Easy Upgrades You Can Do in a Rental With Tools from Your Local Hardware Store

April 8, 2025

Fresh Ideas to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home With Simple Hardware Store Finds

Let’s be honest – renting can feel a bit like living in someone else’s world, right? The walls whisper someone else's paint choice, the cabinetry is stuck in a different era, and those beige curtain rods? Yikes. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a total reno or a permission slip from your landlord to add a bit of you into your space. With a pit stop at your local hardware store – like the lovely team at Strathalbyn H Hardware – you can make small, non-damaging upgrades that totally change your home vibes.

Whether you’ve just moved into your first rental, or you’ve been in your place for years trying to make it feel less... flat-packed, I’ve gathered some easy upgrades that’ll earn you serious style points. These are projects you can tackle in an afternoon – no jackhammer needed!

1. Swapping Out Your Cabinet Handles

This one is pure magic. Those old drawer pulls have had their moment. With a screwdriver and some fresh knobs or handles, suddenly your kitchen or bathroom looks a dozen years younger. Think matte black for a sleek finish, warm brass for a bit of charm, or timber for natural texture.

And guess what? You can easily stash the old ones away and pop them back on before you move. No damage, no drama.

2. Add Removable Hooks (Goodbye, Plastic Over-the-Door Hangers)

Is your hallway or bedroom crying out for a coat hook or somewhere to drape that handbag you always pretend you’re going to put away properly?

Removable adhesive hooks are a renter's best mate. Stylish options exist now — some even look like actual hardware! Use them in the entryway, behind doors, or for hanging utensils in the kitchen. No power drill required – just a bit of wall space and decent placement.

3. Get Fancy With Temporary Wallpapers or Wall Decals

This one takes confidence and a ruler. Temporary wallpaper has come a looong way from its sticker-book origins. Think bold florals, soft textures, or calming neutrals. A single accent wall changes the mood of your entire space. Not ready for full coverage? Try wall decals for a fun twist in kids' rooms or around the desk nook.

Pro tip: your local hardware staff can point you to proper wallpaper smoothing tools to help avoid drama with air bubbles and crooked application.

4. Lighting That Sets the Mood

Don’t underestimate the power of a sexy lamp. Or five. Swapping out dull shades or adding LED strip lighting under cabinets or along shelving can really warm things up. Plug-in sconces create that high-end look without the headache of wiring.

“Lighting is everything in a room. It'll transform what you see and how you feel.” – My nan, after discovering warm-toned bulbs

Strathalbyn H Hardware has a stack of lighting solutions, from ambient to task-based, and heaps of advice for which bulbs go where.

5. Love Your Floors Again… Without Lifting Them

Let’s chat rugs. Yes, they cover up tired carpets or cold tiles, but they also anchor a space and bring everything together. Want a shortcut to styling a room? Start with a rug. Even medium-sized ones can define areas in open layouts and protect the actual flooring underneath.

Bonus: If you’ve got slippery floors, pop down some non-slip grip pads. Your shins will thank you after that midnight snack stumble.

6. Update Tapware and Shower Heads

This one might sound scary, but it’s easier than you think. Replacing old taps or shower heads can boost both the function and look of your kitchen or bathroom. Just check that fittings are compatible with your existing plumbing. And yes, hold onto the originals for re-installation later.

Want some guidance? Drop into Strathalbyn H Hardware and chat with the team. They know rentals inside out and won't sell you something that ends in a plumber's callout.

7. Window Upgrades – No Screws Needed

Don’t suffer through faded fabric blinds or clingy verticals. Curtain rods that use spring tension can hold surprisingly heavy materials and won’t leave any marks. Pair them with fresh curtains and your room softens in seconds.

Need fresh air but your screens are shot? Strathalbyn H Hardware even offers rescreening services. Treat your windows to better airflow without the mozzies tagging along.

Small Upgrades, Big Feeling

Here’s the thing I always tell my friends: you don’t need to own the home to make it feel like yours. The smell of eucalyptus at your entry, the lamp that reminds you of your trip in Tassie, the new brushed gold handles that just feel… you. That’s where the magic sits.

Your rental might come with limitations, but your imagination doesn’t have to. Grab your toolbox, jot down your ideas, and head to your friendly hardware heroes at Strathalbyn H Hardware. They’ll cheer you on, point you to what you need, and maybe throw in a few trade secrets, too.

Happy home-making (even if it’s just for now) 💛

Cheers, Candeece