A woman transformed her rental apartment into a dream space for $1,500 using paint and removable tiles

Samantha GrindellSep 11, 2020, 20:34 IST

Lisa Lu renovated her rental apartment with just $1,500.Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lisa Lu decided to renovate her 350-square-foot studio apartment in New York City.
The apartment is a rental, so Lu had to ensure she made changes that could be undone when she moved out of the space.
Lu transformed her apartment for $1,500 using paint, a peel-and-stick backsplash and tile flooring, and new light fixtures.

Lisa Lu has lived in her studio apartment in New York City since 2012.

Lisa Lu lives in New York. Lisa Lu

"While I had put effort into styling the main spaces of my studio, the kitchen and bathroom, though unsightly, could be tolerated," Lu said.

Lisa Lu renovated her apartment while she was self-isolating. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu started her renovation with the kitchen, but she had to be thoughtful about the changes she made since she doesn't own her studio.

The kitchen was a focus of the renovation. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu brought modern color contrast to the kitchen.

She had to make changes that could be reversed. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

The brass hardware is actually a permanent change to the kitchen.

The hardware is permanent. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

After she finished the changes in the kitchen, Lu decided to update the bathroom.

The bathroom door is pink. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu painted the bathroom as well.

The bright walls make a big difference in the space. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu couldn't remove the floor tiles, but she could cover them up.

The floor is temporary. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu also decided to give her dining space a refresh.

The mustard wall offers a pop of color. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

New seating and a print complete the space.

Small changes make a big difference. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu told Insider the renovation only cost about $1,500 in total.

The changes weren't too expensive. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu was surprised by how much she enjoyed renovating her space.

Lu had fun with the process. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

A friend helped Lu with the more intense parts of the renovation.

A friend helped her. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu said she's interested in doing more renovations in the future.

Lu is eager to personalize all of her future dwelling spaces. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

Lu advises people who are starting renovations for the first time to start small.

Start small. Melissa Lee/Lisa Lu

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