24 *MUST TRY* Apartment Upgrades! ✨

[@susankruger7890]

For the peel and stick tiles… first apply removable wallpaper, then apply tiles to the wallpaper. We did that for applying sound tiles to a recording studio in the office that we lease. Works great!

[@yvettemedina1859]

Contact on Shelves or background. Not on counter

[@jaelinpalmer]

This is such a great idea!

[@astrialindah2773]

Great tip! 👍

[@msm0309]

The "built-ins" look phenomenal! I have so many art supplies with so little room/storage, this is the perfect solution for a workspace. Thank you : )

[@Bee_Hive_10134]

*TIP* Put the peel and stick on foam board first and then attach the foam board with command strips!

[@Texasgirl10Growing]

Great idea!!

[@donnapaquette9231]

My sister had a great idea just as you walk into her apartment she has a coat closet, she took the doors off the coat closet which added a nice space for a chair, a full length mirror a couple of nice photos and coat hooks. It looks fantastic, it really brightens up the space!

[@GeorgeP1066]

Rather than contact paper on the counters, I'd recommend peel and stick vinyl - you can get varieties which are waterproof and moderately heatproof, which mean they're fine as long as you don't put boiling hot pots directly on them.

[@zabrinabridges2237]

I’m absolutely loving the lamp shade made out of a basket. I need the How to, please. 😊

[@DebraCole-dr5fy]

Me, also. I want to do this project!

[@LittleRockVol]

Me too! We need a DIY on this!

[@deborahshufflebarger5381]

Concerning a backsplash for your kitchen,if you're able,apply a thin cutout of luan paneling using your command strips and stick your peel and stick tile to it .

[@PJPerdue1293]

I love this idea -- no worrying about whether the drywall will come off too when you take it down.

[@hzeringue1973]

Can we show a video on the how to remove the contact paper from the walls I like to see the after all and done and moving out after all the DIYs Thank you

[@donnabacon4681]

One way, and this works for Command.Hooks, is to use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive to make it easier to remove w/o damage to the walls/drywall

[@brendamerkle5956]

I did contact paper in my rental on countertop. LOVED IT! My counter top had some chips out of it, they looked brand new! Everyone was shocked it wasnt real

[@CraftingMyBestLifewithLisa]

I love all of your renter hacks. As you know, I am a renter too. So inspiring. I am totally uneasy about putting peel and stick anything on counters. I’d love to see peel and stick backsplash in the kitchen and/or bathroom. Also, flooring! Awesome video Alli! 🥰🤗

[@ActuallyAlli]

Thanks Lisa Marie! I also worry about peel and stick. The wallpaper and removable contact paper seems to come down pretty well. I think I might try layering the tiles/backsplash over something I know will remove

[@scootermom1791]

You can apply what you intend to use as a backlash to poster board or thin cardboard then stick it up using 3M command strips. I haven't personally tried this, but I thought about doing so. I did try this using foam board and attaching it on my walls with 3M strips. But, I don't like how thick it is. I think a stiff cardboard or poster board would have worked better.

[@ajbsrf9598]

I would suggest watching some of the videos on Tina Le and DIY Dalia. They have both done renters hacks.

[@lyndareith1206]

I was able (with permission from my landlady) to redo my counter tops throughout by painting to look like marble. She had pink counters from many years go and she really liked the change. I also did peel and stick 12"×12" stainless steel look backslash tiles. Looks awesome. I'm very lucky that my landlady is so great.

[@chriswithers8835]

Alexandra Gater and her team on her you tube channel has experimented with tile application...currently affixing to foam board/ply wood matching wall space dimensions and then caulking around edges for professional finish. I tried in my bathroom but the wall I covered wasn't recessed between a countertop and overhead cabinets so extra wall "thickness" was noticeable. Hers looked great thus the reason I tried it in my home. Just sharing in case you want to research her fails and solutions before attempting yours. It takes a village's experiences to discover most beneficial solutions...

[@ActuallyAlli]

Thank you! I will have to check that out!

[@debbybrigham7095]

I get large murals from Amazon or Temu and put them up with push pins. Looks great and easy to change out.

[@maggielovestoads]

Contact paper on cabinets I would try but maybe not on counters? Just because I worry that it won’t be food safe. But you can put painters tape underneath it so you’re sticking it to the tape and not the surface itself

[@suecox2308]

I've used Contact paper on kitchen and bathroom counters several times. It's easy to do--all you need is a metal ruler and razor blades or an Xacto knife--and the branded version (Contact is actually the brand name) lasts literally for years. You need to use trivets for hot pans, but I've found it very durable. and the difference it makes is amazing. It also strips off easily when you're ready for a change or you decide to move.

[@PJPerdue1293]

Thanks, this is what I really want to try.

[@alishacas9162]

Me too!

[@legingembrefou5981]

My kitchen vibe is retro pastel so I used pink marble contact paper on my counters. They don’t look cheap or tacky AT ALL; if you didn’t know, you’d think they were something more substantial than contact paper. They were easy to apply (by myself), look gorgeous and they’re sturdy af (I am really rough on my counters and they’ve not budged in six years)

[@ActuallyAlli]

That sounds so cute! I love colorful retro kitchens! And that makes me more confident to try the contact paper hearing you have had success!

[@harenhallharfoot]

The dark blue accent wall with the shelving is so striking! Would love to see how you add the shelf and hooks. Thanks for all the tips!

[@LittleRockVol]

Agree! Need a step by step on this!

[@maggielovestoads]

I’m moving out to my own place for the first time (apart from college!) in a couple months and I am SO hyped that I found your channel. I love interior design and I’m excited to learn renter friendly ways to make my apartment feel like mine

[@cindycox9496]

I put in a small area in bedroom, some removable wallpaper in brick it looks great! Bought at dollar store. Another thing to try is buy a shelf tier that usually goes over toilet the bathroom toilet, I put in my bedroom with my nicknaks, looks cute!

[@ActuallyAlli]

Both are such cute ideas! I love adding the extra shelf in the bathroom like that. I had one for years, it's so useful!!

[@dodiegoldney]

Lots of great ideas here! ❤Thank you! I did my counters with dark grey marble peel and stick. They are really old laminate, and the sink side has bubbled from past water damage from a tap leak. That was difficult, but eventually, with some cussing, it worked out. The flat counter on the other side of the kitchen was easy-peasy! I later used the same stuff on some metal cabinets that had fake wood (yuck) tops, which I put in my entryway next to the kitchen, so it looks sort of unified. It was also pretty easy. So if you have flat counters, you'll be fine. Definitely get the kind recommended for countertops - it's not as stretchy/flexible as the shelf liner/wallpaper variety, but it has a realistic counter-like sheen to it and it's super easy to clean. To make it easier, you can spray the counter with soapy water to make it easy to position, then squeeze all the water out when you go over it with the squeegee tool.

[@ActuallyAlli]

These are fantastic tips, thank you!! There's a big mark on my apartment counters (also laminate) where someone clearly sat a hot pot down on it. I think contact paper would look so much better than that!

[@janices5389]

One tip/trick I think you missed - and I think it was just an oversight - they now make lightweight peel and stick molding meaning you can easily add crown molding, a deeper base board, or even create a chair rail. Oh, and peel and stick cable covers are a great way to hide and control unsightly wiring. Thanks for the great vid. New subscriber looking forward to more!

[@ActuallyAlli]

I love those ideas! I want to try them out in my current apartment! Definitely will need to get those cable covers for my bedroom makeover!

[@Ktrvrn]

You have great ideas! I love shelves but my home is so small.

[@mommygarcia9137]

Yes ! Try contact paper on the countertops it looks great if you know how to apply it ! I tried it & it looked great & came off easy after a year of installing it !! New subbie here ! Thanks for the tips !!

[@whimsicalwreatherlori78]

I covered my kitchen counters with contact paper and caulked around the wall, sink, etc and when I removed it, I just heated it up with my hairdryer starting in one corner and heating it as I pulled it up and it all came up really easy in pretty much solid sheets like I put in down and only had a couple spots where there was adhesive residue but it cleaned right off with dawn dish soap. Go for it! I loved mine and it brightened upy dreary kitchen sooo much! Just remember not to put a hot pot/pan on it or cut anything on the counter bc it will burn and a knife will cut right thru it. I didn't use the marble style I used one that looked like had little colored chips in it and matched my kitchen decor perfect!

[@HeronCoyote1234]

I have one longish wall in my lvr. There’s a single window about 2/3 of the way across. I put my Tiffany framed painting (that I’ve had since the ‘80s!) on the larger part of the wall, but it looked too small for the space. I couldn’t do drapes because the other (double) window is over a radiator. My solution was to put up a curtain rod over the single window, and thread two vine lengths (from Michael’s) on the rod, scrunching them together to create fullness. This balanced out the whole wall, helping the painting look not so lost and small.

[@terryshaw3493]

Great ideas! I could use some of these ideas in my mobile home. thank you for sharing!

[@cathyhigbee7248]

I have used contact paper on counters and it worked well. Came off easily. I would definitely do it again.

[@larasoohon207]

Awesome awesome video I truly enjoy all your tips and ideas for rental spaces.

[@xpj1000]

I totally agree on doing something about the cabinet shelves in an apartment. the cabinets in my apartment are a light silvery gray and the interiors are white. they were stained inside so i disinfected them and just set the soft non-adhesive but grippy perforated shelf liners (in white) in all the cabinet shelves. they are super easy to cut to shape and provide some sound dampening and cushioning for your glass and ceramic ware. those are an easier alternative to contact paper. in fact, having seen contact paper in older homes, it has never appealed to me and i've never considered using it. for the cabinets under sinks (kitchen and bathrooms) i just bought those rubbery mats. The ones in my apartment were stained beyond repair and very unsightly. just measure the floor space of the cabinet under sinks and you'll find mats that will fit suitably.

[@andreahughes1]

Great video! Can I get a link for the wallpaper and that show closet by your front door?

[@cierapaige9139]

I would do the peel and stick tiles over contact paper on the backsplash

[@hecatia]

I've done contact paper on kitchen counters. It looked okay but was hard to remove (I didn't know about heating up the adhesive to help it release). But also it's hard to make it look good around your sink if it's not a square/rectangle shape. I also put the peel and stick backsplash tiles up--they do remove the paint underneath, but most times your landlord will be repainting when you move out anyway.

[@laurenclark5734]

Just found your channel. Love it!. The game changer for me was the curtain brackets that attached to vertical blinds balance or there’s also one for mini blind valances. My apartment faces west so having curtains to block that in the afternoon is awesome. Plus, it helps with blocking out extreme heat or extreme cold. And it helps with sound in the apartment. It might be nice to hang the draperies closer to the ceiling but actually I’m OK with them. Just hanging from The vertical blinds valance.

[@LittleRockVol]

Wow, I didn't know these existed! I definitely will look for these. I have two very large windows in my apartment that let in a lot of cold and heat.

[@laurenclark5734]

@@LittleRockVol available on Amazon for verticals or mini blinds. There are game changer for apartment renters.

[@barbarajackson4419]

If you heat removable wall paper with a hair dryer it comes of much easier

[@ActuallyAlli]

Yes! This is a great tip! Works well for any kind of adhesive you may be having trouble with removing!

[@jibberjabber3477]

I tried contact paper on my countertops in my last house as well as my last apartment and discovered that the longer you leave it on, the harder it was to remove. In my house, it was only on for less than a year but I was at my apartment for 7 years and it would not budge. I also did the same with frosted glass film, it was on for 2 years at my house and came off fairly easy but was on my apartment sliding glass doors for 7 years and would not come off. Let’s just say, I didn’t get my deposit back…

[@LittleRockVol]

Very good to know!

[@NoMoreTears64]

I won't do contact paper ever. We used to put that on shelves in a daycare I worked at and it was an absolute nightmare getting it off. I'm also very leary of "peel and stick". I had some "peel and stick" supposedly removeable flowers in my closet and it wouldn't come off without dynamite.

[@ForTheLoveOfTina]

Where is the entryway shoe holder from?

[@christalhernandez9509]

Thank you so much for this video! I can't wait to use these as soon as I move into my new apartment!

[@nancyhirst1055]

Hi, in regards to your counter tops, I was watching ab episode of home sweep home…when she was redoing her kitchen and used peel and stick contact paper and it was easy and came out beautiful….I’ll try and find the episode and get back to you with it.

[@lilamillan1501]

Very very helpful and inspirational ❤

[@ActuallyAlli]

Thank you!!

[@dianerincon3196]

Thank you for these ideas. We’re older and hadn’t rented from 1994-2018. Since 2018 we’ve rented 3 different apartments. We’re always looking for ways to maximize storage, etc.

[@PJPerdue1293]

I'm so glad you're back after the holiday break! These are stellar tips and tricks for renters. Here's a little one... I found a pretty little square metal tea box at a thrift store. I put a strong magnet inside, stuck it to the side of my fridge and I keep a couple of pens in it to jot things down on my grocery list (also magnetted to the fridge) and my instant-read thermometer. It's so pretty I found a second one to hold my little funnels.

[@ActuallyAlli]

That's such a great idea! I've been wanting to do something with the side of the fridge! The tea container sounds so cute

[@mohonadasorthi4923]

This is such a helpful video! I'm moving into my first rented apartment and I can't wait to try these tips out!❤️

[@versiec]

loved the video! I'm going to try out the coffee station idea

[@leslieschmitt7749]

Thank you for all the great ideas … everyone is a winner!!

[@ChristinaSutherland-pp2sk]

Love the light idea as well ❤

[@Creole_Lady]

You can use tiny flat tacks to hang up your wall paper instead of contacting it with the sticky back

[@caroleanderson1106]

Have a love/hate experience with contact paper. Was going to do my bathroom counter, but figured it might be hard to cut out for the sink. Put the contact paper on my craft table, but could not get the air bubbles out. I'll be painting the bathroom counter. The painting might be easier than the contact paper. Wish you luck if you're going to do the counters.

[@ActuallyAlli]

I'm definitely nervous to try the counters, that's why I haven't yet! Thanks for sharing your experience with it! Maybe I'll test it on a small project first

[@shannonmurphy9790]

first time on your channel - so creative! Thank you! I'm subscribed now.

[@ActuallyAlli]

Hi Shannon! Thanks for watching and subbing!!

[@FernEasley]

I love your ideas. Here's your challenge. Can you make a wall closet where you come in, sit down take you shoes off, putting them in the bench, with a mirror and place to hang your hats and scarves?

[@deefaye7336]

I just found your channel and I so enjoyed these tips & tricks. So I subscribed😃 I can't wait to binge watch more.

[@mariallableu8388]

Please try the contact paper on countertops and cabinets!

[@leslieschmitt7749]

I love all the ideas in this video!! Thank you! 😊🩷

[@serasmiles2]

very comprehensive list. well done.

[@careyclouser1022]

My cabinets have NO knobs. I'm always breaking nails. Is there a way to add knobs or pulls without drilling? I thought about 3M but then I'd have to make sure there was enough flat space on the pull to actually hold it on. Maybe that nano tape. Idk but I need help!!

[@DawnDavidson]

Maybe ask your landlord if they mind if you install knobs? If you get permission, they might not mind. Could be an improvement for the next person.

[@dvrn49]

I think you should try the contact paper countertop. I have thought about doing it myself but I’m a little hesitant.Thanks 😊

[@mslollypop2298]

I just love your craft room.

[@courtneysotodupuis3631]

So glad I came across your video! I’m in the military and currently stationed in Okinawa living in base housing… I’m planning on using your advice to help make this place look less beige, bland, and boring 😂

[@clairisalong126]

With doing the countertops, it’s like you said for the wallpaper, you really have to look at the reviews, and not all brands are created equally.

[@a_clouded_mind]

Wow, this was incredibly inspiring!

[@devoneybrandon5784]

Thank you! These look great!

[@girlygirlwoman]

Youve done great i your apt! It was encouraging to me to watch all you did. Thank You!

[@spenciegirl9630]

I can’t find a link for your shoe cabinet in your entry…. Can you tell me where you got it?

[@thepenelopejones]

What are you putting down so that your rug 1:01 doesn't creep ontop of your existing carpet??!! Mine walks away in the night

[@GlitzandGlam55]

Great video! Do you have a video of you creating the bookshelf built-in in your current apartment? I’ve been wanting to do something just like that in my home office. Please share link if you have one. Thank you!!

[@Kismetakiss]

Yes do cabinets

[@MsButterfly57]

How do you get basket light cover stick up?

[@LittleRockVol]

Yes, need more details!

[@margaretpare8206]

I called landlord first and changed awful 1970 dark brown ugly cabinet metal hardward with silver door handles. Looks great!

[@elliesart773]

Where is your entry way shoe cabinet from, I looked on your store front but couldn’t find it

[@ActuallyAlli]

@@elliesart773 It's from Ikea! I got it on clearance there and then painted/customized it. But this is the link: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/staell-shoe-cabinet-with-4-compartments-white-60530266/

[@ViennaGatewood]

Easy fun and inspiring looking forward to more

[@sandrafassett1206]

Love your channel!!!

[@Ktrvrn]

Where do you get bead board? I am on a budget. Live in a duplex from 1960s.

[@AyyoShyGurlTv]

Cool channel, great ideas!! Glad I stumbled across your channel and I will be subscribing! 👍😊 I have really been wanting to know how to do diy art for a new apartment. I’m horrible at drawing but painting and other medias just work 😍

[@teebee5326]

Hi. What is the paint color in the room your standing in?

[@juaniseoliver]

I loved the look of my marbled contact paper in counters, but I did not enjoy the removal process 😅

[@ActuallyAlli]

That's my biggest fear lol. I think it can look sooo good but the removal looks like a pain 😬

[@headintheclouds2196]

New to your channel. Great job Allie!!!!👍👍

[@bree8150]

Love all these ideas! ❤

[@triciaromano583]

I want to try peel and stick tiles for flooring. DOES FLOOR TILES COME OFF?

[@kimyoung5655]

That outlet you have blocked behind the shoe cabinet? Plug in a charger and keep power banks in there, so they are always ready when you are headed out and might need one🤷🏼‍♀️

[@ActuallyAlli]

That's a great idea! A little charging station! I currently have a mini lamp plugged into it!

[@tinamcclure7984]

Can u do the peel and stick wall paper on concrete walls. I have a nice rental in Mexico, but the walls are concrete and textured

[@Latomian]

I can help you with this! You’re going to want to look for thicker, high-quality removable wallpaper. I’d also recommend using a textured wallpaper so it sort of “hides” the wall texture.

[@bluecurlygirl]

I changed the hardware in my kitchen and people thought I had installed a whole new kitchen! How crazy is that.

[@RebeccaGimbrone]

Nice ideas.

[@kellyhopchin2922]

Just want to say with peel and stick tile - I found taking it off with a hairdryer worked, but the fumes from the glue gave me one of the worst migraines I have ever had (thought I was having a stroke) so... please be careful lol.

[@ActuallyAlli]

Wow! That's really good to know! And also so scary!!

[@maribellelebre6809]

How about a mask?

[@hollybattaglia184]

Daughter has rental , very small room /closet for nursery. Easy storage and decor ideas for rental nursery?

[@Latomian]

Is she close to an IKEA? So, IKEA has these shoe cabinets (hear me out, hear me out lol), and they are great for space-saving storage. My family has used them for kids’ stuff, as a “linen closet,” etc., and you can even dress them up with wood planks on top. As for decor, Alli did this cute half wall with command strips and wood. That could be cute with removable wallpaper. Wallblush & Love vs. Design have patterns that would look lovely in a nursery.

[@hollybattaglia184]

Thanks! Yes I have seen those shoe cabinets and Ali's video. Had already talked with her about that. I will check out wall papers. Thx so much!

[@Katie23652]

I’m thinking no, on the contact paper counters. It doesn’t look that good, and it’s horrible to remove. What about butcher block wood strategically placed on top of the counters, here and there? It would be nice if there was a way to “slipcover” our counters with another hard surface that is safely staying put, but easy to remove, too. 🧐

[@ActuallyAlli]

I have seen something like that exists, but more for home owners! I wonder if there's a better solution for renters. I like the butcher block idea!

[@DawnDavidson]

@@ActuallyAlli I’ve seen Alexandra Gaeter put tile on walls by screwing plywood to the wall, and tiling over THAT. The way she does it makes it possible to remove the whole thing later. So I am wondering if there would be a way to do that for countertops? Create a plywood “cap” that extends down over the front edge of the counter, covers the whole counter surface, and possibly extends up the wall a bit for a backsplash. You could then cover that with tile. Probably need to do it in sections or it would be too heavy. Could possibly cover the joins with some of the silicone gap filler strips that are meant for between the counter and the stove. Dunno if it would work, but it’s a thought. Caulking might work as well, if you were able to remove it later somehow. Depending on how big your kitchen counters are, you could possibly do the same thing by facing the plywood with a relatively thin layer of butcher block wood. Those would be way harder to maintain, though.

[@carolynhence-carradineb.8778]

Love this idea maybe I try it

[@evelynbarnes1446]

I'm looking forward to your new video

[@calendarpage]

I have a question about command strips. When I bought my house, the previous owners had them in one room. I tried to get them off the wall, but they wouldn't budge, so I left them alone for fear I'd ruin the paint/drywall. Luckily, they are up and out of the way and blend into the paint, so I didn't care. Now I'm downsizing and renting a house in a new state. I'd love to use them (especially with the bead board as you show here), but I'm afraid they'll remain stuck. Did the previous owners do something wrong?

[@ActuallyAlli]

Hi there! I believe it all has to do with the application and type of strip. I've been using them since 2010 and have never had an issue! Here's my tips: -I find the name-brand Command Strips work the best at both application and removal. -I've had the best luck with the picture hanging strips (the velcro-like ones). The poster & hook ones work fine too, but I've dealt with the hooks detaching from the strip -Never apply them to a recently painted wall. I'd wait at least 4 weeks if the walls were recently painted -I always follow the instructions for application and removal exactly on the packaging. It suggests using rubbing alcohol to clean the wall before applying, and that does seem to help whenever I do that vs whenever I skip that step -The foam and adhesive deteriorates the longer they're up. When it's time for removal, very slowly pull and stretch the strip downward until it is completely removed I hope this helps some! I'm willing to answer any other questions you have!

[@LittleRockVol]

I second Ali's reply. It's especially important to pull the tab DOWN very slowly, not OUT, when removing.

[@willowsverge3046]

Be sure to check your lease. I found out the hard way that i cant even take down a towel rack in the bathroom. Had to put it back up. I cant imagine what would happen if i removed the switch plates or door pulls! 🙄

[@faithlumpkin6329]

Your ideas are great even if you’re not a renter.

[@KattEyl]

Great ideas

[@shalikiday]

I put marble contact paper on a kitchen island and it looked great, but it is SO HARD to get off cleanly. Not worth it! It took hours to get it off!

[@theacurry9090]

You’re suppose to heat it up with a blow dryer first. Also pick a good contact paper cause I’ve never had an issue, came off in 20 minutes start to finish.

[@GilliMarieMoody]

Thanks. Respectfully, I strongly suggest increasing the volume during the editing process OR rent a Lavaliere mic for about $20. Cheers.

[@H37P5kY57]

I hear so often that a renter needs to use elbow grease and some products to redo the floors after peel and stick. Also the wallpaper/contact paper also leave a film and sometimes peels off paint and drywall.

[@cjjjj7163]

IDEA FOR ENTRY LIKE SEAT + shoe storage

[@nancyhirst1055]

Hi, I’m back home seep home was two months ago about a brick wall they also did their countertops….hope this is helpful…

[@beautystylemama]

I really hate boob light in my apartment which is not my style thank you for the idea

[@MimiNwabuokuMD]

Ma’am. Why you gotta be like this? Why are you coming for our necks and calling us all bald headed? Felecia , indeed! 😂😂😂 You look absolutely amazing, and I love this for you.🤗🥰

[@kelliewright8915]

Amazing as always my friend! 🖤 can’t wait to see what you do this year. You inspire me ✨

[@ActuallyAlli]

Hi Kellie! Thank you 💜

[@ChristinaSutherland-pp2sk]

Wow, you have all the same ideas I have...awesome!

[@ItsNearMellowL]

Ive literally been googling rental cabinets and felt i was the only one thinking they were disgusting 😂 awesome video!!

[@christinnafink9716]

We'd like to see the counter top