Whether you're moving into your first off-campus student apartment or you're a seasoned apartment dweller, you'll want to make some changes to make your home your own. Of course, before you take on any major home improvement project in a rental, you'll need to know exactly what your lease says about the type of changes you plan to make. To be safe, be sure to check with your landlord or apartment manager, too. Still, there are many things you can do to make a big difference in the look and feel of your Houston apartment, without upsetting your landlord or losing your security deposit.
Paint
Changing the color of your walls may be the first apartment alteration that comes to mind, and it is a simple way to make a big change in the look and feel of your new home. Be very careful about getting your landlord's approval—in writing—before you paint. While many landlords are fine with painting, many more are not. Some have specific rules to be followed, such as banning dark colors, or requiring that you return your walls to solid white before you move out.
Removable Fabric “Wallpaper” and Decals
If you aren't allowed to paint, or if you'd prefer a patterned touch similar to wallpaper, try this amazingly beautiful and reversible idea: Use liquid fabric starch or a cornstarch-and-water solution to stick a beautiful fabric to your wall, just as you would paste up wallpaper. When it's time to move or change up your apartment decor, just peel off the fabric and wipe the starch away with a moist sponge. ApartmentTherapy has a simple tutorial for the technique. If you'd prefer to put up just a few small accents, try this tutorial for making removable wall decals with fabric and starch.
Hardware Redux: Handles and Knobs
MSN Real Estate offers several DIY ideas for apartment dwellers, including this simple and easily reversible plan: Replace the doorknobs, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls throughout your apartment, or just in the kitchen or bathroom. This adds subtle interest to your home, and is an inexpensive way to add a personal, antique, or high-end touch. Keep the old hardware so you can easily put it back when you move out. Take your new knobs and handles with you to add your own touch to your next apartment, too.
Looking for a Houston apartment to make your own? Houston Apartment Insiders is here for you every step of the way. Call us at 713-581-1055 (866-918-4022 toll free) or contact us online.
Posted by Melanie Belasco Levy on 03/24/11
