Apartment living has evolved. With recent studies suggest a significant shift toward long-term or "life-long" renting, with nearly 20% of surveyed renters planning to rent forever, for many Australians, renting is no longer a temporary stop on the way to something “better”, it’s a lifestyle choice shaped by flexibility, location, and ease. As this shift continues, apartment interior design has become one of the most powerful ways renters personalise their space, improve everyday comfort, and create a home that supports how they live.
The challenge? Designing a rental-friendly apartment that feels stylish, functional, and uniquely yours, without permanent changes or unnecessary expense.
The good news is that modern apartment interior design is increasingly renter-focused. From smart layouts, to flexible furnishings and thoughtful finishes, today’s design trends make it easier than ever to feel at home in a rented apartment.
These nine renter-approved apartment interior design ideas are winning over Aussies – and why they work so well in modern apartment living.
1. Neutral foundations that flex with your style
Great apartment interior design always starts with a neutral base. Soft whites, warm greys, muted stone tones and light timber finishes create a calm canvas that works across seasons and personal styles.
For renters, neutral styles are practical, as well as aesthetic. Neutral foundations make it easy to layer personality through furniture, artwork, textiles and décor without clashing or overwhelming the space. They also reflect light better, which studies show help increase perceived happiness for healthier living.
Modern apartments, like ours at Indi, are increasingly designed this way by default, recognising that flexible, neutral interiors allow residents to make the space their own.
2. Multi-functional furniture that earns its footprint
Space is valuable in apartment living, which is why multi-functional furniture has become a cornerstone of smart apartment interior design.
Think:
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Sofas with built-in storage (or an additional sofa-bed for visitors)
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Extendable dining tables
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Beds with drawers underneath
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Ottomans that double as coffee tables.
These pieces can help to reduce visual clutter, improve the flow of your space, and support flexible living – whether you’re working from home, entertaining friends, or simply unwinding at the end of the day.
For renters, they’re also a smart long-term investment. Well-chosen multi-purpose furniture moves with you easily – fitting effortlessly into your current home and the next one, too.
3. Thoughtful zoning – without walls
Open-plan layouts are common in apartment living, but great apartment interior design still promotes wellness and productivity by creating a sense of separation between living, working, and resting zones.
Renters are increasingly using design tricks to define spaces without permanent changes such as purchasing large rugs to anchor specific living areas. This approach among others supports better daily rhythms, helping work stay in one zone and rest in another, even within a compact footprint.
4. Timelessness over trends
Rather than chasing fast-moving trends, many Aussie renters are gravitating towards apartment interior design choices that feel timeless and tactile.
For this, textural layering is key:
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Linen or boucle cushions
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Wool or jute rugs
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Timber accents
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Ceramic and stone finishes.
Texture brings warmth and depth to a space, without relying on bold colours or any permanent changes. It also helps apartments feel more “lived in” and emotionally comforting, each of which are qualities renters increasingly value.
5. Lighting that does more than just illuminate
Lighting is one of the most underrated elements of apartment interior design because it has a huge impact on how a space feels and its sustainability.
Because renters can’t always install new lighting fixtures, portable lighting such as table or floor lamps, become powerful design tools. It lets you shape the mood of your apartment, without any permanent changes. That’s why many Aussie renters are moving beyond traditional single overhead lights, and embracing layered lighting instead.
6. Storage that feels intentional, not intrusive
Clutter can undo even the best apartment interior design. That’s why Aussie renters love storage solutions that feel intentional, not just purely practical and functional – built-in shelving units, storage baskets that double as décor, or even minimalist wardrobes with internal organisers.
The goal? Reduce visual noise. When storage solutions blend smoothly into the design, apartments feel larger, calmer, and far more liveable.
7. Personalisation without permanence
One of the biggest myths about renting is that you can’t personalise your space – but good modern apartment interior design proves otherwise.
Renters are turning to removable, low-risk solutions such as peel-and-stick artwork hooks, temporary wallpaper and decals. These add character to a space, injecting personality while still remaining rental-friendly. They also allow renters to easily refresh their space over time, so their apartment reflects who they are right now.
8. Indoor-outdoor flow, even in small apartments
Wellbeing in apartment living depends heavily on sustainable, natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors. Modern apartment interior design reflects this by maximising balconies, windows, and fluid indoor-outdoor spaces.
Design choices that support this include:
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Lightweight outdoor furniture that mirrors indoor style
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Sheer curtains that soften light, without blocking it
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Plants placed near windows or balcony doors.
Even a small balcony can become an extension of your living space when designed thoughtfully, enhancing both your wellbeing and apartment liveability.
9. Design that feels good to live in, not just good to look at
Ultimately, the apartment interior design choices renters value most are the ones that make everyday life easier.
That means low maintenance materials, layouts that support movement and routine, and spaces that feel calm rather than cluttered. It’s less about putting on a show, and much more about creating homes that prioritise comfort, balance, and longevity – homes that support work, rest, health, and social connection.
Why apartment interior design matters more than ever
As renting becomes a longer-term choice for many Australians, apartment interior design plays a bigger role in overall quality of life. Many organisations report that a well-designed apartment doesn’t just look good, it reduces stress, supports healthier routines, and creates a stronger sense of home.
Build to Rent communities, in particular, are responding to this shift by designing purpose-built apartments that prioritise layout, light, flexibility, and liveability for their residents from day one. When the foundation is right, renters can focus on styling rather than fixing.
When your apartment is designed to suit your real life, not an idealised version of it, everything feels easier, calmer and more intuitive.
That’s what modern apartment living in Indi is about: creating a home that works for today, adapts for tomorrow, and feels like yours every step of the way. It’s renting built around you.
