These Rental-Friendly Upgrades Made My Apartment Feel Like Home—Starting at Just $10


I moved into my first one-bedroom apartment earlier this month and instantly went to work on turning my little space into a home. However, as a renter, there are more stipulations for how I can accomplish that goal, so I channeled my inner decorator and got creative with my interior design strategy. 

As a Crate & Barrel-obsessed shopping writer, I went wild on the home decor site to find storage solutions, small upgrades, and cozy decor that have made my space feel so much more inviting—without risking my chances of getting a security deposit back. This peel and stick wallpaper, for example, is a game-changer for transforming any space, while the black bow knobs are the cutest upgrade for your cabinets.


  • Modern Fluted Brass Bath Towel Bar, $80 
  • Square Edge Brushed Brass Bathroom Hand Towel Ring, $60
  • Modern Flat-End Brushed Brass Bathroom Towel Hook, $25
  • Pink Tie Muslin Organic Cotton Curtain Panels, $49 
  • Bamboo Complete Canister Set, $37 
  • Yamazaki White Magnetic Kitchen Organization Rack, $42 
  • Hayes Three-Slot Black Marble Soap Tray, $30 
  • French Kitchen Marble Paper Towel Holder, $30 
  • Taper Round Brushed Brass Cabinet Knobs, $10 
  • Chasing Paper Lace Evergreen Peel and Stick Wallpaper, $120 
  • Arren Brass Floor Lamp With Clear Angled Shade, $229 
  • Black Bow Knobs, $30 (was $54) 

Chasing Paper Lace Evergreen Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Crate & Barrel


If you want to completely transform your space, look no further than this peel and stick wallpaper that instantly gives a room a more finished look. The matte, patterned wallpaper, which is made of a poly-woven fabric that’s easy to both install and remove, looks so luxurious without the commitment (and hassle) of a permanent wallpaper. Plus, It’s fade- and stain-resistant and wipes clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cloth so you can keep it looking fresh.



Arren Brass Floor Lamp With Clear Angled Shade 

Crate & Barrel


The easiest way to elevate your space is with good lighting. Oh, and the best part for renters like myself is that it’s a home improvement hack that can come with you to your next apartment. This Arren brass floor lamp is so sleek and modern while also offering serious illumination, and it fits perfectly in my small living room. One customer said that despite the higher cost, the lamp is “priceless” and made with “quality.” 



Bamboo Complete Canister Set 

Crate & Barrel


I am deeply obsessed with my pantry organization system, which includes this entire bamboo canister set that I couldn’t live without. The second I get home from the grocery store, my chips, crackers, and dried pasta go straight into the airtight glassware, which keeps it fresher for longer. It also just gives my cabinets a more organized appearance. Reviewers raved that the canisters are “sturdy,” a “great size,” and “easy to handle.” 



Black Bow Knobs 

Crate & Barrel


I ordered these black bow knobs to spruce up my bathroom cabinetry, and ended up using the extras for my bedside table, too. While I went with the black metal finish, the set—which comes with six knobs in total—is also available in white and gold. One shopper called the drawer pulls “classic, beautiful, and quality,” while another added that they’re the “sweetest touch” to any space. The knobs even come with everything you need to install them, including 1.5-inch screws, washers, and nuts.


Keep scrolling for more easy design touches I made to my own rental space. 



Modern Fluted Brushed Brass Bath Towel Bar 

Crate & Barrel


Square Edge Brushed Brass Bathroom Hand Towel Ring

Crate & Barrel


Modern Flat-End Brushed Brass Bathroom Towel Hook

Crate & Barrel


Pink Tie Muslin Organic Cotton Curtain Panel

Crate & Barrel



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