(My niece bought her own house, and she's recently had a lot of renovations done - the right way )

I don't think you can ever go really wrong with the usual off-white, painted, walls and carpeting that can stand up to a lot of abuse; but too many property-owners try to do some work themselves that they either aren't skilled enough to do or else because they think they can slap something up and save some money.

Some people overestimate their handyman skills, and it shows.

When something like new counters or new bathroom fixtures aren't done right, besides being a pain in the neck for tenants that kind of thing makes bigger problems (as far as damage and fixing go) in the long run.