12 Quick Home Updates NYC DIY Fans Are Loving Right Now

Living in NYC means making the most of limited space while still creating a stylish home that reflects your personality.

Small changes can make a big impact, especially when you’re working with tight quarters and rental restrictions.

These 12 DIY updates are perfect for New Yorkers looking to refresh their spaces without major renovations or landlord approval.

1. Peel-and-Stick Backsplashes

NYC apartment kitchens often lack personality, but peel-and-stick backsplashes are changing that story fast! These adhesive tiles come in countless designs from subway tile to Moroccan patterns and install in just an afternoon.

Unlike traditional tiling, they require zero special tools or messy grout. Simply measure, cut with scissors, and press into place. Most importantly for renters, they remove cleanly when it’s time to move.

Many NYC DIYers are layering these over dated backsplashes or bare walls above kitchen counters. The cost typically runs $8-20 per square foot, making this upgrade budget-friendly for even the tiniest kitchenette.

2. Swapping Out Cabinet Hardware

Those boring standard knobs and pulls that came with your apartment? They’re practically begging for an upgrade! Hardware swaps rank among the easiest yet most transformative changes you can make in kitchens and bathrooms.

Brass, matte black, and leather pulls are particularly trending among NYC DIYers this year. The process couldn’t be simpler just unscrew the old hardware and attach the new pieces using the existing holes.

Remember to count your cabinet doors and drawers before shopping, and consider bringing an old pull to the store to ensure your new hardware matches the hole spacing. When you move out, just swap the originals back in!

3. Installing Floating Shelves

When floor space is at a premium, the only way to go is up! Floating shelves have become the NYC apartment dweller’s secret weapon for maximizing storage while adding style points.

The trick is finding studs invest in a good stud finder or use the magnetic method if you’re working with plaster walls common in pre-war buildings. If you’re renting, consider brackets that leave minimal holes or command-strip versions for lighter items.

Style your shelves with a mix of practical and decorative items. Plants, cookbooks, and favorite dishware create that perfect “effortlessly curated” look that’s all over Instagram. Bonus: they make even the smallest rooms feel more custom and intentional.

4. Painting Accent Walls

Nothing transforms a space faster than paint! NYC DIYers are creating focal points with bold accent walls in unexpected colors like terracotta, sage green, and navy blue. The beauty of this project is its low commitment just one wall means less time, less paint, and less hassle if you change your mind.

Are you worried about your security deposit? Good news! Many landlords don’t mind paint jobs if you’re willing to return walls to white before moving out. For extra protection, document the original color and keep a small sample.

When painting in tight quarters, use painter’s tape for clean edges and choose paint with low VOCs to avoid overwhelming small spaces with fumes. A single accent wall typically requires just one gallon.

5. Upgrading Light Fixtures

Those builder-grade flush mounts and boring pendant lights are the first things NYC DIY enthusiasts are swapping out! Light fixtures act as jewelry for your space they draw the eye up and add instant character.

The key is saving the original fixtures to reinstall before moving. Take photos of the wiring before disconnecting anything, and always turn off power at the breaker box. If electrical work makes you nervous, stick to plug-in options like decorative table lamps or floor lamps.

Rattan pendants, minimal brass fixtures, and statement chandeliers are particularly popular right now. For extra impact, install a dimmer switch to create ambiance in your space just be sure to use compatible bulbs and keep the original switch for move-out day.

6. Adding Smart Home Devices

Smart home tech is revolutionizing NYC living spaces without requiring permanent changes! Renters are installing smart plugs, bulbs, and switches that transform ordinary apartments into tech-savvy homes without altering wiring or drilling holes.

Voice-controlled lighting is especially popular imagine walking into your apartment with hands full of groceries and simply asking your assistant to turn on the lights. Smart thermostats like ecobee’s SmartSensor help manage those tricky NYC apartment temperature issues, where one room is freezing while another overheats.

The best part? These upgrades are completely portable when you move. Start with a smart speaker as your hub, then gradually add compatible devices as your budget allows. Many systems now work with multiple platforms for maximum flexibility.

7. Refreshing Grout with Grout Pens

Did you know you can transform dingy bathroom tile without replacing a single piece? Grout pens have become the secret weapon of NYC bathroom makeovers! These miracle markers contain waterproof paint that covers stained, yellowed grout lines with fresh white or colored grout paint.

Application is surprisingly satisfying just trace along each grout line, let dry, and apply a second coat if needed. Most pens cost under $10 and can cover an entire bathroom. For best results, clean the grout thoroughly before application and use a toothbrush to scrub away any surface grime.

Many NYC DIYers report their landlords never even notice the improvement during inspections. If you’re worried, test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the pen works with your specific grout type.

8. Changing Faucet Fixtures

Swapping that basic chrome faucet for something with personality might seem intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most approachable plumbing projects for beginners! NYC DIY enthusiasts are upgrading to matte black, brushed gold, and modern chrome fixtures that instantly elevate bathroom and kitchen spaces.

Before shopping, peek under your sink to identify your faucet type and measure the distance between connection points. Most replacements need only basic tools an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, and perhaps a basin wrench for tight spaces.

When you move, simply reverse the process to reinstall the original fixture. Store all original parts in a labeled ziplock bag. Many NYC renters report this single change making their dated bathrooms feel custom and luxurious despite other limitations.

9. Applying Removable Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper has sparked a pattern revolution in NYC apartments! Unlike traditional wallpaper, these peel-and-stick versions remove cleanly without damaging walls or sacrificing style. Bold florals, geometric patterns, and textured looks like grasscloth or faux brick are especially popular.

Application works best with two people one to hold the panel and one to smooth. Start from the top and work down, using a plastic smoothing tool to eliminate bubbles. For easier application, remove switch plates and outlet covers first.

Many NYC DIYers are using wallpaper creatively beyond just walls. Try lining the back of a bookcase, updating cabinet fronts, or creating a statement headboard wall. Companies like Chasing Paper and Tempaper offer designs specifically sized for rental-friendly projects.

10. Replacing Outlet Covers and Switch Plates

Those basic white plastic outlet covers scream “generic rental” louder than almost anything else! Swapping them for decorative versions in brass, matte black, or even hand-painted ceramic creates instant character throughout your space.

This five-minute upgrade requires just a screwdriver and costs as little as $5 per plate. For a cohesive look, match your new plates to your cabinet hardware or light fixtures. If you’re feeling extra creative, some NYC DIYers are using specialty options like toggle switches instead of flip switches for a vintage industrial vibe.

Remember to turn off power at the breaker before replacing, and keep all original plates in a labeled box for reinstallation when you move. This tiny change makes a surprisingly big impact because these small details are at eye level and used multiple times daily.

11. Styling with New Throw Pillows

If your apartment came furnished or you’re working with hand-me-down furniture, fresh throw pillows deliver maximum style impact with zero tools required! NYC design enthusiasts are mixing textures like bouclé, velvet, and linen for that curated, layered look.

The current trend leans toward fewer, larger pillows rather than many small ones. Try a 24-inch square paired with a lumbar pillow for a modern sofa styling. For budget-friendly options, many NYC DIYers buy just the covers and use pillow inserts from previous decor.

Seasonal swaps keep your space feeling fresh without major investment. Rich jewel tones and textured neutrals are particularly popular in NYC apartments right now, offering warmth against typical white rental walls. For extra space-saving, consider covers that zip off for compact storage when not in use.

12. Hanging Gallery Wall Art

Gallery walls remain the quintessential NYC apartment upgrade they add personality without taking up precious floor space! The current trend favors eclectic collections mixing professional art, personal photos, and meaningful objects for a story-telling wall.

To avoid excessive wall damage, try adhesive hanging strips rated for your frame weights. For heavier pieces, use picture hanging strips that distribute weight across multiple points. Before hammering any nails, arrange your layout on the floor first, then use paper templates on the wall to perfect placement.

Many NYC DIYers are creating gallery walls around TVs to disguise the black box, or using them to add interest to hallways and entryways. For maximum visual impact with minimal wall damage, lean larger frames on mantels, shelves, or consoles, and only hang a few anchor pieces.