Did you just start renting a Blaine, MN apartment but aren't completely happy with the interior or exterior? This isn't an uncommon issue to have with rentals, but it shouldn't be a barrier to your enjoyment of your new space. Your home should be your safe place of fun and relaxation, even if you don't own it.

With this in mind, read on as we go over our top nine on-trend home improvement ideas for your new apartment!

Before You Begin

You'll just need to keep a few details in mind before you begin. Since you don't own your apartment, you're limited to what the owner or property manager allows you to do. Remember that if your landlord isn't happy with your changes, they may keep your security deposit when it's time for you to move.

If you're removing items such as hardware or door pulls, make sure to keep them stored away in case you'll need to re-install them when you move. This may be the difference between keeping your security deposit or not.

Lastly, improving your apartment is great for your mental health, but not so much on your bank account if you're improving aspects of the apartment you can't take with you when you're moving. Focus on improvements that are an investment for your future home, such as hardware, light fixtures, or window treatments.

Home Improvement for Apartments

Home improvement for your apartment can go beyond purchasing furniture, laying down rugs, and hanging up art. After a certain point, if your apartment is older and hasn't been recently updated, furniture still can't cover up a dated space that needs a lift.

Luckily, these improvements for apartments in Blaine, MN are simple and affordable. They also enable you to bring them along with you when it's time to move. Consider them investments for your future home!

1. Creating Accent Walls

Accent walls are a great way to breathe new life into an otherwise boring or poorly-lit space. As the name suggests, accent walls make a bold statement by giving the eye a specific point to land on when you walk into a room. You can create accent walls in an apartment by utilizing peel-and-stick, removable wallpaper.

This is an inexpensive way to decorate your walls. Even more importantly, you can take them off when it's time to move without damaging the wall beneath.

2. Installing Task Lighting

Task lighting is different than overhead lighting. It's a more focused beam of light that helps you do tasks, such as reading or cooking. Using multiple layers of light beyond overhead lighting in your apartment will create a more comfortable environment. Plus, it looks better than overhead lighting, which can cast unflattering, harsh shadows.

You can install simple, battery-operated task lighting beneath kitchen cabinets through adhesive strips. These are easy to take off, and you can take them to your next home.

3. Replacing Faucets and Showerheads

Although replacing your faucets and showerheads will be more of an investment, the keyword is "investment." You'll be able to uninstall them and take them with you to your next home.

Consider showerheads that help save you water and also come with multiple water spray strengths for a more comfortable experience. You can also invest in faucets that are retractable so you have an easier time washing dishes in a smaller sink.

4. Updating Hardware

Hardware is a surprisingly inexpensive way to change up the look of a place. Before you purchase your new drawer pulls, make sure you measure the distance between the holes made for the pulls of your cabinets. Depending on the depth of the cabinet, you may need to purchase longer or shorter screws.

5. Minimizing Clutter

Clutter has a way of making even the most well-designed space look disorderly, dirty, and chaotic. Instead of letting your clutter accumulate in towers, purchase baskets and containers that match your aesthetic to hide the clutter away.

6. Decorating With Mirrors

If you have a smaller apartment or one that doesn't have a lot of natural light, decorating with mirrors on your walls will help make the space appear larger and brighter. Place the mirrors so that they reflect natural light.

7. Decorating With Plants

Plants are another great and inexpensive way to decorate, especially if you have lots of windows. When done right, an in-house garden is easy to take care of and beautiful. Use a mixture of handing plants such as pothos and tall tropical plants that are good with low light, indoor conditions.

8. Installing Window Treatments

Curtain rods and curtains are an easy and inexpensive way to dress up windows and help diffuse and filter the light during the day. Remember to install the curtain rods higher than the frame of the window, as this will help make the space feel larger and taller. It will also make your windows seem bigger.

9. Changing Overhead Light Covers

Last but not least, consider changing the overhead light covers. Remember to store the old overhead light cover instead of throwing it away so you can easily put it back once it's time for you to move. Overhead light covers can make a large impact on how an apartment appears, as they can create an attractive focal point.

Improving Your MN Apartment

Improving your Blaine apartment or your Forest Lake apartment isn't impossible and doesn't have to stretch your budget! The trick is to focus on purchasing items and improvements that you can take with you once it's time to move. For instance, focus on investing in beautiful hardware and taking care of potted plants that will look great in any space.

Norhart focuses on helping people find a better way to live. Ready for your new move? Search our available MN apartments today!