6 Renter-Friendly Hacks Pros Always Use in Their Homes

If you've ever wondered how professional interior designers tackle rental homes—whether designing their own space or working on a client project—we're here to provide you with the inside scoop.

The experts are full of creative hacks for ways to make a temporary apartment shine and feel a bit more personalized, even if you don't have much money to spend on a makeover. Once you've taken the time to make these changes, you're going to want to renew your lease for years on end—your space will feel so much more custom and sophisticated than when you first moved in.

Below, designers chime in with six different easy, impactful renter hacks that they've sworn by over the years and promise will make a world of difference in your home, no matter your specific interior style.

Switch Out Existing Hardware

If the kitchen or bathroom hardware in your rental just doesn't speak to you, that's more than okay—you can easily make your own mark on your apartment without spending much to resolve this issue.

"The beauty of this hack lies in its affordability and accessibility—all you need is a trusty screwdriver and the hardware of your choosing," Danielle Chiprut, the founder of Danielle Rose Design Co, says.

Whether you shop for new hardware on Amazon or at Anthropologie, there are many different, beautiful styles that cater to a wide range of aesthetics and price points.

"It's a small investment with a big return, allowing you to tailor your space to your taste without breaking the bank," Chiprut says.

Replace Kitchen Cabinet Fronts

As noted above, many renters will update their kitchen cabinets by swapping out hardware and drawer pulls with choices that better reflect their personal aesthetic, but perhaps you're looking to take things a step further.

Elaine Burns, the founder of Pistachio Designs, notes that it's possible to replace cabinet fronts with a solid wood style if one is so inclined. Although this solution may be more of an investment, it will add a luxe feel, the designer says.

In a Brooklyn apartment, she swapped out simple white IKEA cabinet fronts with a green option from Semihandmade that appears custom and elegant.

Buy the Furniture You Love

One simple way to make a rental shine? Purchasing a furniture piece that fits your space now and brings you joy, says Isabella Patrick, the founder of Isabella Patrick Interiors.

"Clients are often worried about buying a sofa or dining table that can travel with them from home to home, and this often translates to something that is too small and/or not that interesting," she says.

Instead, Patrick urges renters to focus on the present and shop knowing that if worst comes to worst, it's always possible to resell something at a later date. "I invite people to consider: What is the value of creating a home I love now?"

Add Millwork

The addition of millwork will dress up your rental in an instant since there are so many classic and unique designs to choose from. Whether you decide to paint it in a bold color or add it to a dull corner, millwork will help you achieve the aesthetic you want.

"Millwork can be attached and installed in a way that is removable—much like kitchen cabinets," Patrick says. If you plan to rent your home for several years on end, this hack will certainly be worth the effort.

Jazz Up a Simple Bathroom

Just because your rental bathroom features dated tiled walls doesn't mean that it has to be bland.

"Command strips are your best friend," says Nicole Arruda, the founder of Nicole Alexandra Design Studio. In general, removable, sticky hanging solutions like these are ideal for any wall in which you don't want to hammer or drill a hole.

They can also be used to create more storage if you're working with a smaller space or to hang up your favorite artwork.

Swap Out Your Shades

Say goodbye to builder-grade shades that have seen better days and go ahead and install some new ones that better complement your decor. Alex Yeske, the founder of Alex Yeske Interiors, did just this in a client's rental, opting for woven shades from the Home Depot.

"It made a world of difference," she says.