Defining your home decor style can be tough, especially if you’re leasing. Rental rules that dictate what can’t happen on your walls, cabinets and floors can kill your vibe. But limitations have never stopped us from achieving our dreams, and when it comes to our space, it should reflect our hearts, minds and souls, no matter what. So we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to make smart changes that allow you to express yourself—and still collect your deposit when you bounce.
Invert the Color Scheme.
Easy enough to follow. Color can add warmth and depth to any space and really create the mood. There’s the color rule of 60/30/10: 60% of your main color is on the walls and ceilings; 30% of your secondary color is in your upholstery pieces and drapery; and 10% is an accent color can be used in smaller selections such as your pillows, accessories and art.
But in a rental, you may not be able to paint your walls a different color. Our suggestion: flip these rules. Bring in your color and pattern through bedding, accessories and art. You can find vividly hued furniture that makes a statement as soon as someone walks into the room. Lastly, create an accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper to make that a 10% focal point.
Sit on Your Statement Piece.
We’ve already said how color and pattern can transform your space. We suggest being bold with one show-stopping piece: your sofa. A forest green loveseat will command center stage in the middle of your living area. When you live in a smaller space or an apartment, you have to find fun and interesting ways to be a tad bit bolder. Not quite ready to invest in such a commanding, colorful item? Bring that bold statement in with your drapes.
Dial Up the Artistic Drama.
Nothing dials up drama like a large-scale piece of art. A piece of art can create a memorable moment in your home and being a conversation starter when guests pop by. With so many talented Black artists’ work to choose from, you’re sure to find a piece that speaks to your soul.
Enhance Your Architecture.
Is that even possible in a rental? If you’re lucky enough to have the luxury of living in a prewar apartment with its original architecture, you’re halfway there. Think about giving it a refresh with peel-and-stick tiles. No unique architecture in sight? Then you’re going to have to fake it. Did you know that peel-and-stick molding and trim exist? You can give your bland walls a glow-up with just a little creativity.
Get Those Curtains Up.
We all dream of expansive windows across our walls, but you’re probably staring at two basic standard panes. The rest of the world doesn’t have to know that. Create the feel of wall-to-wall windows with wall-to-wall curtains. To keep costs down, you can use two store-bought drapery panels sewn together to create a look of fullness. Make sure your rod is pretty close to your ceiling, about two to three inches shorter than your ceiling height, to give the illusion that your windows are as tall as they are wide. And since you’re gonna ask, there are tension and stick-on curtain rods you can use instead of drilling them in.
Embrace Your Reflection.
You’ve got a Pinterest board marked with dream rooms filled with natural light, but you have one lonely window in your space. This is where mirrors make their play. You can “fake windows” by using floor or wall mirrors on adjoining walls to multiply that teeny bit of natural light coming in from your original window. And yes, you can find ones that stick to the wall.
Let There be Light.
Changing your light fixtures is a great way to freshen your space. Adding a bold fixture such as a chandelier can instantly give your space a more luxurious feel. If you rent, check with your landlord about swapping the standard light fixtures for something more stylish. You can also use command hooks to adhere to the ceiling and hang a fixture over your existing one.
Go Green.
Image: Pexels.
Have you ever looked around an almost perfectly decorated room, and no matter how pretty all your selections are, there still seems to be something missing? Your space needs some greenery. Plants are an easy and affordable way to add that missing piece. Do you have no natural light to keep them happy? Try grow lamps, or if you need to, get some realistic fake plants that add that organic feel.
