If you are one of the many who live in rental homes or apartments, you have probably been frustrated in the past with your limitations as far as home decor. As paint is the simplest way to stimulate your space from lifeless to breathtaking, you are certainly restricted if your landlord will not let you alter the color of your walls. Yet another issue with rental homes is nail holes. Often landlords ask that you do not place any holes in the walls, so hanging photos and wall art is difficult. In order to bring energy and harmony to your rental property, you must think outside of the box as far as decorating.
Put away your paintbrush and grab some fabric! Taking a main bedroom as an example, choose a fabric that contrasts or complements your bedding and surrounding decor. Examine the blank canvas of your walls and decide which would work best as a feature wall or focal point of the room. There are many possibilities with fabric. Purchase some extra large 16 x 20 picture frames in similar colors but varying styles. Cut your fabric to fit inside the frames. Map out the best way to hang your works of art by laying your frames out on the floor and drawing yourself a map on the wall. You can create a collage with the frames that will be an instant eye catcher the second you walk into the room.
If you'd rather have a large image take up the entire wall, consider an oversized poster. A 54 x 20 framed image or piece of artwork will fill up a wall amply. If using a smaller frame, try grouping your art with other items such as small shelves layered with books or special trinkets from your travels. If your landlord has a no-nail policy for the walls, try 3M Wall picture-hanging strips. Using a heavy duty adhesive, your frames will be hung on the walls without the pain of a hammer and nails.
Adding color to a non-paintable room is as simple as purchasing a large area rug. Contemporary area rugs come in a variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. Consider having your area rug be the focal point of your room by choosing a bold pattern or hue.
Lighting is important in any room, and in a rental property it's not uncommon to purchase your own lighting and take it with you when you leave. In a main bedroom, chandeliers provide a soft, romantic glow while providing you with the feel of instant lavishness.
If you have plain walls, be sure to purchase the appropriate curtains or window coverings. With no bright colors on the wall to share space with, you can focus on lush fabrics and dark colors such as velvet, silk, or brushed cotton. Avoid sheer fabrics in light colors, as they will only create a washed out look on your windows.
Whether you are in a rental property for a short duration or a long stay, you can change the decor to suit your style and mood without painting. All it takes is a little creative ingenuity and an ability to look beyond the walls to the details that really make the room belong to you.
By:Fran Sloan
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