New lease on life: 20 home improvement projects for apartment dwellers

Hardware is far simpler to replace than you might think, and it makes a huge aesthetic difference. Find new hardware that fits the holes you already have in your cabinets and make the switch. Even if you rent, you can swap back to the old hardware before you move out. 

You’ll be amazed by what an impact simply swapping light bulbs can have on a space. Soft white and daylight bulbs are surprisingly different, and switching from one to the other can completely alter the vibe of your apartment. It’s also easy and inexpensive. 

The light fixtures in apartments aren’t always the best, but you can upgrade by adding some stick-on sconces. These will brighten up your space without ruining your walls, and you won’t need to make space for dozens of lamps. 

Wallpaper enormously impacts a space, and if you’re renting or don’t want to commit to something forever, use a peel-and-stick option. Peel-and-stick wallpaper can be a little tricky to master, but since it peels off, you can keep at it until you get it right. 

Showerheads are easy to replace, too, and while they aren’t the first thing a guest notices while visiting, they have a major impact on you and those you live with. They’re not very expensive, and like with other projects if you are renting, you can swap the old showerheads before moving out. 

Use contact paper if you want the look of a natural stone without replacing your entire countertop. You can choose from a wide selection of stone look-a-likes and make a temporary change to your space in a short amount of time. 

More and more apartments are coming with backsplashes, but if you live in one without a backsplash or don’t like what’s there, make a change with a peel and stick. It’s a simple project that will make a huge difference in your space. 

Some faucets aren’t the right length. Purchase a faucet extender if you need yours to stick out a little further. It’s way cheaper and less permanent than getting a new faucet, which will solve your problem. 

Peel-and-stick is just about the answer to everything when it comes to apartment improvement projects. If your countertops need a little more brightness, get some peel-and-stick lights. They’re great to use when it’s dark outside, and you only need a little bit of light or if you’re cooking and need to see better. 

Spice organization can be kind of a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a spare cabinet, get a pull-out spice rack insert. It’s easy to install and remove and keeps your spices in order. 

Tension rods are amazing. They don’t cause any damage to your walls and allow you to hang curtains, so you don’t have to look at the shades that come with your apartment. They’re a cheap fix that makes a world of difference. 

It’s quite possible that you hate the floor in your apartment, but you don’t have to. Get some peel-and-stick floor tiles that you love. Again, these are temporary and simple to install, and they’re probably just as good of quality as the actual floors in your apartment. 

Many apartments come with basic mirrors without frames. To spruce up yours, you can add a DIY frame. There are dozens of ways to do this, and each one adds character and makes your mirror one-of-a-kind. 

If you’re unfamiliar with self-adhesive shelves, get familiar. These apartment-friendly wonders allow you to add functional and personal touches to your space without sacrificing your deposit, and they can handle a lot more weight than you might expect. 

Gallery walls are a timeless decor feature that adds so much personality and warmth to a space. Frames can be hung using adhesive that won’t damage your walls, and the project can be done quickly and affordably. It’s a change you’ll be glad you made. 

If you’re renting an apartment, you can’t make any permanent changes to the space, but you can do whatever you want to the items you own. If you have a piece of furniture that needs a little love, paint it. The color will brighten your space; if you hate it, you can always repaint it. 

You also have free rein to do whatever you want within the confines of the space you’re in, so if you need a completely free change, try rearranging your furniture. This simple change will make a world of difference. 

If you aren’t sold on the idea of peel-and-stick flooring, opt for an area rug. It might cost you a little more, but it’ll be way easier to manage and make your entire space more homey. 

Need somewhere to hang your stockings at Christmas? Add a faux fireplace to your apartment. You can do a DIY one or purchase one and set it against a wall. It’s a simple way to make your living space feel more like your own. 

Plants can have a major impact on an indoor space, too. If you need some greenery in your life, get a big faux plant. You can get a real one if you’d like — just make sure you’re committed to taking care of it.