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A Veranda report shares five rental-design suggestions from designers Fran Keenan and Mackin Thompson: assess the space, ask the landlord about changes, invest in window treatments, avoid overspending on temporary fixes and choose pieces that can move with you. The advice is guidance, not a report of new rental rules or a specific design product launch.
Designers Fran Keenan and Mackin Thompson have outlined five ways renters can make a space feel more personal without taking on a major renovation: plan around the apartment’s actual features, discuss possible changes with the landlord, improve window treatments, limit spending on temporary fixes and choose furnishings that can move to a future home. The recommendations appear in a Veranda report about adapting a rental while avoiding changes that could conflict with a lease.
The first step, the designers advise, is to assess the home rather than copy an inspiration image. Room size, natural light, the layout and practical constraints such as whether furniture can pass through the doorway can shape what will work. A small living room, for example, may suit a compact sofa and movable chairs better than a large sectional; a dim bedroom may benefit more from layered lighting than extra decor. Thompson says not every flaw needs to be fixed, and suggests giving attention to features that already work.
Their second recommendation is to ask the landlord before assuming a change is prohibited. Thompson says a landlord may approve proposals such as painting cabinets, changing a light fixture or adding trim, particularly when a renter plans to stay for a while. Permission should be discussed before work begins; the report does not give legal advice or claim that landlords must approve such requests.
For changes renters can take with them, Keenan recommends upgrading off-the-rack curtains with details such as pinch pleats or rings. Thompson also sees window treatments as a worthwhile investment because they can add softness and personality and move with the renter. For other spending, she advises avoiding costly attempts to disguise features that cannot be changed. Instead, renters can consider modest adjustments, such as replacing cabinet hardware, and put more of their budget toward furnishings with lasting use and character.
Spend on Changes That Travel
The advice addresses a practical challenge for renters: making a home feel distinctive while recognizing that some improvements are temporary and the lease may limit alterations. A renter who invests heavily in a fixed feature may not be able to take that work to another home. By contrast, curtains, lamps, tables and seating can potentially continue to serve the renter after a move.
The recommendations also distinguish between a cosmetic preference and a change that improves daily use. Planning for the room’s dimensions and light can help renters direct money toward solutions that fit the space, while asking permission can clarify whether a desired alteration is allowed. These are design suggestions, not guarantees of improved resale value, lower costs or landlord approval.
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Designing Around a Rental Lease
Rentals can come with finishes and layouts a tenant did not choose, including floors, lighting and wall colors. The report frames personalization as possible without major renovation, and focuses on reversible choices and conversations with the property owner rather than assuming renters can alter a unit freely.
Keenan and Thompson offer complementary advice: Keenan points to curtain details as a way to refine ready-made treatments, while Thompson emphasizes working with existing features and choosing pieces that can be reused. Thompson also recommends mixing furnishings, including antiques, with newer items to give a room a more collected feel. The source identifies these as the designers’ recommendations, not a survey of renters or a tested set of rules.
““I don’t think you need to fix everything.””
— Mackin Thompson, designer
Permission and Costs Vary
The report does not specify how much any of the suggested updates cost, how long they take or whether they work for every rental. It also does not establish what a particular lease allows. Landlord approval is not guaranteed, and rules can depend on the lease, property and proposed work. Renters should check their own agreement and get approval in writing before making changes that affect the unit.
The designers’ comments are professional recommendations, not evidence that a particular upgrade will raise a property’s value or pay for itself. The source also does not compare brands or provide a detailed installation guide for curtains, lighting or hardware.
Check the Lease Before Updating
For renters considering a change, the practical next steps are to measure the space, identify what would improve everyday use and separate portable purchases from alterations to the property. Before painting, replacing fixtures or adding trim, tenants can contact the landlord and confirm any agreed terms in writing. For furnishings and window treatments, the designers’ guidance is to consider whether an item will remain useful after a move.
The report does not announce a follow-up project or a new policy. Its recommendations leave the decision to each renter’s needs, budget, lease and landlord response.
Key Questions
What are the five designer recommendations for a rental?
Assess the apartment before planning, ask the landlord about changes, invest selectively in window treatments, avoid overspending on temporary fixes and choose pieces that can move to another home.
Should renters ask before painting cabinets or changing a fixture?
Yes. Thompson recommends asking the landlord about proposed changes. The report says approval may be possible but does not guarantee it, so renters should check their lease and get permission before work begins.
Why do the designers recommend investing in curtains?
Keenan suggests adding details such as pinch pleats or curtain rings to ready-made drapes. Thompson says window treatments can make a room feel more finished and may be taken to a future home.
Which rental upgrades should renters avoid spending heavily on?
Thompson advises against putting a lot of money into disguising a feature that cannot be changed. She suggests considering modest adjustments, such as cabinet hardware, and prioritizing furnishings with lasting use.
Does this advice guarantee a rental change is allowed?
No. The report offers design guidance, not lease or legal advice. Whether a change is allowed depends on the renter’s agreement and the landlord’s approval.
Source: rss
