20 BEST DIYs & hacks for your apartment! ✨ Renter-friendly Ideas

[@ActuallyAlli]

📣 VIDEO CORRECTION! I've had a few questions about the Command Strips I used. I realized I forgot to mention they're the "picture hanging" Command strips! So they essentially are two pieces that join together like Velcro! One piece is attached to the board/panel, the other is attached to the wall. Here's a link to see what I'm talking about: amzn.to/4a6azJM

[@aishamckinney1539]

Quick question... what do you do for textured walls or even ceilings? 🤔🤔

[@ejr2002]

Im glad you showed us how to use shelf paper as a base for thr peel and stick tiles. Ive had some doubts about those tiles not leaving damage behind. Good to know!

[@Nikki_Nichole91]

As a homeowner that has refrained from decorating and making changes due to my fear of commitment, thank you!! 🤗🤗🤗 I’m using ALL of these tips!

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Same!

[@sandysimmer1279]

I love your ideas! I have a home, not an apartment, but I have used several of these ideas for my home. Not because I might sell it in the future, but because they are so easy and beautiful to change the look of my home without a lot of fuss. Love it!

[@ejr2002]

Covering the wire shelving that way is BRILLIANT!

[@PJPerdue1293]

Thank you for collecting so many of these! People don't realize but at move-out time, you can ask your landlord if they'd like to keep the upgrades, or have it put back to original. Often the landlord is very happy to keep them because it can add a bit extra to the next tenant's rent.

[@kzhemh]

True but somethings you will want to take, like all the hardware. The handles in the kitchen can be expensive

[@susanrunge7455]

​@kzhemh You can also ask if the like to buy them. My landlord bought my window blinds - the building required window coverings so she basically had no choice. 😂 They were custom cut so I didn't need them. Had she declined to purchase them, I would have posted a For Sale notice in the laundry room for other tenants to see; I have no doubt they would have been purchased. They were nice & there were many apartments in the building - all with same size windows - so that was a plus. But, if the landlord declined & they didn't sell I would have dumped them. Never liked that landlord.

[@laurenhendry7957]

The landlord should pay for them instead of looking to make an extra profit off what she paid and the labor to put it all together because she did it for herself, not for the landlord.

[@CeliaMitchell-ot5ir]

I agree Lauren. The landlord does not need to make a profit.They charge enough for apartments

[@potatopotatoeOG]

1. Peel and stick tile 2. Wallpaper 3. DIY Arch 4.tension rod shelves 5. Stick on paper towel holder 6. Ceiling light cover 7. Swap light bulbs 8. Kitchen Island makeover 9. Board and Batten on walls 10. Swap cabinet hardware 11. Continue to swap hardware 😂)bathroom, light switch etc 12. Shiplap walls 13. Add a mirror 14. Diy mirror frame 15. Hide cables and cords 16. Faux built in cabinetry 17. Add a rug w/a rug pad 18. Use a tension rod 19. Custom outlet plates Never thought id be the list guy 16.

[@user-nlvmruu]

im confused havent we seen all these tips in a previous renter tip video?

[@P.willow]

It's not even needed as there are show notes already documented.

[@sonyajohnson1890]

And I thank you 🎉

[@IseetheGloryofKingdom]

Thank you for taking extra care with applying things. As a landlord i really appreciate your thoughtfulness 🙏♥️🙏.

[@IseetheGloryofKingdom]

We do have added to our leases must have approval and everything added should we choose must be left in place upon tenant leaving residence.

[@lavonplevin8315]

When we were in the military, I liked putting up wallpaper and borders. I would use the tape for the window plastic for winter. It is a 2-sided tape and peels up easy when you leave it leaves no marks even on flat paint. You can buy replacement rolls from your hardware stores. I also took doors of cheep bathroom cabnets and used tension rods and put small curtains up. I cut from cloth shower curtains to make bathroom match and look more high end.

[@lindavanwey5044]

OMG the kitchen island! Damn. You cannot tell it’s temporary. I am so doing this! I don’t rent, but I also don’t want permanent, as I might want to change it years down the road as styles change! Thank you! !

[@lilithblackmoon161]

I really love all of the projects you did, they look fantastic. I can't wait to try some of these that I've never done before in my new apartment. I do want to share some tips and advice for others and hope it helps. Peel and stick tiles are actually designed to be applied to existing tiles and not drywall. That's why putting down contact paper first is crucial. You can always look for peel and stick wallpaper that looks like tile so you're not spending extra and wasting products. And from personal experience, do not put peel and stick anything in a bathroom. The moisture, regardless of how good your fan is, causes the paper to suction cup to the wall and was impossible to remove. I've heard you can use a hairdryer to loosen the glue, but I still don't think that would have worked. As far as primer goes, the gray does work well, but you can also have primer matched to the exact color you're using. I suggest doing that for darker colors that require a base 3 or 4 paint.

[@Nava-i9d]

You are AMAZING! I am a co-homeowner, and I want to redo my office, but I don't know what to do. Built-in shelves would be awesome, but I'm basically going to have to do whatever myself. I have three big metal shelving units against one wall with wire shelves. Each shelf holds three boxes (I just used regular cardboard boxes), so I folded the lids in and covered them with adhesive wallpaper. Sea foam green on the bottom two-thirds, and cream on the top third with a line of crystals where they meet across the front. So, my shelves look uniform, but stuff is poking out over the box tops, and it's just a mess. I have a ton of books, but they're in the boxes, and I have a small bookshelf filled on the other wall. I let my daughter and her friend put up my pictures. I'm a portrait artist, so I have a lot of framed art, but they put the frames all over the walls, nearly all touching. That clutter gives me anxiety. I also have a sitting area in front of a bay window. I wish I could show you photos and pick your brain. Does anything jump out at you that might help me?

[@vintagelady1]

Your projects are so excellent, both stylish & (mostly) easy. I love that you live in an apartment but still have the full complement of power tools (including the male person with firmer thumbs!). I hope you someday get your own place so you can go full Monty on it---that should be something to see! I do have my own house, but one of the things I think about is that I may be selling it one day & might want to keep it "sellable" (not everyone likes purple walls...). so your ideas apply to homeowners as well! I'm subscribed & can't wait to watch the gallery rail video---b/c a real gallery rail costs a fortune!

[@karolynlove2796]

I don't think your landlord will have you remove anything you've done!! He'll probably up the rent for the upgrades! Lol! You have given me some great ideas that I've been "afraid" to do, so Thank You!! Are you self taught or did you grow up watching a family member do the measuring, cutting, etc.? Just curious because you impress me with your skills! Also you have a great eye for decorating! Thank you so much for sharing your talents!! I'm 76 and always looking to learn something I can use inside and outside my home!!

[@patriciabandeko3842]

Excellent suggestion to use removable drawer liner for stick on tiles!

[@deborahavrillockhart3719]

As a homeowner, I’d pay you to leave all your improvements at move out. This totally elevates the look and increases the rental value.

[@kimberlyshover5299]

Ali, Ive been watching your videos for a while now and Ive learned a lot! I realized I've been living in a "for when" kinda period and that has to stop 🛑 Starting today Im going to start building and decorating the way I want. Im tired of waiting till we get into our "forever home" I want to do things now! Thanks for the inspiration and the great insight! I absolutely love everything you do even if its not my style. Ive picked up a few power tools and Im gonna get a few more 😂😂😂 and start building some stuff! At 55 Im not getting any younger 😊 again thanks for sharing ❤

[@charleneshellenberger170]

Can you share the power tools you are using. I love your table saw

[@jozeenstevens5543]

I love your DIY projects and hacks. ❤❤ I live in Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦 and I often have to pause your videos to check if I can find the same supplies or something similar here I our country.

[@so.many.obstacles]

I recently spent my b-day in Cape Town!

[@bmscott130]

That contact paper is genius! I’m definitely subcribing

[@Soni-bl7tz]

Alli you have convinced me to just DO IT!! I've been dreading getting started on that kitchen backsplash but after watching you in the vid... I THINK I CAN 😅 Thank you for sharing!

[@AnneWilkynson]

I really enjoyed this. I watch this sort of thing all the time, and I must tell you you're very, very good. Your ideas are really good, but the execution is so great! I don't know if it's as simple as you make it look, but I've come away feeling like I can do that!! I've been trying to figure out what to do behind the bed, I'm in the middle of painting the frame while I'm watching you.. THE SHIPLAP IS THE ANSWER!! Honestly, I've been scouring all the decor hot spots, and this is my answer. Sorry so long-winded lol thank you and good luck ❤

[@Julie-o5w7h]

Board and batten blew my mind. What a nice detail.

[@lindajimmerson8542]

WOW! You’re amazing🤩. Your ideas are awesome. Thanks for sharing your creativity and tips!

[@susannee.colella6109]

Another trick for the bathroom mirror is to put a frame on top of the mirror with command strips then use caulking on the inside edge.

[@shazzygirl6595]

I love everything you did! You are so creative and skilled in your diys. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙏

[@marissacisneros7110]

I need help with ideas for my entire apartment lol. But especially my dining room. I have been watching your videos for over a year now and you have given me a lot of ideas.

[@pC-zd4qj]

Amazing difference!!! Great job and thank you for sharing!

[@donnabacon4681]

Fabulous! Ally! Your apt looks more like a higher end home than an apt. That's the idea, right?!!!

[@Julie-o5w7h]

Brilliant! Everything simple and feasible for us clumsy folk. Lighting hacks really made a difference.

[@kierafyles5245]

Gosh, I wish I had the motivation to do this! Our rental is ugly and tired looking, but having had a string of terrible landlords, I don't even bother unpacking everything anymore 😞

[@Fitnessoncallnaples]

I am impressed! Super ideas, techniques, skilled with tools, and a hard worker! I am a new viewer and you have fresh ideas. Btw I moved 5. Years ago into a condo that has great bones but completely lacked in nice interior decor. Thus during the pandemic I too began a complete overhaul of DYI projects. You asked if anyone had a room they could use some help with. Ahhhh I do! I saved my last room my master bathroom and bedroom. Please message me if you would like to assist with my final projects. I would truly appreciate it! Melanie from Naples, Florida.

[@kathyplaga5721]

YOU are AMAZING!!! Thank you so much for posting!

[@foziasaeed6622]

You are so talented and very creative Thank you for sharing your ideas Really appreciated

[@lisakalfus4706]

You need the horizontals for the entryway board and batten

[@AmberGarrett-py6ry]

WOW! Are you handy! The light fixture idea was especially brilliant! Thank you.

[@Chris-fv3pk]

With the claw clip how much weight will they hold, and where can I get them

[@lindabunce5133]

Have you ever had to remove the "removable" contact paper after a year or so? If so...how did it go?

[@cmac9248]

You are incredibly clever & have good taste ! Love your ideas

[@letrecehall3460]

Great ideas for rent friendly apartments and homes. I don’t know what to do with my Living room and dining room, which I am using as my home office.

[@gmv909]

Wowww!! I’m so glad I watched this.. you’re so talented

[@sapphirerain70]

This is an awesome video! I own my home and some of these hacks are awesome lol. I have the same bathroom mirror and same kind of lights above. Thank you for this. ❤

[@mrs.b.s.7212]

You are a genius!!! Oh how I wish I had 1/8 of your creativity. Or could hire you! I am more than slightly intimidated by the power tools & the math/measuring. I’m afraid to try this stuff without you watching over me. Lol

[@disabilityadvoc8]

I drop anything on my floor that sounds like a hammer and my landlord asks what I'm hammering 😂😂

[@cindyalexis616]

Thank you soooo much!!! Just got my apartment and so want to do this so bad! but my fear because they use that cheap paint that peels right off I don’t want to peel off the paint and drywall but I still want to try this. How does it come off like after?

[@vickichartier1939]

Wow I loved all of these. We are renting a house and we are in Fl so it’s a block house, so concrete walls. Do you have any ideas on this??

[@rhetzel9031]

I'm curious how things worked out with the command strips. I never feel very confident in them, either staying on or coming off well when I need them to come off of the wall.

[@cecilianagy3562]

Love all of these!

[@elizabethnavarre7972]

I love the creativity and that you're so careful and thorough. If I'm being honest, I can't stand some of your color choices, but that's just me. Clearly, these can be done in any color imaginable and everyone is entitled to their favorite color palette. I do like the dark wood staining and the gold accents. Great attention to doing it right and safely!

[@maryd.9081]

Good job! You go girl.

[@veronicahartman1751]

After watching your video, I had to subscribe. Your suggestions are great. Gonna have to look at the rest of your videos. Thank you for sharing. 🧡

[@tinamcelyea5972]

I love all your ideas, but how will you pull everything off that you used command hooks on? They are designed to pull straight down, and you can't access any of them. Curious!

[@ActuallyAlli]

@@tinamcelyea5972 they are the picture hanging ones! So they are essentially like Velcro. So I can detach whatever is stuck on the wall, then remove the strip that's on the wall!

[@tinamcelyea5972]

@@ActuallyAlli that makes a lot more sense. Thank you

[@marykayholland6446]

All I can say is WOW, you’re amazing! How did you learn all these tips? Thankful I found your channel, I hope to use some of these. Also, you just get right in there and do it, I’m impressed! 😊

[@lindaknezek-shelton5922]

What I would have given to have this kind of renter! Love her ideas!

[@bjr93390]

What paint brand and color did you use on the faux shiplap? Love that shade of brown! Everything looks great!

[@susanmercurio1060]

I love my power tools too! I do a lot of repairs for myself because I found out that landlords are very sloooow about doing them. I used a double-sided carpet tape to hold down the rug on my carpet. I don't think that I could afford enough carpet pad for the 8 x 10 rug.

[@lilajtblue]

Great job! I like your ideas for even for my home I own.

[@kimberlythompson2858]

New subscriber saying hi from Nova Scotia Canada. In your video talking about your area rug could you please tell me where you purchased the area rug for underneath your bed I need all the info please I’m in love with that rug thank you love you videos❤

[@fitbeaut609]

Can’t wait to see ur Christmas diys

[@victoriachildress9684]

Love this video! Did you use command strips for your photo wall??

[@nikkidodier6700]

You’re a clever genius! ❤

[@lynneclark5313]

Great job!! Personally, I'd ask the landlord if you should leave it on. They may like the improvement. And it saves you the trouble of removal and disposal.

[@susannee.colella6109]

Sorry, you covered the mirror frame later in the video. This is a great video. Thanks

[@patriciareyes9624]

Well done!!! All you made was very pretty. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@annavazquez2426]

I am watching the DIY kitchen video and I want to know if the peal and stick tile is shiny

[@lynnestephens6776]

HELP! Love your videos, however, I do not understand the concept of using the command strips. How will they remove easily when they are stuck to the wall? Do you have a video showing how that works? Thank you so much for your help and your wonderful videos.

[@ActuallyAlli]

Hi Lynne! I don't have any videos removing these specific projects yet, but I did a few similar ideas in my last apartment. You can see the removal here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqjLaINjf9Sfmbcsi=Z50ikfKC8wlz76kS The Command Strips I used work like Velcro!

[@staylorbug3278]

Looks amazing

[@Head_Davis]

Hey, thanks for giving ideas, really amazing

[@melbawoods6513]

What did you put on the kitchen wall before applying the stick on tile?

[@ActuallyAlli]

@@melbawoods6513 It's removable Contact paper/shelf liner. I have the exact product linked in the description box!

[@melbawoods6513]

@ActuallyAlli thank you 😊

[@katherineaustin2477]

Love this video ❤

[@ghostlevelzero7446]

Is there a way to get peel and stick to work with textured walls?

[@lisamitchell9051]

Hi I love your ideas and simple directions that anyone can follow, I like the looks you come up with 😊 However, as a landlord, would you please add to your videos that tenants should always ok these projects with their landlords before doing them..some landlords would not be ok with them, and tenants can end up loosing a lot of their deposit unless they are able to bring the apartment back to the way it was when they moved in. Some of the stick on products do leave sticky behind. I've personally received apts back that were covered in sticky substance and it was very hard to get off. I'd love to see your viewers be told to be sure to remove it and clean the walls well with goo be gone or lemon oi, which both remove the sticky substance well, even a specific video showing how to take it all down and clean it up?? So people don't get in trouble with their landlords and or loose their deposit. I love to have my tenants care abliyt and jeep their homes nice and cute and clean, but its equally nice to get a empty and clean apartment back when they move out. 😊😊😊

[@melbawoods6513]

I love everything you did ❤️ I am unable to do these. You are so talented 💖

[@donnacochran3335]

What do you wash your Wall's with? Plain water or some type of soap too?

[@idabara7585]

amazing! great work!!!

[@nicoletapia6858]

What color of paint was in that "island" in the kitchen?

[@lynnemckenzie8679]

Great video thanks ❤

[@sharetac9296]

Hi, thank you. Loved the video.

[@irenearmato4330]

You do very beautiful work!

[@amandacummins9301]

Loved your work and your ideas

[@MR-pj4zj]

Love the shelves!!!! 🎉

[@KathiWhite873]

Wonderful!

[@sprhtiger]

I really love your work. SHAN FROM Australia 🇦🇺

[@yvonneschermerhorn866]

All these ideas are great!

[@silkes.7817]

May I ask where your kettle is from?

[@whatneth]

Fantastic job!

[@deyigarcia4540]

Don’t see link for gallery rail? Love your ideas😮

[@Catherine-ew1ww]

Hi from ireland! Thanks, you’re great…best wishes🎉!!!

[@ReeInvesting]

love these

[@theravenous8859]

Make sure the whatever you put near the stove is fireproof.

[@mannysmith1962]

Love love your bedroom

[@BethRubino-sq3bn]

U do beautiful work

[@deborahshallin5843]

If you are in the Austin area, I would love to hire you as my decorator as I need help to get the look I want and you get it! Thank you

[@JohnBrown-dd3yd]

video idea - it would be great if you did a video 1 year later moving out. removing all of the items, tips,tricks, correction on applications. what does the walls, etc, really look like ?. Thanks

[@zormier2002]

Not a fan of the arch but everything else was awesome!

[@muneebamuneer9629]

Is it waterproof? The wall paper.

[@amandacummins9301]

Could use plastic shiplap

[@Pawn-Storm]

Please help... I have an open kitchen in a tiny place. I feel like there's too much openess between me in the kitchen, and my guests in the livingroom. Is there a way to visually and/or physically separate the two spaces, so they're not staring at me while I'm fixing dinner?

[@robintimmerman4030]

I rent a 3 bedroom house, most of the rooms are a good size. but then we come to the bathroom.....it is about 9 feet long and only 3 1/2 foot wide.....i have a washer and dryer in it along with a sink, toilet and a shower. there are 2 shelves between the shower stall and the outside wall for storage as well as one shelf over the washing machine. both washer and dryer are full size....in order to open dryer, i have to close the bathroom door......please give me some ideas.....i will be checking out your videos for some help.

[@PatDavison-w6i]

it looks really nice clever girl

[@wendybenn]

Excellent