Renter-friendly home upgrades inspired by The Block

Transform a space with statement lighting

The right light fixture can improve a room’s functionality, accentuate architectural details and elevate your mood. Unfortunately, some rentals fall short in this department, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for mediocre.

There’s a wide variety of temporary lighting solutions available that will completely lift the look and feel of a rental. Think statement wall lights that stick to the wall and LED strip lighting for illuminating mirrors, niches or open shelving – no drilling required!

Another easy idea is to swap dated ceiling lights for an eye-catching pendant using the existing sockets, or change cool and sterile lightbulbs to warmer LEDs. Keep the old fittings so you can swap them back when you move and take yours with you to your next home.

Refresh a room with new hardware

It’s amazing the visual impact that some new cabinetry handles or drawer pulls can bring to a space, without altering the structural framework. Choose from contemporary linear handles to cup-style pulls and ornate knobs and levers, in a range of luxury finishes including timber, brushed brass, polished nickel and matte black.

They’re a cinch to install – perfect for D.I.Yers. Switch out your hardware on wardrobe doors, kitchen cupboards or bathroom drawers for a simple update with maximum impact.

Upgrade surfaces with adhesive laminates

If you’re feeling inspired by The Blockheads’ fresh bathrooms and functional wardrobes, you can achieve something similar in a rental without drilling or painting. For a long time, renters have had to live with outdated benchtops, splashbacks, floors or cabinetry, but not anymore. The rise of self-adhesive tiles, vinyls and films allows you to control your home’s aesthetic in a non-permanent way.

Transform a dowdy Formica benchtop into a marble-effect masterpiece, give uninspiring white cupboards a colourful makeover or elevate floors with a timeless natural timber vinyl. You can do the same in bathrooms, with a huge range of peel-and-stick tiles to choose from.

Tip: Check with your landlord before using these products, as the adhesive and residue may strip paint and ruin some surfaces when removed.

Revitalise the indoors with plants

Indoor plants are a renter’s best friend for creating a lovely outdoor connection in a small space. They add colour, texture and life to interior spaces, and bring a host of health benefits. And if you don’t have access to a backyard or balcony, they’ll help fulfil your gardening fix.

Look for a mix of large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs, palms or monstera to place near doorways or anchor corners, as well as smaller varieties like peperonia, ferns or trailing ivy to fill countertops, shelves and hanging pots.

Don’t forget to invest in quality, decorative pots to display them in, which can move with you from rental to rental.

Personalise walls and windows without damage

Your home’s walls are prime real estate for showcasing your unique personality and keeping rooms clutter-free, and there are plenty of ways to do this without drilling a hole.

Adhesive hooks and picture hanging strips are fantastic for hanging and displaying all manner of items, such as colourful artworks, framed photos, clocks, mirrors, hats, corkboards and more. Add some hooks in the kitchen for tea towels and oven mitts, use them in your entry for coats and scarves and attach to bathroom tiles to hang towels.

And don’t forget your windows. Some new curtains will instantly lift the look and feel of a room – sheers filter the light beautifully in living spaces, while blockouts are ideal for bedrooms. You can even replicate the luxurious details on The Block with an automated mechanism that opens and closes your curtains with a simple tap or voice command.

Ready to give your rental a fresh look?

From decorative lighting and hardware upgrades to adhesive tiles and indoor greenery, discover renter-friendly products to transform your home with confidence online or at your local store.

Frequently asked questions

What are some renter-friendly ways to upgrade a home?

Renter-friendly upgrades can include temporary wall lights, LED strip lighting, replacement cabinet handles, self-adhesive surface finishes, indoor plants, decorative pots, removable hooks and picture-hanging strips. Choose updates that can be removed or taken with you when you move.

Can renters use peel-and-stick tiles and adhesive vinyl?

Peel-and-stick tiles, vinyls and films can provide a non-permanent way to update benchtops, splashbacks, floors and cabinetry. Always check with your landlord first, as some adhesives or residue may damage paint or other surfaces during removal.

How can I improve the lighting in a rental without drilling?

Can I change cabinet handles in a rental property?

Replacing cabinet handles or drawer pulls can refresh wardrobes, kitchen cupboards and bathroom drawers without changing the cabinetry’s structure. Keep the original hardware in a safe place and check with your landlord before making changes.

How can renters decorate walls without causing damage?

Removable hooks and picture-hanging strips can be used to display artwork, photographs, mirrors, clocks and other decorative pieces without drilling holes. Check the product instructions and surface suitability before installation and removal.