Just because you don’t own the place you’re currently living in doesn’t mean you have to put up with boring neutral forever. While rentals can pose a number of challenges – from the ugly floors to the outdated light fixtures – there are plenty of ways that you can customize your space and really make it your own, even with stark white or barely beige walls.

Here are a few things you might want to try out that don’t require a paint brush.

Art Extravaganza

If you don’t feel like painting your walls – or have been told you’re not allowed to – there is still a way to breathe life into bare walls, including adding your favorite art work. Gallery walls are hugely popular these days, and involve grouping art pieces together by the bunch, rather than hanging just one solitary piece.

Using art makes it incredibly easy to create an accent wall, and you don’t even necessarily have to hammer nails into the wall either. Choose pieces that are lightweight, which can be easily supported using sticky strips that will never leave a hole or any other mark behind. For lots of color, use paintings and photos with tons of texture. To go the more sophisticated route, stick to abstracts and black-and-white pieces in simple frames.

Dress Your Windows

Odds are the windows in your rental unit are covered in outdated, cheap plastic blinds that are nothing more than an eye-sore. Take them down (carefully) and outfit your windows with something a little more contemporary, such as floor-length curtains or roman shades. You can replace the original blinds if and when you move out.

Just choose something that will go well with the rest of the decor in the space. Window treatments are awesome for rooms that need a little something extra, and for drawing attention away from flooring that you’re not too keen on as they help draw the eye upward.

Cover Up With Area Rugs

The easiest and fastest way to deal with scuffed up hardwood or hideously outdated linoleum flooring is to add stylish area rugs throughout the space. Even if the unit is lined with wall-to-wall carpeting, it’s still OK to pile area rugs on top. In fact, it’s a huge trend these days.

Area rugs not only help cover up unattractive floors, they also help infuse color and texture into any rental unit. Feel free to mix colors and textures together to really create a unique space.

Furnish With Modular Pieces

Consider outfitting you rental unit with modular furniture pieces that you can quickly and easily customize to adequately fit your space. For example, try adding a sectional sofa that can be split up into separate chairs or even a loveseat.

Sectionals have made quite the comeback lately, and are no longer reserved for the 1980s. Other modular furniture ideas include multi-level coffee tables, and cube-shaped shelving cubicles. These pieces are versatile, modern, and can easily fit into even the smallest of rooms.

Replace Your Light Fixtures

You don’t have to suffer staring at the outdated light fixtures that your rental unit came with. Instead, take them down, store them carefully, and replace them with more modern, attractive pieces. And don’t just limit your space with only one ceiling light fixture – instead, mix things up.

In addition to a chandelier, add other light fixtures like floor lamps, heavy table lamps, wall sconces, and pendants lamps. Mix up the shade types, width, height and metals as well to add variety.

Just because you don’t exactly own the place doesn’t mean you have to live with the way it was when the previous tenants were there. This is now your home, for however long you decide, so decorate it to your liking with these easy tips so you can enjoy every square inch, and be proud of the space you’re in.

Location, location, location. The phrase may have become somewhat of a cliché in the world of real estate, but it still remains the most important factor in determining the true value of a property. When you’re in the market to buy, you’re not just purchasing the physical home, but you’re also buying into the surrounding neighborhood as well.

While everyone’s got their own specific tastes and needs when it comes to the perfect neighborhood, there are certain traits that make a community an exceptional one.

Pride in Ownership

A neighborhood isn’t truly great unless there’s clear pride of ownership among all residents. How well every property is taken care of speaks volumes about what area residents think about their neighborhood and how proud they are to call it home.

If lawns are well manicured and landscaped, windows are clean, debris is cleared, and the overall street is in pristine condition, residents obviously are doing their part to keep the value of the area high.

Excellent Schools

Whether or not you have school-aged children, you still want to find out how well the local schools rank. Of course, parents obviously want their children to have access to the best schools, and many of them actually relocate specifically to be closer to these particular educational institutes.

But not only do great schools benefit parents and children, they also make the surrounding properties within the neighborhood more valuable. Buying into a neighborhood like this increases the odds that your property’s value will not only stay strong, but appreciate at a healthy rate over time.

Low Crime Rate

Turn on the news, and you’ll likely hear stories of violence and unrest in the same areas across the country. Such a scenario not only brings a feeling of insecurity and unrest among residents, it also pulls property values down.

On the other hand, a neighborhood that boasts a low crime rate allows residents to feel much more comfortable and secure. Such a scenario lends itself to higher property values, which can help you grow your home equity much faster.

Accessible Public Transportation

Having the option to take public transportation over commuting via a motor vehicle is an excellent bonus for any neighborhood. Studies have shown that the addition of a public transportation portal in a neighborhood tends to have a positive effect on surrounding property values. If you’d prefer to leave the car at home when commuting to a busy downtown core, you’ve got that option if your home is positioned close to public transportation.

High Walkability Score

Being close to restaurants, shops, markets, and other amenities is a real plus for any neighborhood. The ability to take a short walk to any of these conveniences significantly boosts the neighborhood’s walkability score, which tends to be factored in when valuing homes in an area.

Close Proximity to Medical Care

While having nearby medical facilities is a big plus for residents of any age, it’s particularly important and attractive for seniors and families with young kids. Knowing that you’ll be able to reach a doctor or hospital quickly is not only a bonus, it’s also a must-have on the lists of many homebuyers.

Green Space

There’s something to be said about being surrounded by greenery. Rather than having to drive hours out of the city in order to escape the concrete jungle, having a little bit of green space nearby can dramatically improve both the esthetics and the value of a particular neighborhood. Green space is easy on the eye, promotes a sense of serenity, and is healthier for the air we breathe.

The Bottom Line

When you’re out on a house hunting trek, be sure to have a list of neighborhood traits on your list. Don’t just get fixated on a home – make sure you consider the surrounding neighborhood that it’s located in. Not only do you want to enjoy what the area has to offer outside of your home, you also want to make sure that the property value remains intact – and preferably appreciates – over time.

Looking to open up your interior space to create a more spacious and functional layout? If so, you might be considering tearing down a wall or two to achieve your goal.

Sounds simple enough, but removing a wall requires some careful consideration before demolition starts. Before you grab that sledgehammer, make sure you’ve had a few crucial questions answered first.

Is it a Load Bearing Wall?

Perhaps the most important question you should ask first is whether or not the wall you intend to knock down is load bearing. If so, ripping that wall down is probably not possible.

Load bearing walls run perpendicular to the floor joists and usually are placed somewhere around the center of the home. They’re structural elements, and if you remove them, the structural integrity of your home can be seriously compromised. Your house can literally cave in if you remove a load bearing wall that was originally installed to support the structure of your home.

For this reason, you absolutely need to have a structural engineer or another professional who is well versed in the area of load bearing structures assess the situation before you decide to rip that wall down. It should also be noted that removing a wall in a single-story home is a lot different than a two-story home because of the additional stress placed on the wall from the second level. This situation certainly warrants the advice of a structural engineer.

Are There Any Wires or Pipes Inside the Wall?

Your wall is not just a couple of pieces of drywall held up with some 2x4s. There could very well be some important components inside the wall cavities that could become damaged if you’re not careful. Electrical wiring and plumbing pipes typically run through walls to get to where they need to go. There are also HVAC vents that may be lurking behind the walls that you may not be aware of.

If you start smashing into the drywall without taking the necessary precautions, you could cause some major damage to these systems that will end up costing you a lot more than you initially intended. Before you knock down a wall, verify whether or not any of these components are present, and if they are, use great care when taking the wall down. 

Are There Any Toxic Materials On Or Inside the Wall?

Depending on when your home was built, it’s possible that there may be certain toxic materials on or inside your walls that warrant further inspection before the wall comes down. In particular, be on the lookout for lead paint, which is a potential problem for homes built before 1978.

If your home is older, you should consider having the surfaces tested for the presence of lead paint. If this material is present, you will have to follow specific guidelines about how to discard the old drywall and other debris that comes along with it.

Another hazardous material to look out for is asbestos, which was used in homes constructed before 1980. If there is any asbestos on your drywall, it can easily become airborne when tearing down a wall. Again, the wall should be tested for this substance, and if it is detected, it should only be removed by professionals in the business of handling asbestos.

How Will the Floors and Ceilings Be Affected?

If it’s safe to remove the wall, you’ve got a few other things to think about. Once that wall comes down, there will be an obvious blemish on the ceiling and floor where the wall was once attached. Not only will this need to be repaired, you will also have to make considerations about how to blend the two areas together so that it is not obvious that there was once a wall there.

Sometimes it can be easy to match the material and color for a seamless finish, while other times it may be necessary to completely reface the entire surface. Speak with your contractor about how to finish the area after the wall has been demolished.

The Bottom Line

Tearing a wall down offers plenty of possibilities for creating a whole new layout for your home, especially if it’s currently tight and compartmentalized. But before you start swinging that sledgehammer, there are a number of considerations that need to be made first. Get some expert advice from professionals in the industry to ensure a safe and effective job.

It’s a major transition from renting to buying a home, especially if it involves moving from a small, crowded apartment to a larger home. A new homeowner must deal with furnishing every room with chairs, couches, tables, and beds in addition to the endless stretch of blank wall space that needs to be filled.

Finding furniture entails not only filling space but also adhering to financial constraints because many first-time homebuyers are on a low budget. Fortunately, there are lots of reasonably priced solutions that will furnish those rooms without breaking the bank.

The first thing to understand is that nobody expects you to immediately have a house filled with furniture. Find the greatest appearance for each room by taking the time to comparison-shop. Make a list of your top priorities, starting with your basic need for food, sleep, and a shower. Until you have the money for an update, you can save money on a bed by forgoing the pricey headboard and footboard. Prioritize placing a bed without a headboard in guest rooms before focusing on other furniture pieces.

Choosing Within a Budget

Recognize that the decisions you make today do not necessarily have to affect the rest of your life in your new home. Accent tables, for example, can be cheaply bought and used while you shop for better options. You might even locate a cheap item that you like and can paint to match the style you desire for your home.

Multipurpose

Even if you have lots of room, furniture with several uses might be useful. A bed that serves as a desk and a dining room table that converts into a poker table for game night will give you more value for your money. Even a coffee table that makes it simpler to dine while watching TV is available. You will typically just pay a little bit more for two pieces of furniture than you would for one.

Be Thrifty

Thrift store shopping is more popular than ever thanks to the persistent shabby chic style. Tables, dressers, nightstands, and accent pieces are among the fantastic items that may be found at garage sales and thrift shops. As they downsize or upgrade to new furniture, homeowners frequently offer items for sale on Craigslist. You’ll probably be inspired by what you see while you browse, which will prompt you to decorate homes with the unusual furniture you locate.

Dorm Inspiration

Although seating can be pricey, if money is really tight, you might consider using furniture typically found in dorm dormitories. There are more appealing seating alternatives that are more reasonably priced if you’d like to go a little more posh. However, you’ll probably need to spend more money on a more expensive sofa or chair if you want real comfort. Look through yard sales and Craigslist for used furniture at bargain prices.

It can be difficult to furnish a new house, especially for first-time homebuyers with limited funds. You’ll be able to furnish your new home while staying within your budget by moving slowly and looking attentively for the greatest furniture deals.

There’s probably something in your home that needs updating especially if you can’t even recall the last time you switched things up. What could have been hip back in the day is undoubtedly displeasing today.

Here are 8 features in your home that are unquestionably making it look outdated, along with quick fixes for each.

WALL COLORS

The color of your walls is one of the first things guests will see when they enter your house. It’s time for a change if your walls are still painted in blush, dusty rose, or even yellow. Fortunately, this is a simple remedy that just needs a few cans of paint and a little labor.

Think about painting the walls with a more timeless neutral color that will suit everyone’s tastes. Alternately, if you want to experiment with something currently in style, like a gray-green or something earthy, go for it. You can always repaint it next year.

WALL-TO-WALL CARPETING

More and more homeowners are replacing their wall-to-wall carpeting with more contemporary flooring, including hardwood, vinyl, or ceramic. In many cases, carpeting is acceptable, but you might want to think twice if it is soiled, shaggy, or has an uncomfortable bold color.

In this situation, you may choose to simply pull out the outdated carpeting and replace it with something more stylish and current. Thankfully, engineered hardwood has increased the number of accessible flooring options available today. You can create long-lasting, aesthetically beautiful floors that closely resemble wood with these materials.

OVERSIZED ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

What we’re discussing here is most likely familiar to you. Those enormous entertainment centers, large enough to accommodate your massive tube TV, a VCR, stereo system, and CD player. There was probably enough space to store VHS videos and books too.

These huge, out-of-date entertainment systems are no longer necessary because televisions are as flat as they possibly can be these days. Since they are usually installed on walls or over fireplaces, the use of these antique pieces of furniture is not justified. Replace that outdated entertainment center with floating shelves or another delicate, understated, and less imposing option.

OUTDATED FURNITURE

A sleigh bed. oversized sofas. You see what we mean. These antiquated furnishings can significantly age your house. It can be expensive to replace furniture with more contemporary pieces, but the time and money are well spent.

You might also consider refurbishing what you currently have if you don’t want to make a sizable dent in your bank account. Consider painting wooden furniture items a deep, rich color, or, for a more modern appearance, cover any loudly patterned sofas and chairs with a solid color slipcover.

LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS

Cheap sheet laminate countertops are a surefire way to make your kitchen look dated, especially if they are peeling apart. Yes, these materials are quite cheap, but saving a few dollars shouldn’t come at the expense of style.

There are other reasonably priced solutions that are more contemporary. For instance, granite is a stylish, modern material that is also getting more affordable every day. You should also think about quartz, soapstone, and even wooden butcher blocks for your kitchen counters.

OUTDATED WINDOW TREATMENTS

Remember back in the day when Grandma had valances and window treatments with pink and green flower patterns all over her house? Even while it could bring back some pleasant memories, these window decorations have no place in a contemporary house. Take down the cloth if you are guilty of using it on your windows, especially if it has fringed trim and tassels.

If privacy is not a concern, leave the windows open and take in the view while letting the light in. Alternately, take into account something more modern and classic, such draping drapes across a rod in a more muted and neutral fabric and print.

BRASS AND GOLD

Shiny brass or gold is just tacky, whether it’s used for bed posts, cabinet hardware, or lighting fixtures. When these items are taken out and replaced with ones that have other finishes, such brushed nickel, black, or chrome, you’d be shocked at the change that results. Simply go to your neighborhood home improvement store, where you can choose from a wide selection of the newest trends.

OLD WALLPAPER AND BORDERS

Even if it was popular three decades ago, this feature is also very out-of-date. Wallpaper borders are the epitome of excessive decorating from the 1980s. When they are placed immediately on top of wallpaper, they appear particularly antiquated. It’s time to scrape off any remaining wall bordering that has flowers, stars, vines, or other ugly patterns in order to give your walls a more consistent appearance.

Replacing these out-of-date features can significantly improve the overall look and feel of your home, whether you’re trying to improve its marketability or just want a fresh look for your personal aesthetic appeal.