Although apartments are temporary homes, there’s no reason you shouldn’t express your personal style and feel comfortable in your own home. But given today’s rental prices, finding extra funds for décor in the budget is difficult. And, landlords often forbid painting and structural renovations, so it’s important to check your lease regulations before planning any major upgrades that might cause problems upon move out. Strategic planning helps lessees enhance dull rooms without breaking the budget or risking their security deposits.

Here are five, cost-effective interior upgrades for apartments to freshen up your space for 2016.

1. Revamp your old furniture

Rather than purchase new furnishings, which can cost hundreds – even thousands – of dollars, try sanding and painting your old pieces to help mask dings and scratches while creating new looks. For upholstered furnishings like sofas and chairs, slipcovers come in a variety of patterns and hues to match desired styles. Simply rearranging your furniture to create a new layout can bring a breath of fresh air into a tired space. Make sure all windows are free of obstructions to let as much natural light in as possible, and don’t feel obligated to follow the dated rules of styling.

2. Showcase unique art

White walls are fairly common in rentals, which might not be an issue for minimalist design fans. In fact, a plain palette allows more freedom for designing the rest of the room. But, to avoid a stark and cold feeling, especially during the winter months, hang artwork to liven up white walls. Inexpensive paintings from second-hand shops or framed classic photographs are preferred over pinned movie posters that curl up on the edges and look more appropriate for dorm room walls.

3. Warm up the floors with rugs

Wall-to-wall beige carpeting isn’t a design dream, to say the least, but often the reality in standard apartment units. Instead of living with mediocrity, lay down a unique, oriental throw rug. Hardwoods are preferred over old carpets, so hesitation to cover them with one large rug is understandable. A few small area rugs or hallway runners adds flair and warmth without completely compromising the character of vintage apartments.

4. Try removable wallpaper

Some landlords allow tenants to paint their units, and some completely ban painting. Removable wallpaper doesn’t damage surfaces – including fresh paint – and can be easily removed before lease end. Purchase patterned paper for bathrooms and closets, and solid colors to revive tired living rooms. Make sure you have the time to remove before you leave for good, or your landlord might be shocked and think you’ve applied real wallpaper to the walls – a sight likely to cause panic.

5. Swap out old lighting

Lighting makes all the difference in the ambiance of a space, and is an easy, impermanent fix most of the time. If your apartment lacks natural light, investing in multiple lamps is key. Some mood lighting may be nice for the holidays, too, so try out string lights – even if you lack a tree – or some faux flickering candles to scatter across the living space.

Feel free to get creative with your apartment design, but don’t overspend or damage your apartment in doing so. Always ask your landlord’s approval before making large upgrades, even when you assume responsibility for costs and the enhancements could potentially raise the rental value of the unit.