Making Rentals Look More Expensive

5 Secrets for Making Rental Apartments Look More Expensive

Who says a rental has to feel temporary or basic? With the right upgrades, you can transform your apartment into a polished, high-end space — without breaking your lease (or your wallet). The secret lies in focusing on the details renters often overlook.

Here are five renter-friendly design secrets to give your apartment a luxury feel — starting with one of the most impactful swaps you can make.

Secret #1: Consistent Hardware Finishes (Starting With Your Switch Plates)

Mismatched or builder-grade hardware instantly makes a space feel cheap. One of the easiest ways to elevate your apartment is by creating consistency across your hardware — think cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and yes, even light switch plates.

This is where MAGSi’s Switch R1 comes in. Designed to slide over your existing light switch in under 60 seconds, it’s a renter-friendly, damage-free upgrade that transforms a forgotten detail into a statement piece.

And here’s where color theory comes into play: the finish and tone you choose set the mood of your home.

Azure (deep blue) creates calm and expansiveness — perfect for bedrooms and studies.
Karsh (earthy purple) adds sophistication and warmth, great for dining areas or living rooms.
Olea (olive green) brings tranquility and a natural vibe, pairing beautifully with plants.
Boring (crisp white) offers simplicity and subtle charm, blending seamlessly into minimal or modern spaces.

If you’re curious about how color influences perception, Architectural Digest’s guide to color psychology explains how different hues can completely shift a room’s feel.

By aligning your switch plates with your overall color palette, you’ll create a cohesive, intentional look that immediately feels more expensive.

Secret #2: Layer Your Lighting

Luxury homes never rely on a single overhead bulb. They layer ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm, sophisticated glow. Renters can mimic this with plug-in sconces, floor lamps, and LED strips — no electrician required.

Lighting also changes how you perceive color. A matte Olea switch plate under soft natural light feels earthy and organic, while under cool artificial light it can lean more modern and sharp. Gloss finishes reflect more light, appearing brighter and bolder, while matte absorbs light, making colors look softer.

For inspiration, check out The Spruce’s guide to layered lighting — it’s a renter’s secret weapon for achieving designer-level ambiance

5 Secrets for Making Rental Apartments Look More Expensive

Secret #3: Invest in Textiles

Textiles add depth, comfort, and luxury. A plush area rug, layered throw blankets, or linen curtains can instantly elevate even the simplest rental space. The key is to mix textures: think velvet against linen, jute next to wool.

These small upgrades not only feel great but also signal intentional design — and when paired with thoughtful hardware swaps like Switch R1, they help tie your space together from floor to wall.

If you’re not sure where to start, Apartment Therapy’s textile layering tips are a great primer on mixing patterns and textures the right way.

Secret #4: Bring in Greenery

Plants are one of the fastest ways to breathe life (literally) into your apartment. Even a small collection of potted plants or a tall fiddle-leaf fig can make your space feel curated and high-end.

Color theory plays a role here too: pair plants with Olea or Karsh switch plates for a cohesive earthy palette, or contrast greenery with Azure for a bold, refreshing pop. The result is a layered look that feels deliberate and elevated.

For low-maintenance renters, Better Homes & Gardens list of easy-care indoor plants is a lifesaver.

Secret #5: Curate Your Art

Generic wall art makes a space feel temporary. Instead, go big: one or two large-scale framed prints or a statement canvas can instantly create a luxury vibe. Use removable strips to keep things damage-free.

And don’t forget the details around your art. A beautifully designed wall interrupted by a basic plastic switch plate can feel unfinished. Upgrading to a Switch R1 in a color that complements your artwork ensures every inch of your wall feels considered.

For guidance on curating art that matches your aesthetic, check out MyDomaine’s guide to choosing wall art.

The Takeaway

Making your rental look expensive doesn’t require a gut renovation — just intentional choices. By focusing on consistent hardware finishes, layered lighting, rich textiles, greenery, and curated art, you can transform your apartment into a space that feels high-end and uniquely yours.

With MAGSi’s Switch R1, you can elevate one of the most overlooked details in your home in under a minute — no tools, no damage, no stress. And with a range of colors designed around principles of color theory, you can pick the one that sets the perfect mood for your space.

For more renter-friendly inspiration, check out these helpful reads:

Ready to start? Explore the Switch R1 collection and see how small changes can make a big impact.

Artist Spotlight

Tenmyouya Hisashi

Tenmyouya Hisashi is a Japanese contemporary artist that uses an artistic approach called basara which is centered around taking typically ordinary scenes and elevating them with opulent backdrops. His work highlights the beauty to be found in elevating the world around you.