If you want to get the most out of your rental property, you have to look at it through the eyes of a tenant. In today’s market, most renters are looking for much more than just a roof over their heads. They want a personal space they can call home with designs that feel intentional and well-kept.
By focusing on the right renovation choices and making smart aesthetic updates, you can increase your return on investment while keeping your occupancy rates as high as possible.
Below, we’ll look at some of the best ways you can turn your property into a place everyone wants to rent.
Creating a Great First Impression
The first time a tenant sees your property, they’re likely already making a judgment call simply by looking at the outside. Before they even step through the door, they’ve looked at the lawn and the front of the building, the state of the exterior walls, and the cleanliness of the driveway. It’s important to make your property’s curb appeal as impactful as possible.
When potential renters finally do walk inside, you want them to feel like they could live there. It doesn’t have to be a luxury mansion. You just need to show them a space that is cozy, clean, and functional. If you nail that first showing, you’ll have a much easier time keeping the unit filled.
Using Neutral Color Palettes
Sticking with neutral colors like cream, stone, or tan is often the best move when staging a rental property. These shades help to create a blank canvas for potential renters, making it easier to imagine how they would use the space and make it their own.
Neutral colors also make your rooms feel bigger and brighter. Still, just because you’re using these colors doesn’t mean you need to keep the property looking boring. You can add more warmth and personality with things like rugs, curtains, or throw pillows. These small touches make the space feel like a home without being overwhelming.
Updating Your Furnishings
It’s smart business to stay away from property design trends that might look dated in a year or two. Instead, look for timeless finishes like matte black, satin chrome, or aged copper if you want to update furnishings.
This same idea applies to your kitchen cabinets and countertops. Choosing clean, simple designs ensures the home stays attractive to a wider range of people for a longer time. Your goal should be to incorporate upgrades that look just as good five years from now as they do today.
Incorporating Custom Architectural Details
If your property has unique features like old wood floors, decorative molding, or vintage tile, make sure they stand out. These details are hard to find in standard modern builds.
They give your rental character and make it memorable. Often, these original elements can be the deciding factor and what your tenants consider when choosing your listing over a generic apartment down the street.
Practical Flooring Solutions
Whenever possible, choose durable flooring materials like tile, high-quality laminate, or waterproof vinyl. These options look modern and can handle a lot of wear and tear.
They’re also much easier to clean than carpet and don’t scratch as easily as hardwood. This is a huge selling point for tenants with kids or pets and can save you a lot of money on maintenance needs between leases.
Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
Kitchens and bathrooms are the hardest-working rooms in any house. You should prioritize materials that can stand up to daily use. Even small things like soft-close hinges can make a big difference in how high-quality the home feels.
If your cabinets are in good shape but look a little old, you don’t need to necessarily replace them; carry out a large renovation project. Even swapping out the handles and drawer pulls is a cheap and easy way to give the whole room a fresh look.
Adding Built-in Storage Space
Everyone needs more storage space. This is a major factor for most renters, especially if the home is on the smaller side. You can add more value to your rental by installing wall shelves or organizing the closets better.
Don’t forget to use the space at the top of closets or under the bed. These smart storage solutions help tenants feel like they have enough room for their personal belongings and can make them want to stay longer.
Creating Adaptable Living Spaces
Open floor plans are still very popular. Since so many people work from home now, tenants are looking for spaces that can do more than one thing.
You can make your rental more attractive by pointing out quiet corners for a desk or sunny spots that work well as a reading nook. When a bedroom can easily fit a full office setup, it becomes much more valuable and can attract a larger pool of potential renters.
Providing More Tenant Benefits
Modern appliances can be a huge draw. For example, having a washer, dryer, and dishwasher in the unit will provide you with the ability to charge a bit more and often attract stable tenants.
Smart home features are also becoming the standard. Electronic locks, smart thermostats, and fast internet connections are things people are willing to pay extra for. These upgrades make life easier for the tenant and give you more peace of mind.
Accommodating Animal Needs
A lot of renters have pets, so making your rental property pet-friendly can give you a big advantage. One way to do this is by installing waterproof flooring so you won’t have to worry as much about accidents or damage.
If your property has a backyard or a patio, make sure to highlight this as well. Having a safe place for a dog to go outside is a massive bonus that can help you attract more potential renters.
Make Smarter Design Choices for Your Rentals
Designing a rental property optimally is about finding the balance between style and business. Every decision you make should consider both how it looks and how long it will last. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful property that stays occupied and provides a steady return on your investment.
Author Information
–Rebecca Denis–
Rebecca Denis is the Head of Interior Design at Revive Real Estate and an accomplished interior designer with over a decade of experience creating inspired, functional spaces. Known for her refined aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, Rebecca brings creativity and strategy together to transform everyday interiors into meaningful experiences. She’s built a reputation for turning ideas into inspiring spaces that balance beauty, comfort, and function. Rebecca’s diverse portfolio includes commercial projects, curated show homes, and bespoke custom interiors—each reflecting her belief that thoughtful design can elevate how people live, work, and feel in a space.
