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In our “Shopping Buddy” series, we ask our favorite in-the-know authors, actors, musicians, and tastemakers to share their most coveted home purchases, from kitchen essentials to entertaining must-haves, so that you can shop along with confidence.
You probably know content creator Drew Michael Scott as Lone Fox, his account where he takes on ambitious rental DIYs—and nails them. Well, most of the time. “I once used painter’s tape all over a bathroom wall and applied beadboard wallpaper over it,” he says. “What I didn’t know was that painter’s tape is only damage-free for a short period of time, so while it was an innovative idea in my head, it did not work well, because when my friend moved out, the tape damaged the walls.”
He has learned a lot since then and says you shouldn’t be afraid to make changes to your home, even if you’re renting. “Your space should still represent you!” he says “There are so many affordable and renter-friendly ways to infuse your personality and make over your space.” Here, he shares his favorites, in his own words.
The Paint Shade That Brightens Up Any Rental
Chantilly Lace Paint, Benjamin Moore
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore has always been my go-to paint color when it comes to a rental. It’s the perfect bright white but also still warm toned. Paint makes such a big difference and, usually, with your landlord’s approval, it’s an easy update to make. Mine liked the paint colors I chose so much in my previous apartment that I didn’t even have to paint it back.
My Favorite Way to Fix a Sad Rental Shower
SparkPod Showerhead, Amazon
Hanging a curtain over the front of a shower or swapping the showerhead will instantly make a sad shower situation look brand-new.
The Kitchen Updates I Always Rely On
Poromoro Spanish Portuguese Azulejo Style Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tile, Amazon
Nexus Self-Adhesive 12-Inch Vinyl Floor Tile, Amazon
Hickory Hardware Solid Core Kitchen Cabinet Pull, Amazon
Yanxia Sleek Round Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs, Amazon
Peel-and-stick backsplash or flooring will fully update a rental kitchen! It’s so easy to apply and remove when moving out. New hardware is also a quick and impactful way to transform your cabinets and add a unique touch.
The Splurgy (But Worth It) Rental Update…
Window mullions give you the look of a custom-pane window for far less, and they can give your windows more of an historical architectural feel, adding visual interest.
…And the Cheap Thrill That Makes Such a Difference
TapeHome Electrical Tape, Amazon
If you can’t afford window mullions, I suggest going to your local hardware store and purchasing black electrical tape. You can tape across your window and create the effect of window panels. It’s such a small detail, but it makes a big difference!
My Favorite Product for Hanging Stuff on Walls (and Still Getting Your Deposit Back)
Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks, Amazon
Command hooks are always my go-to. You can purchase hooks based on the size and weight of whatever you are hanging, from artwork to small shelves.
My Go-To Renter-Friendly Lighting
Wingbo Wall Sconce Rattan Wrapped Wall Lamp, Amazon
A plug-in sconce, or adding puck lights to [hardwired] sconces, is an easy way to add lighting to your space without having to rewire or add electrical. Even swapping light fixtures is a simple fix, too! Just remember to swap the light back to the original before moving out.
The Rug That Hides Ugly Parquet Flooring
Loloi II Margot Collection MAT-01 Antique, 5' x 7'6u0022 Rug, Amazon
I love Loloi’s printable rugs; they are super-affordable but high quality!
My Favorite Window Treatments for Renters
TwoPages Pinch Pleated Drape for Traverse Rod, Amazon
Floor-to-ceiling curtains make a room feel bigger, brighter, and airier. I love TwoPages’s curtains, and they’re available on Amazon!