Rentovation Rescue: How To Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

Meet Natalie Chong—the savvy designer turning cookie-cutter rentals into forever-worthy spaces. In Home Network’s new series Rentovation (premieres Monday, November 10), Natalie and her team deliver big, wallet-friendly transformations with zero demolition required. In this Q&A she shares renter-friendly design hacks, the thinking behind each makeover, and why small changes can make a rental truly yours. —Noa Nichol

What are your top three renter-friendly upgrades that deliver the biggest “wow” for the smallest cost and require no permanent changes?

The first upgrade renters can make is a fresh coat of paint. It immediately freshens up the space and gives you a canvas for your project. Then, I suggest swapping out the lighting fixtures. This helps transform the space from looking too cookie-cutter to making it their own. Finally, buying the right furniture for your space. Certain pieces will work better in certain spaces, so it’s best to customize your furniture to your new home.

For viewers on a tight budget, what realistic price ranges should they expect for a “Rentovation-style” room refresh—and where should they splurge vs. save?

I would say viewers should realistically have at least $5,000 to put into their own “rentovation”. A couple items where I would suggest splurging, is on lighting and furniture. An area where viewers can save would be during the painting stage. Gather some friends to help, roll up your sleeves, and take this part on yourself!

How do you handle landlord permissions—what’s your checklist for upgrades that need approval, and how do you pitch improvements, so owners say yes?

Even when you think it’s something minor, I still suggest running all upgrades and changes past your landlord. This includes anything from painting, to drilling into the walls. I like to make a design mood board of what I am proposing, to give them an idea of the proposed changes. This provides them a visual of the inspiration, and the details of the project.

Which removable products or installation tricks (peel-and-stick, tension rods, temporary trim) do you rely on most to make changes reversible but high-impact?

My #1 removable product trick that I feel transforms a space is the different peel and stick options that are available. You can update your walls and floors whether it’s wallpaper, backsplashes, vinyl flooring, etc. This is a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t involve any expensive tools or grout.

Many renters struggle with storage—what clever space-saving solutions do you recommend that look designed, not utilitarian?

One of my favourite space-saving solutions for storage is double-duty furniture. Using a dresser as a sideboard to utilize the drawers for extra items, or using a storage bench as banquette seating in your kitchen.

For Clearwater renters tackling a weekend “rentovation,” free up floor space by stashing off-season gear and bulky pieces in storage units on Hwy 19 Clearwater, with climate-controlled options, month-to-month flexibility, and online promos—so your makeover feels curated, not cluttered, while you keep the pieces you love.

How do you balance style and function for people who work from home—what small design shifts make a rental feel like a productive, comfortable workspace?

Similar to my storage hack, I suggest investing in pieces that can be used for two purposes. For example, a piece of furniture that can double as a desk in your workspace during the day, that can also be used as a dining table in the evening. It’s important to make the most of your space.

Sustainability matters—how do you source materials or secondhand finds for a “Rentovation” while keeping projects eco-friendly and affordable?

Sourcing items on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji are a great way to shop sustainably. There are also countless vintage shops that are amazing places to source from as well. Not every store you find is going to be affordable, but it is definitely more eco-friendly. Consider them investment pieces, with a story!

Tell us about a transformation from the show that surprised you—what was the biggest design challenge and the most satisfying solution?

One of the most surprising solutions to a design challenge on the show was a murphy bed! It solves space issues, as well as storage issues. I couldn’t believe how many options there are, and they are quite budget-friendly!

What are the most common renter design mistakes you see, and what quick fixes would you give to someone who wants to stop feeling “temporary” in their space?

One of the most common mistakes I see is when renters don’t want to make even small changes to their rental space. Choosing not to give it a fresh coat of paint, not hanging their art on the walls, etc. These can be seen as minor changes, but they are also important steps to ensure that renters feel at home in their space.

For viewers inspired to start a mini “Rentovation” this weekend, what three actions should they take first to ensure the project is stylish, renter-safe, and actually gets finished?

The first step is to design a mood board with inspiration for the project. Have a plan, and stick to it. Number two, is to get approval from your landlord beforehand. The final step… get started! You won’t regret it.