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Renting a house comes with its own sets of issues, particularly when it comes to decorating, right renters? Unlike resident owners, renters must do everything within the guidelines of the lease contract, often facing limitations on coloring walls, drilling holes or making permanent changes. However, this doesn’t mean renters must settle down for a boring-looking space. With creativity, precise planning and the right design choices, even the most uninspiring rental can be turned into a stylish, beautiful and cozy heaven.
To help you uplift your rental without breaking any rules, we turned to four renowned interior designers. From smart furniture choices to innovative lighting solutions, these well-renowned experts share their best-kept secrets for decorating a rental home while keeping it flexible and move-out friendly.
1. Go for Temporary Transformations: Valuable Insights from Nate Berkus:
Nate Berkus’s philosophy for decorating rentals is centered around temporary modifications that allow for self-expression without any risk of damaging walls or fixtures.
Tips from Nate Berkus:
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: Walls set the tone for a space, but landlords often forbid painting. The solution? Removable wallpaper. Available in a range of colors and patterns, it adds personality without leaving permanent marks.
Layered Rugs: Ugly or outdated floors are common in rentals, but they can be easily concealed with large area rugs. Layering multiple rugs can also create depth, warmth and texture.
Decorative Room Dividers: If you’re living in a studio or open-plan rental house, folding screens and bookcases can define separate areas and add a sense of organization without major renovations.
Interchangeable Light Fixtures: Lighting is a game-turner. Swap out dull overhead lights with statement pendant lamps or plug-in wall sconces. Just keep the original fixtures and put them back before moving out.
To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it?
2. Curate with Personal Artistry: Guidance from Cheryl Eisen:
Renowned home stager Cheryl Eisen believes in the power of personal touches to make a rental feel like a true sanctuary. Her approach focuses on integrating art, textures, and curated decor that add warmth and individuality.
Tips from Cheryl Eisen:
Gallery Walls with Removable Hooks: Art adds soul to a space, but drilling holes is often prohibited. Opt for removable adhesive hooks to hang framed artwork, mirrors or tapestries.
Showcase Sculptural Decor: Renters often underestimate the impact of three-dimensional decor. Decorative objects, sculptural vases and modern bookends can elevate a space effortlessly.
Luxe Layers: Cozy textures create a sense of home. Add plush throws, patterned cushions and layered curtains to soften a rental’s starkness.
Statement Coffee Table Displays: Curate your coffee table with books, candles and small art pieces to create an elegant focal point without any permanent changes.
3. Leverage Multifunctional Furnishings: Advice from Kate Marker:
Designer Kate Marker champions the use of multifunctional furniture to make the most of rental spaces.
Tips from Kate Marker:
Rolling Kitchen Carts: If your rental lacks storage spaces, a movable kitchen cart can act as an additional counter and coffee station.
Storage Ottomans: Put your money in furniture pieces that serve multiple uses—like an ottoman that doubles as storage.
Modular Sofas: A modular couch adapts to different layouts, making it ideal for frequent movers. It can be expanded, separated or rearranged as required.
Adaptable Desks and Tables: A wall-mounted drop-leaf table can serve as a working desk during the daytime and a dining table during the night, making it perfect for rental.
4. Illuminate with Layered Lighting: Strategies from Robert Novogratz:
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to completely transform a rental, according to designer Robert Novogratz. His design ethos revolves around layering different kinds of lighting to create ambiance and warmth.
Tips from Robert Novogratz:
Plug-in Wall Sconces: If overhead lighting is uninspiring, opt for plug-in sconces that provide a warm glow and add sophistication without any rewiring.
Table and Floor Lamps: Mixing different light sources (table lamps, floor lamps and string lights) uplifts coziness and allows for customizable brightness.
Advanced Bulbs for Adjustable Lighting: Set up color-changing advanced bulbs to switch between cool and dimmable settings for different moods and vibes.
Fairy Lights and Candles: For a whimsical feel, LED candles and string lights create a welcoming atmosphere without requiring permanent installation.
To sum it up, decorating a rental requires creativity, flexibility and smart design choices. With expert tips from these four designers, it’s clear that even the most restrictive lease agreements shouldn’t limit your ability to create a stylish and inviting home.
