So you want to decorate your rental place. I’ve moved more in the last four years than I care to admit. Thankfully, I’m done for a while, and have a space that I can fully flex my muscles on to hang, plant and “own” the crud out of. I’ve lived in spaces between 674 sq ft and 2,320 sq ft, and all different construction styles - WWII wood-sided to brick modern with oriental flair. It’s taught me a lot about making the most of a space, especially when I’m only there temporarily.
1. Change your light
You’d be surprised what bright new bulbs will do to a space, and to your feelings about it. I wouldn’t recommend going and changing out whole fixtures all the time (if you do, store them until you move out), but swapping out globes is a super easy alternative.
2. Don’t be afraid of going holy.
Holes. We all tend to have reservations, but truly planning out your walls and double checking measurements goes a long way to hanging art and photographs that really represent your style and remind you of family and friends. Blank walls have an unfinished aura about them… and filling in holes is super easy to do, before move out.
3. Have paneled built-ins? Dark and dingy interiors can be a downer. Try using old maps, blueprint copies or wrapping paper trimmed to fit inside the shelves and tacked with double sided tape. It is instant transformation, and can be swapped out at any time. Modern, chic, fun, worldly… whatever you can imagine!
4. Drop Some
Ugly floors happen. Water spots, stains from previous tenants, what have you. Pick up a rug (new or used) and slap that puppy down to add interest and warmth to the place.
5. Think outside the box
Some neighborhoods are rampant with chain link fencing. Great to keep the pets in, not so great for privacy. Use wood to create horizontal palettes that can be pseudo affixed to the fencing, and easy to remove when it’s time to go. Or, consider a planter with some lush sweet potato vine, or a crawler like blackberries to bring in those gaps and offer some seclusion.
6. Hit Refresh
New accessories don’t have to be expensive. There are some great finds at local thrift shops and garage sales! When you’re feeling tired of the space, try adding in some new elements like pillows, planters or something fun and funky to the mantel top.
7. Plants
They each have their own personalities, and they seem to always lively up a dull space. Texture abundant, consider hanging a few from ceiling hooks or planting at varying levels to add interest.
8. Mirrors Reflect Well
A space seems a little more sophisticated, in my opinion, with a mirror. I love a mirror in the dining room, the mantel, the bedrooms and anywhere else I can get away with one. They bounce light around, and really help to open the space up perceptually.
Asking your landlord if you can do bigger projects, especially if an individual owner person is your landlord, rather than a management company. If they can trust you and you explain what you want to do (paint, ripping up disgusting carpet, etc) they might be happy for the free labor. Just make sure to make a record of everything (an email chain or confirmation letter) so that everyone is clear what the agreement was when it's time to get your deposit back.
Interest rates are still enviable and oh so great for cheap financing - to Buy. But if you are in a temporary space or needing to get a little creative for the time-being, consider these tips to help make your place home.
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