By: Dru Gary
Published on: February 23rd, 2024
Renting an apartment does not have to mean forfeiting the opportunity to make your space feel like your own. Renting is very common in Canada, especially in Ontario, because buying a home is so expensive. Renting comes with its own unique challenges, one being that you cannot make any major renovations to the apartment itself.
That does not mean you cannot make the space your own. With creativity, innovation, and some do-it-yourself (DIY) spirit, you can transform your apartment into a personalized haven that reflects your unique style and personality.
Old Furniture Upcycle
Put your DIY skills to use by upcycling old furniture pieces. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or reupholstering can breathe new life into tired and outdated pieces. Look for inexpensive second-hand furniture or consider swapping items with friends or family. By adding your personal touch, you can turn these pieces into unique statement pieces that reflect your style.
Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a fantastic way to display your favorite photos, artwork, and memories. Gather an assortment of frames in different sizes and styles from thrift stores or discount shops. Fill them with meaningful photographs, postcards, or prints. Arrange them on a prominent wall to create a visually stunning and highly personalized focal point.
Homemade Candles
Create a cozy atmosphere with homemade candles. Purchase candle wax, wicks, and essential oils from a craft store, and recycle old jars or containers as candle holders. Experiment with different scents and colors to match your preferences. These homemade candles not only provide a personalized touch but also emit a delightful fragrance that will enhance the ambiance of your apartment.
Clay and Ceramics
Clay and ceramic crafts are both fun to make and design, and are useful. Air dry or baking clay can be purchased at a local craft shop and make little ceramic incense holders, ashtrays, cups, flowerpots, and much more. After the clay is dry, acrylic paint can be used to add some colour to your new creation.
These clay creations do not have to be based on utility, there are also patterns online that teach you how to make little animals, people, or mythological creatures. These little figures add character and your own unique flair to any space.
Customized Shelving
Take advantage of wall space by adding customized shelves. Invest in affordable floating shelves or make your own with reclaimed wood or sturdy brackets and boards. Arrange your favorite books, plants, and decorative items to create a personalized display that showcases your interests and passions.
DIY Artwork and Vision Boards
Create your own artwork to add a personal touch to your apartment. You don’t have to be a professional artist to make something meaningful. Experiment with different mediums like acrylic paint, watercolors, or collage techniques. Frame your creations or use them as unique wall hangings to infuse your space with originality and artistic flair.
Statement Wall, and Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Transform a single wall in your apartment into a captivating statement with removable wallpaper, decals, or a bold paint color. Choose a design or pattern that resonates with your style and complements your existing decor. This simple yet effective DIY project can instantly elevate the overall aesthetic of your space and make a significant impact.
Personalized Textiles
Give your apartment a personal touch by customizing textiles like pillows, curtains, or table runners. Buy plain items and spruce them up with fabric paints, stencils, or embroidery. You can also buy embroidery kits at your local craft shop and use a pattern to embroider a cute design of your liking onto your textiles. Incorporate patterns, quotes, or designs that resonate with you, creating unique accents that tie your decor together.
Transforming your apartment into a space that reflects your personal style and taste doesn’t have to break the bank. Affordable DIY projects can infuse your living space with your personal touch and really make your rented space feel like home.