Can’t paint the walls? No worries. Living in a rental can put a significant damper with your design options. With unchangeable fixtures and cabinets, blasé paint colors, as well as the threat of losing your security deposit if you make changes, a lot of renters suppress their personal style and force themselves to live with builder-grade basic. But it doesn’t need to be that way. By getting creative with your furniture and accessories, you can have a colorful and inviting home without having to sacrifice your deposit or infuriating your landlord.
Creative Tips on how to Add Color in your Rental
Wall to wall
Many homeowners choose painting the walls as a simple and easy solution to bring color to a space. But landlords and property managers often forbid changing a rental’s interior paint color. Think beyond paint and you’ll find a multitude of ways to dress up your walls without touching a paintbrush. The key is to think big when it comes to finding ways to cover boring walls. Find oversized large-scale art pieces that speak to your style and have punchy colors. Collect favorite snapshots in ombre frames of your fave hue instead of traditional black or white, and assemble a gallery wall.
Have an artistic streak? Paint a mural on a large piece of canvas and tack it over an entire wall. For the less artistically inclined, removable wallpaper or decals in bright shades and eye-catching designs produce an instant pick-me-up. You can also cover entire walls or awkward spaces with a pretty patterned curtain or piece of fabric for a cozy bohemian vibe.
Punch it up
Rental apartments or homes often come furnished with boring or outdated cabinets, fixtures and flooring that can’t be altered. Beige, brown, and off-white would be the norm for these spaces, but that doesn’t mean you will need to let it restrict your personal style. Add visual interest and draw attention by bringing in splashy furniture pieces and decor. Look for pieces in your favorite color or choose a theme, like sunny yellow and coral, to drown out the drab.
Vibrant painted wood chairs can give your dining space some zing. Or invest in a couch in a daring tone like emerald or sapphire. Don’t have a ton of cash to spend? Go DIY. Find furniture with good bones at your local thrift shop or yard sale, and give it a makeover. Use spray paint for smaller decor pieces, and latex or chalk paint for dressers and side tables. Add extra flair with stenciled details and paint-dipped legs. Line the backs of bookshelves with decorative paper, and temporarily replace boring kitchen and bathroom pulls and knobs with vibrant versions.
Soft goods, bold tones
Textiles inside an variety of rainbow colors will be your best friends with regards to dressing up your outdated or dull apartment. Begin with an inviting rug in a rich jewel tone or a trendy over dyed hue. Steer clear of traditional white and beige curtains, and instead opt for a bright color or lively pattern. The same goes for bedding. White might be a traditional go-to for duvet covers, but in the case of a blah apartment, pick a print or hue that can make your bedroom an energizing getaway or relaxing retreat. If you’re looking for a calm vibe, search for a bed set in cool indigo, lavender, or sage. Intend to make it upbeat instead? Try poppy colors like coral, tangerine, or sunflower.
Fun throw pillows and blankets will spice up your bed, couch, chaise lounges and much more. Maintain the color trend going into the bathroom and kitchen by selecting pretty hand towels and bathmats.
Make it yours
By punching up the walls with custom artwork, bringing in attention-grabbing furniture, and using pretty textiles to boost the style factor, you can have a custom colorful home without ever touching a drop of paint. The secret is moderation and intention. Stick with a few favorite shades and mix it up by using variations of the hues instead of pulling in every color within the rainbow. Choose a few important focal points to infuse with color and let the rest blend in.
You’ll be happier for the design boost and your landlord is going to be glad you haven’t made any big changes. That’s a win-win situation for everybody involved. Tired of living in a rental? Nick & Cindy Davis can assist you in finding your home here in the Tampa Bay and Surrounding areas. We are always available by calling us at 813-300-7116 or simply click here and we will be back in touch. The surprising thing is that your mortgage payment could be lower than you are currently paying for your rental.