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5 Terrific Non-Permanent Design Tweaks
Nomads, Take Note: Turn That Temporary Living Space Into a Creative Outlet
After a recent conversation with a young photographer moving into his first solo apartment, I thought a lot about creating uniqueness and beauty in temporary spaces. A serial mover, I've lived 10 places in the last 10 years. Gleefully. There's nothing like setting up a new space.
And yet, each time, in a temporary living situation, there are limits. Who wants to pay for super chic wallpaper when you leave it behind? And yet who wants to stare at bland untouchable walls days on end?
I shared with this exciting new tenant things he can do to add incredible — and temporary — individuality to a space. Here are my thoughts:
And yet, each time, in a temporary living situation, there are limits. Who wants to pay for super chic wallpaper when you leave it behind? And yet who wants to stare at bland untouchable walls days on end?
I shared with this exciting new tenant things he can do to add incredible — and temporary — individuality to a space. Here are my thoughts:
1. Wallpaper. Vinyl temporary wallpaper (such as some amazing designs from Tempaper) comes in chic designs and looks just like permanent paper. No trace of having had it up when it peels off smoothly in the end.
3D decals like this can add color and texture. Wall decals come on and off without damage. They can be repositioned as the room shifts (and there are even dolls with clothing and other fun themes that are meant to be moved around by the child themselves).
This simple wall area has been transformed into a memorable unique scene with a simple vinyl decal.
By alternating colors, this lavender room offers a patterned wall with its simple wide stripes. Very unique and very easy to execute.
3. Pops of color. While you may not be able to alter the white walls or the outdated bathroom sink, you can control the color factor with pops of color. Whether you fill a room with a temporarily-covered piece to suit the place specifically, or include a beloved piece that you lug from place to place, make surprising inclusions of color work to your advantage.
Bright red adds warmth and a simple, contemporary thrill of detail.
Now this is infusing a place with color and working with surroundings without needing to tamper with the structure of the place (though this structure needs no tampering).
4. Rugs. Compensate for a lack of wall hangings or paint, if not allowed, with a larger-than-life rug. Bring the focal point down to what you can control in your space.
A simple yellow geometric rug reinforces this dining section and contributes to the collection of color and shape.
Such an unexpected pop of color in this space. Whether you have the spanning cabana area like this, or are looking to infuse the smallest of living rooms with life, consider the rug.
5. Art. You don't have to be acquiring priceless pieces to become an art aficionado. Spend time accumulating pieces that you love. Find an individual artist you adore. Search through flea markets. There's almost no better way to exhibit your individuality.
Think past paintings. Sculptures and busts and ceramics are a beautiful way to add dimension and detail without tampering with the walls.
Appropriately entitled Scrap House, this space is amazing. Take notes on its art, created from everyday objects (that "chandelier!). Temporary living forces a creative release. Go with it.
What do you do to individualize your temporary living space?
Next: More ways to design with color
What do you do to individualize your temporary living space?
Next: More ways to design with color