Guest Picks: Decorating Solutions for the Stylish Renter
Look to removable wallpaper, appliance covers and easily changed hardware for the answers to decorating woes in a rental
Barbara Matson
July 16, 2013
Barbara is a caffeine-fueled design aficionado that makes her home on Canada’s “wet” coast. She is the author of hodge:podge (www.markovadesign.com), a blog that showcases inspirational interiors, interviews with fabulous Canadians, her room makeovers and frugal DIY projects... and anything else that tickles her fancy.
Barbara is a caffeine-fueled design aficionado that makes her home on Canada’s “wet”... More
As a current renter (and having been a renter for more years than I've been a homeowner), I know a thing or two about turning a "blah" rental into a stylish home for my family. So many people shy away from spending anything on their rental space, but even though you are renting, it is still your home. And a home needs to reflect who you are. It needs to be a place that you can feel relaxed in, that you can entertain in and that you can simply rest in. There are so many ways to inject style into a rental space; you just need to think outside the box.
This ideabook is full of many of the products that I have used or are similar to things I have in my own home. As a seasoned renter, I know a thing or two about where to save and where to splurge. Renting can be fun — sometimes the limitations can really get those creative juices flowing! Hopefully my ideabook can inspire you to get out of a decor rut and inject a bit of life into your rental space. — Barbara from Markova Design
This ideabook is full of many of the products that I have used or are similar to things I have in my own home. As a seasoned renter, I know a thing or two about where to save and where to splurge. Renting can be fun — sometimes the limitations can really get those creative juices flowing! Hopefully my ideabook can inspire you to get out of a decor rut and inject a bit of life into your rental space. — Barbara from Markova Design
I love this company because they carry removable designer wallpaper. It's perfect for renters.
I never hesitate to replace ugly hardware in a bathroom with something a bit more stylish. You can always take it with you when you move!
Most rental properties come with hideous blinds or bare windows. I always remove the ghastly blinds and replace them with drapes. These are easy to customize with a strip of contrasting fabric or look great simply left as-is. They are a cheap and easy fix for plain windows.
Don't want to be committed to wallpaper? These decals are perfect for renters and homeowners alike. Easy to adhere and easy to remove, they are a snap to add a bit of pizzazz to bare walls.
Rugs USA
An easy fix for covering less-than-stellar floors and adding a bit of graphic punch to a room is getting an area rug. I have covered up many ugly floors with fabulous rugs. They deter the eye from the ugly.
I have never lived in a rental home that came with amazing light fixtures. In each space I have lived, I have replaced the ugly fixtures with lighting that's more my style. You shouldn't hesitate to inject a bit of style into a rental space, and a fixture is an easy switch and is easy to take with you when you move. I have to admit that I have a few in storage from past homes, but buying them in a big-box store makes it a no-brainer — you get fabulous style that doesn't cost you a bundle.
Benjamin Moore
Most rental homes I have lived in I have been able to repaint. It's a really cheap and easy way to update a space. I especially love to use chalkboard paint, as it adds a bit of a bistro feeling to the home. If you can't paint a wall, why not paint a sheet of wood and simply prop or hang on your wall? This line comes in a variety of colors, so go ahead and funk it up.
The fiddle-leaf fig plant is all the rage. Found in almost every decor magazine or blogger's home (except mine), it is a great way to add some style to a rental space. If you don't kill it before you move, you can simply take it with you.
If removable wallpaper and decals aren't your thing, stenciling is another option to create some wall pizzazz. It only takes a few hours, and you can give your rental space a one-of-a-kind touch without any long-term commitment. Plus, you can easily paint over it before you leave.
Lee Valley Tools
Living with ugly cabinet hardware? For a few dollars you can update a boring rental ktichen with some fabulous hardware.
Target
An inexpensive and stylish lamp gives a space an instant update. Don't shy away from buying accessories because you are renting. You never know how long you will stay, and why not create a home with ambiece?
Appliance Art
When I stumbled across this peel-and stick appliance cover, I flipped out! It's a fabulous idea for covering up those hideous appliances that some rental homes come with. Ingenious.
Target
Every window needs a bit of bling to make it sing. ( I couldn't help myself!) One of the first things I do when I move into a space is change out the drapery hardware or add some to elevate the space. If you buy an adjustable rod, you can take it with you to the next space.
So many people don't want to invest in furniture because they are afraid it "won't work" in the next space. The key is to buy versatile pieces that can serve different functions in different spaces.
This cabinet can be used in a kitchen space if it lacks proper storage. Or you can use it in your living space for books. Or if your bedroom lacks storage, this could be a stylish option to house clothing, linens or towels. They key is to think outside the box!
This cabinet can be used in a kitchen space if it lacks proper storage. Or you can use it in your living space for books. Or if your bedroom lacks storage, this could be a stylish option to house clothing, linens or towels. They key is to think outside the box!
Cultural Treasures
Short on storage? A unique basket makes a good catchall for any and all "stuff." This one would fit in perfectly on top of a library bookcase or on top of kitchen cabinets. You could also fill it with towels or toilet paper and put it in the bathroom.
You can never have too many baskets! I love using them in my home to add some earthy texture.
You can never have too many baskets! I love using them in my home to add some earthy texture.
Bucket Outlet
You are probably wondering why I have a galvanized bucket in the mix? Well, I use mine to house my cooking utensils next to the stove. I bought one when I lived in a rental space that lacked drawers, and this bucket was the perfect solution to my storage dilemma. And the price ain't too shabby.
Don't scrimp on style in your bedroom. A fresh take on the classic stripe is the perfect way to create a focal point in a less-than-stylish bedroom space. I am sucker for stripes, so this bedding would be perfect in my rental home.
Williams-Sonoma
What is a renter to do with less-than-ideal counters in the kitchen? Add a large butcher block cutting board to give your space that bistro look. It will help deter the eye from the counters and lead it to a fabulous wooden board that will be the envy of all.
Frame Your Mirror
Boring bathroom mirror giving you the blues? A mirror frame kit is the perfect solution. It's an inexpensive and easy fix.
Next: Steep Your Rental in Color — Without Painting the Walls
Next: Steep Your Rental in Color — Without Painting the Walls
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