HOW TO DECORATE A RENTAL: THE 3 P’S!

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 used to struggle with this when I spent the majority of the year abroad for my husband’s career. We lived in rental apartments and couldn’t modify anything, nor did we want to because —what’s the point in pouring our hard-earned dollars into another person’s pad?! This was 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 found there are 3 things that always make me feel more at home in our rental property.

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.

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) Not sure what plants you want? Remember our collab with our favorite plant experts here, here, and here.

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! TIP: 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!