Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, many of us are eager to refresh our homes and make some upgrades. However, if you’re a renter, you may feel limited in your options. The good news is that there are many simple and affordable ways to upgrade your rental unit this spring without breaking the bank or making any permanent changes.
In this blog post, we’ll share some fresh and innovative ideas for upgrading your rental unit this spring. From adding a living wall to creating a cozy outdoor space, upgrading your bathroom, adding some color, and upgrading your lighting, we’ve got you covered. These ideas are perfect for renters who want to create a welcoming and comfortable home without investing in major renovations. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your rental unit into a space that reflects your personality and style.
Install a living wall
Adding a living wall to your rental unit can be an excellent way to create a stunning focal point that not only looks beautiful but also benefits your health. These walls, also known as green walls, are vertical gardens that can be installed indoors or outdoors. They are made up of a series of plants that are grown in a hydroponic system, which means they don’t require soil. This makes them perfect for renters who want to add some greenery to their home without having to worry about a garden.
Living walls come in many different sizes, and they can be customized to fit any space. Some living walls are self-watering, which makes maintenance easy. They also provide a range of benefits, including purifying the air, reducing noise levels, and adding humidity to the air, which can be especially beneficial during the dry months. Living walls are also a great way to create a natural-looking space that feels like an outdoor garden, even if you don’t have outdoor space available.
Create a cozy outdoor space
Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash
If you’re lucky enough to have access to an outdoor space like a balcony, patio, or even a small backyard, creating a cozy outdoor space can be a great way to upgrade your rental unit. Whether you want to create a space for entertaining guests or just a place to relax and unwind, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor area.
Start by adding some comfortable seating like a hammock or a rocking chair. Add some outdoor lighting like string lights or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere. Incorporating plants can also help create a serene outdoor environment. Consider adding potted plants or hanging baskets to bring some nature into your space. If you have a larger outdoor area, consider planting a garden or adding a water feature like a fountain or a small pond. With a little creativity, you can create an outdoor oasis that will make you forget you’re even in a rental unit.
You may want to use solar lights as well. These lights can be very beneficial for reducing your electric bill. Of course ideally, you should be using solar power put in place by a solar installation company. This may be something you could suggest to your landlord due to its environmental friendliness and reduction in energy costs. They may have the budget for it!
Upgrade your bathroom
At some point, you need to consider what kind of effect you are trying to achieve. Do you want your rental to have the impact of some of the best luxury apartments? If so, you will certainly need to make sure that you are putting a focus on the bathroom, and more often than not this will mean that you need to upgrade it considerably.
Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your rental unit, so why not make some upgrades this spring? There are many simple upgrades you can make that can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom.
Consider upgrading your showerhead to a high-pressure model to create a spa-like experience. Adding new towels and bath mats in a fresh new color can also make a big difference. You can also add some storage solutions like floating shelves or a medicine cabinet to help keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free. If you have a small bathroom, adding a large mirror can create the illusion of more space. Finally, adding some new lighting fixtures can also help brighten up your bathroom and make it feel more welcoming.
Overall, there are many ways to upgrade your bathroom that don’t require a major renovation. Simple upgrades like new towels, storage solutions, and lighting fixtures can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom.
Add some color
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your rental unit this spring is by adding some color. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls can be a great way to transform your space and give it a new lease of life. If painting isn’t an option, consider adding some colorful accents like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains. You can also add some colorful artwork or wall decor to help bring some personality and character to your space.
When choosing colors, consider opting for bright, cheerful shades like yellows, pinks, and blues. These colors can help create a lively and energetic atmosphere that will help you feel more energized and optimistic. You can also use color to create a specific theme or mood in your space. For example, if you want to create a calm and serene atmosphere, consider using soft blues and greens.
Upgrade your lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any space, and upgrading your lighting can be a great way to enhance the overall look and feel of your rental unit. Start by swapping out any outdated light fixtures with newer, more modern designs. Consider adding dimmer switches to help create a more relaxing atmosphere in the evening.
You can also add some additional lighting sources like floor lamps or table lamps to help brighten up dark corners of your space. Adding some string lights or other decorative lighting fixtures can also be a great way to add some personality and character to your space. Finally, don’t forget about natural light. Make sure your curtains or blinds are easy to open and close to allow as much natural light into your space as possible.
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
In conclusion, upgrading your rental unit this spring doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. With a few simple upgrades like adding a living wall, creating a cozy outdoor space, upgrading your bathroom, adding some color, and upgrading your lighting, you can transform your space and create a more welcoming and comfortable home. Whether you’re a long-term renter or just staying for a short period, these upgrades can help make your rental unit feel like home.
References :
Living walls and their benefits:
Klemm, W., Ruppert, T., & Schuch, M. (2020). The effects of a living wall on indoor climate and well-being in an office: results of a one-year field study. Building and Environment, 106926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106926
Park, S., & Mattson, R. H. (2009). Effectiveness of a living wall biofilter for removing indoor volatile organic compounds and particles. Environmental Science & Technology, 43(20), 7990-7995. https://doi.org/10.1021/es901142b
Creating a cozy outdoor space:
Milligan, C., Gatersleben, B., & Bardsley, N. (2014). “Get out and connect”: Reflections on the role of nature programmes in fostering community ties and wellbeing. International Journal of Wellbeing, 4(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v4i2.1
Wang, D., & Brown, G. (2017). The role of nature in coping with psycho-physiological stress: A literature review on restorativeness. Behavioral Sciences, 7(8), 55. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs7080055
Upgrading your bathroom:
Liu, J., & Zhang, X. (2020). Effect of interior design on bathroom environment and users’ satisfaction. Journal of Coastal Research, 106(sp1), 532-537. https://doi.org/10.2112/si106-119.1
Sadeghian, P., Esmaeili, B., & Mokhtari, M. (2020). The impact of bathroom design on the residents’ comfort in high-rise residential buildings. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(1), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11257
Adding some color:
Valdez, P., Mehrabian, A., & Ahumada, L. M. (2019). Color psychology and its effect on consumer behavior: a review of the evidence. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 51, 107-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2019.05.007
Zimring, C., & Reizenstein, J. E. (2016). The role of color in healthcare built environments. Color Research & Application, 41(1), 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22034
Upgrading your lighting:
Boyce, P. R., Hunter, C. M., & Howlett, O. (2003). The benefits of daylight through windows. Lighting Research and Technology, 35(3), 223-237. https://doi.org/10.1191/1365782803li082oa
Lam, W. M. C., Wong, W. K., & Wong, S. K. (2013). The effects of lighting on mood in urban open spaces. International Journal of Sustainable Lighting, 15(2), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.7227/IJSL.15.2.2
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