5 Key Decorating Tips For Rented Homes
The housing landscape has dramatically shifted in the last few
generations. Home ownership rates have been falling faster and faster and
owning a home is not as much of a social mandate as it once was. These changes
reflect the ever-evolving needs of the current generation, revealing the
changing mentality surrounding owning a home, in part driven by how the
generation today prefers to live. Renting is increasingly becoming a more
desirable option, whether it is driven by deliberate choice, or by financial woes
and housing shortages. The increase in the number of property for rent
also reflects this evolution.
The limitations of a rental contract is something every home-loving
soul faces when trying to decorate their home. This can be extremely
frustrating for many, especially when trying to balance the sanctity of
contract with the need of injecting your own personality into your living
space. However, when you really think about it, the true enemy of art is the
absence of limitations. Once you see the limitations of your situation as a
challenge, you will find ways to be more inventive and creative, enabling you
to cover all manner of sins and allowing you to create a truly unique and
beautiful living space without the need to make any permanent changes.
Here are some tips that can help you make any space feel like home,
no matter how temporary your living situation may be.
1. Know the ground rules
Before you begin any decorating endeavor, it is vital that you know
the ground rules (or, the limitations that are placed upon you by the rental contract
/ tenancy agreement). You can’t find ways to circumvent the problem without
first knowing the problem that you are facing.
People often assume that they can only re-furbish owned homes and
not rented ones. However, this is only true to a certain extent. For example,
you might think that your rented space is in need of a fresh new coat of paint,
but your contract does not allow you to make any permanent changes to the space
or requires that you return the space the original condition it was in when you
accepted it. In such cases, it is always worth asking your landlord if they
mind you taking care of some of the paint changes for them. Sometimes, your
landlord may be more open to changes than you might think and you might be able
to work out a good compromise with your landlord. Sticking to neutrals is a
great way to totally elevate and transform any space without the need for any
renovating, keeping your landlord happy with the value it adds to the property
while still providing you a fresh and flexible backdrop for your real
investments – the things that you can take with you when you move.
2. Lighting is key
Lighting is one of the most often neglected aspects in rentals. Who
would think of lighting as a priority when there are other much bigger issues
to solve? However, lighting is often the gamechanger in any redecorating effort
– a small and subtle change that can lead to big impact and results, detracting
from the less appealing characteristics of a room.
The main advantage lighting affords is its flexibility. You can
invest in small but spectacular table or floor lamps. This can instantly
provide your space with a pop of personality and yet can still be moved around
whenever the situation calls for it. Bleak ceiling lights that come with
rentals never create any ambience. This, however, can easily be changed. You
can switch any light outdated light fixtures to ones of your own choice. Just
remember to pack the original ones away carefully so that you can put it back
to the way it was when you move out.
3. Choose some key investment pieces
Any good interior designer will tell you that your money is best
spent on the things that you can take with you when you move on to your next
home. Why spend money renovating and refurbishing something that you do not
own? Instead, you can source a few stand-out pieces of furniture for each
space. The key is to create an overall theme for your space through the harmony
of your furniture choices.
Artwork and accessories are an integral part as well. The subtle
little story weaved by your artwork and accessories draw the eye and provide a
small surprise in every room. Although most contracts prevent you from putting
marks and holes in your walls, thus preventing you from putting up artwork,
there are some clever ways to get around this. Consider leaning
your paintings against the walls. This works well with large artworks and
pieces and gives a more relaxed feel to your room. You can also consider
leaning them on shelves and on top of consoles.
4. Find ways to hide ugly flooring
The flooring is one of the most common issues renters face. Ugly
carpets or old worn-out flooring that hasn’t been updated in years can be a
serious mood killer in any decorating endeavor. Investing in rugs is an
expensive way of adding color and excitement to your floors. For example, if
you want to hide non-neutral wall-to-wall carpeting, opt for a large neutral
rug to cover it as much as possible without causing any clashes in color theory. In other
cases, a simple sisal area rug can help bring out the warmth from old wood
floors.
5. Dress your windows
Changing the window dressings is a small quick fix that can lead to
a huge impact in your space. Invest in curtains or shades in a quality fabric
of your choice. It’s worth the investment because you will be able to take
these away with you when you move. If the rental property comes with window
dressings, just remember to store them away and replace them when you move out.
Swapping out the window treatments can make your rental home feel homier and
more personal than the nondescript treatments that usually come with rental
properties. You can also consider other treatment options such as bamboo
shades. These are inexpensive and easy to hang and can still add an instant
warmth and texture to your space.
0 comments