I Faked an Apartment Reno By Adding Renter-Friendly Architectural Details—Here's How

This story is a part of our Old House New Issue, where we explore why people are no longer moving in 2024, and how to renovate your current home to make it work for you. To learn more about where to start on home renos, which projects to prioritize, and how to love the home you have, check out our full issue here.

While some rental apartments happen to be full of ornate molding, gorgeous fireplaces, and incredible built-ins, many other spaces are pretty run-of-the-mill looking. However, I've learned over time that it's definitely possible to give even the most basic looking shoebox apartment a major glow up.

When I moved into my New York City one-bedroom a few years ago, I was determined to transform the small, builder-grade space into something truly one of a kind. Below, I'm sharing five steps that I took to add charm to my 650-square-foot unit. While this wasn't an overnight process and required quite a bit of planning and budgeting, I have zero regrets.

Adding Architectural Molding

I have always been drawn to spaces that feature some kind of decorative molding, whether that's picture frame molding or crown molding—I find that it adds such a luxe, old world touch.

In my bedroom, I installed a renter-friendly removable crown molding; I had a professional adhere it to my walls using adhesive. In the living room, I applied picture frame molding to the walls, eventually painting over them in a dark blue for an even more eye-catching effect.

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Bringing in Faux Mantels

Mantels are another architectural feature that I love. I toured several gorgeous apartments with fireplaces during my search, but ultimately, I ended up in a space without one. However, I secured a beautiful faux mantel for my bedroom from Facebook Marketplace and ordered another for my living room. Both of these are removable and can come with me wherever I live next.

Mantels like mine serve more than just a decorative function.

"Faux mantels can help define different zones within an open floor plan, creating a sense of structure and purpose," says Chloe Judge, interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors.

It's been fun to decorate these mantels so that they really suit my personality. I've shopped secondhand for beautiful gold ornate mirrors that hang above each of them, and I enjoy styling their tops with books, trinkets, candlesticks, and more.

Installing New Light Fixtures

Everyone knows that builder-grade light fixtures are generally pretty bland. I wasn't thrilled with the ones that came with my apartment, but fortunately, I was able to take them down and install lighting that complements my aesthetic. The fixture in my bedroom is actually from Target but looks super high-end. There's plenty of chic lighting on the market that doesn't break the bank.

I've stored the original fixtures in a safe place so that whenever it's time for me to move out, I'll be able to replace them and restore my apartment to its original state.

Designer Molly Torres Portnof, the founder of DATE Interiors, is also a proponent of swapping out lighting. Portnof explains how it's a quick, easy, and relatively affordable way to elevate your space.

"Adding different types of light sources, like plug-in sconces, battery-operated picture lights, and floor and table lamps is also a great way to make a rental feel more luxe and finished," Portnof says.

Displaying Meaningful Art

No home is complete without art. Even if you're just living somewhere temporarily, make an effort to fill the walls with something. I enjoy creating gallery walls whenever possible because they infuse so much character into a space. My bedroom gallery wall features a fun mix of black and white prints, most of which I've purchased secondhand and have enjoyed collecting over the years.

"With a diverse array of styles, colors, and sizes, curated art pieces can evoke specific emotions and reflect your personal aesthetic," Judge says.

Jennifer Carter, the founder of Studio Envie, explains how art can make for a nice alternative to painting. Especially if you're not looking to paint your space, displaying meaningful art will fill your walls and tell a story about you and your journey, Carter says.

"White is most often the standard rental wall color, and it serves as a great background when you’re displaying several different art pieces or trying to tell a story," Carter says.

There are so many ways to source it without blowing your budget. I like to keep an eye out for art while I'm thrifting or visiting flea markets, for example. You can also DIY your own art if you're crafty.

Painting the Walls

As I noted earlier, I opted for a deep blue shade (Benjamin Moore Midnight) in my living room and couldn't be happier with the end result. I was at first a bit hesitant to go so dark in a small space, but I love the moody effect that this paint color creates.

The best thing about paint is that it's pretty affordable and is by no means permanent, which is great if you're like me and enjoy redesigning your space when the mood strikes. Just be mindful that your landlord may require you to return your space to its pre-painted state when your lease is up.