an open area.