September 29th, 2011 
Jessica One of the most inexpensive ways that you can update any property inexpensively is PAINT! That is, with the permission of the property manager, of course. Our new rental property was in desperate need of some updates, so our property manager accepted less than half of the security deposit if we were willing to handle the painting ourselves. Not only was this a great deal for us financially, but I love getting to choose my own paint colors!
So here is an exclusive sneak peek into our new home, and a few of our newly updated (a.k.a. freshly PAINTED) rooms!
Here is our kitchen BEFORE…
…and AFTER.
Some more inexpensive updates are a valance from Walmart and freshly washed windows! (The cabinet doors are being sanded and repainted by a friend. I’m so excited to see what they’ll look like when they’re finished!)
The kids’ bedroom BEFORE…
…and AFTER.
The office/art studio BEFORE…
…and AFTER.
Our Master Bedroom BEFORE…
…and AFTER.
Our bathroom has NOT been repainted, but a new shower curtain from Walmart is another inexpensive update!
Our bathroom BEFORE…
…and AFTER.
As you can see, we still have a lot of work to do, but for now it’s very satisfying to see what a difference these updates have made in our new place.
What other suggestions can you give for updating a rental property inexpensively?
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Looks great, Jess. So glad you can make the place feel like home by putting your personal touch on it.
Thanks Annie! I really enjoy your blog too…keep up the good work!
I don’t know that this helps do it inexpensively, but I love the difference the little details like light switch covers and toilet paper holder etc. can make in the look!
You’re right! We’ve been doing some of that too!
Painting furniture (like bookshelves) is pretty cheap too and sometimes you can use left over paint which is even better. 🙂 I like using fabric creatively too. I like to tack curtains up so that they hang draped in the corner of a couple rooms in my place and it really adds a cozy richness. A simple tablecloth over an cheap card table, end-table, or across the top of a bookshelf helps a lot too. I’ve been told that reupholstering older furniture from yard sales is fairly cheap, fairly easy, and can make an old piece look brand new, but I have yet to try that one, lol…
Sounds good! We were given someone else’s hand-me-down couch and recliner. A few throw-pillows freshened up the couch. Brad’s mom got us a little plastic folding table, and a table cloth helps to make it look a little warmer and friendlier. I’m not sure I’m brave enough (or have time enough) to try reupholstering yet! Thanks for the suggestions!
Sometimes, one good light fixtrue (over the kitchen table, usually) can really change the look of a place. You put the old one back when you move out, of course 🙂
Picures make a big difference. The Graphics Fairy has free printables that are great to hang up.
The Nester’s blog has a ton of ideas on decorating a rental home for less, but her “small” budget is much, much bigger than mine! She does have some great curtain ideas, though!
Also, if you sew, garage sales and thrift stores can have fabric and sheets that can be remade into pillows and more.
Thanks for the great tips! I’ll have to check out the sites you mentioned. I have a lot of artwork that I can’t wait to hang up around the place. I’m not much of a seamstress (at least not yet!) but I’m definitely interested in learning more. 🙂
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