Designing a rental space often comes with a unique set of challenges. Unlike homeowners, renters usually face limitations when it comes to customizing floors, walls, fixtures, or even the overall color palette. Yet it is precisely within these constraints that creativity shines brightest. When designers are able to fully express their vision in a rental, the result is a testament to clever problem-solving, intentional choices, and a deep understanding of personal style.
I had the pleasure of visiting designer-architect duo Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz of C&J Katz Studio just weeks after they moved into their new home in Boston’s South End. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by how intimate, cohesive, and distinctly “them” the space felt. It was immediately clear that this was not just a rental—it was a home fully realized. Inspired, I asked Cheryl and Jeffrey to share their insights on how to imbue a rental with personality, style, and a sense of permanence, even without the ability to make structural changes.
Love at First Sight
Above: Cheryl and Jeffrey are true believers in love at first sight. For them, certain features—like the marble fireplaces in their South End apartment—were immediate dealmakers, sealing the emotional connection to their new home within minutes of arrival.
Empty nesters at the time, Cheryl and Jeffrey had only just begun considering the sale of their historic Beacon Hill home (see Improper Bostonians: Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz at Home on Beacon Hill) when an unexpected offer from a neighbor accelerated the process. Suddenly, they were house hunting on a tight timeline, seeking a new space that balanced charm with ease. While no longer interested in the deferred maintenance often accompanying a vintage property, they still desired the timeless architectural character that makes Boston homes so captivating.
It was their son—thousands of miles away in San Francisco—who spotted the perfect listing online: a thoughtfully renovated rental with refined finishes, an open floor plan, and abundant natural light. Several months later, the apartment had already begun to feel as though they’d lived there for years, a testament to the thoughtful design choices they made from day one.
Above: Bright, reflective white walls and ceilings amplify the natural light, making each room feel fresh, airy, and welcoming.
Focus on What You Can Change
When it comes to rentals, certain limitations are unavoidable. Landlords are rarely willing to allow tenants to refinish floors in the Scandinavian whitewash or undertake extensive remodeling. Cheryl advises concentrating on what can be customized—namely, the walls.
Her approach is simple, yet powerful: start with all-white walls. A neutral backdrop accomplishes multiple goals. It gives the space a clean, blank canvas on which to layer personal touches. It also allows renters to feel out the apartment before committing to bolder choices, making changes later less intimidating. In addition, white walls reflect light, opening up smaller spaces and creating a sense of generosity and calm that larger furnishings and accessories alone cannot achieve.
To unify their South End apartment and make the most of its natural light, Cheryl and Jeffrey selected their go-to paint: Benjamin Moore’s Snowfall White. The soft, luminous tone brightens the interiors and provides a serene foundation that allows furniture, artwork, and personal items to shine. Even in a rental, this single design decision sets the tone for a space that feels deliberate, airy, and entirely lived-in.
Cheryl and Jeffrey’s approach demonstrates that renting does not have to mean compromising on style. With thoughtful layering, strategic customization, and a clear vision, a rental can feel personal, polished, and unmistakably yours—proof that creativity flourishes even within constraints.