Issue #154: 25 Small Home Swaps that Make a Huge Difference

Low-effort changes, whether you rent or own.

I loved my house the moment I stepped into it last summer, but the thing that really sealed the deal for me and made me feel like, “This is a house I can make my home” were the closet tiles. In one of the bedrooms, the previous owners had installed bright, marigold tiles into the floor. It was a small, insignificant detail that told me they loved their home, and was an indication of the care they put into it. I took it as a sign for my capacity to love it—one that’s proven true.

In adapting the house into my own home, I slowly added in my own version of the marigold tiles, making intentional purchases and swapping hardware to create cozy, livable spaces. Each time, I noted changes that made the biggest impact with the smallest effort—ultimately compiling them into this post. Below, I’ve shared 25 game-changing, intentional updates I made to my own home, most of which can be applied to a rental.

This is a massive email, full of tips, so you may need to read it in your browser or expand it in your email to see the full thing!