Decorating a rental can have some serious limitations. Often you can’t paint, replace carpet or lighting or even put holes in the walls. I struggle with this because, though I spend several months a year in my own home (with MULTIPLE holes in every wall for hanging things), I spend a majority of the year abroad for my husband’s career. We live in rental apartments and can’t modify anything, nor do we really want to because —what’s the point in pouring our hard earned dollars into another persons pad?! This is especially painful for me as a designer and self-described more-is-more type of decorator!
Over the years of this nomadic-designer life I have found there are 3 things that always make me feel more at home in our rental property.
HOW TO DECORATE A RENTAL: THE 3 P’S:
1. Pillows. Whether your apartment comes furnished or unfurnished adding pillows is a great way to add color, pattern and personality into the space. There are endless options to choose from and you can easily pack them up and move them to your next place.
If you are you a chronic changer-around of things pillows are great! Swap one to the bedroom and mix in a new pattern or color to give your rented living room a mini face-lift!
[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I]
3. Plants. Plants can make a huge impact on a space. Not only do they bring in color, life and texture they also have a positive emotional effect on us. There are lots of different ways to incorporate greenery into your rental, through traditional potted floor plants or terrariums of desert plants (for those of us with the black thumb).
Using a grouping of small plants is a great and cost effective way to fill up a alcove or built-in shelf in your rental!
3. Pictures. Art should always be personal. Use it as a way to show off your style, your travels or your favorite colors. If you can’t put nails in the walls of your rental don’t worry– there are plenty of other solutions to get your personalized decor up on the walls!
If your place has a ‘no nail hole policy’ try using 3M hooks to hang framed wall art.
Living in a rental doesn’t have to mean blank walls and a boring space. Stick to my 3 P’s and you will have a gorgeous and personalized rental property in no time! Feel like you need a little guidance pulling it all together– I can help. Jump over here and send me a message about working together!
Sincerely,
Allison
MY SHORT BIO.
Founded in 2012 by Allison Harlow, Curio Design Studio focuses on creating distinctive interior environments for new construction, whole house renovations and kitchen + bath remodels for modern families and leading professionals.
