When renting an apartment, it’s tough to actually live your life—at least where your décor decisions are concerned.
On the one hand, you have your landlords, and to be fair, it is their place so they’re the ones calling the shots. And call the shots they do—to the point where it seems like you are doomed to live with subdued surroundings for the life of your lease.
On the other hand, you have your need to put your personal stamp on your place. And, of course, that involves lots of color, preferably painted all over every spot of exposed surface area, and all sorts of other “improvements” that would leave the landlords’ heads spinning if they ever found out.
So what to do? You can either adhere to the many rules and restrictions placed upon your decorating freedom and never put your own stamp on the space, or you can do what you want and kiss that deposit goodbye.
Much like your love of color, this décor dilemma is best served by finding that appropriate balance between the two poles. And believe it or not, there is a way to have both: your personality reflected in the place and a happy landlord at the conclusion of your rental relationship.
Here are some ways to work within the four corners of the lease while addressing the four walls of your rental, as well as a few tips on rehabbing the place when you’re ready to pack it all up.
Open the Door of Communication
Before embarking on any embellishments, start by having a one-on-one with your landlord. Let him or her know what you’re thinking in terms of decorating the space—not the style of pillows or the color of rugs but rather whether or not you’re interested in painting or making some other type of semi-permanent alteration to the structure itself.
*Tip: When it comes to negotiation, start small, and hold back a bargaining chip. For example:
• Begin by asking Mr. Landlord to spring for a new paint job on the place.
• If that’s a “no,” follow up with an offer to do the painting if he’ll pay for it.
• If need be, ask if he’s cool with you paying and painting…the color of your choosing, that is.
• As a last resort, offer to foot the bill, do the work and offer to compromise on the color.
At the end of the day, you’ve already signed the lease, and you’re locked in, so you have nothing to lose by asking for what you want. And you’d be surprised at how open some landlords will be to you updating their place for free!
Accentuate with Accents
If there are firm lines drawn in the sand about the whole “color on the wall” situation, don’t stress. There are tons of ways to work in your selected shades through your furniture selections and accent pieces.
And because you’re moving them with you when you’re ready to move on, you can choose whatever speaks to you without having to worry about making a décor choice that may be too taste-specific for the next renter.
Double-Duty Décor
When selecting your furniture, make sure to stretch your décor muscles (and your dollars) by purchasing pieces that serve more than one function.
With nesting tables, you can opt for bold patterns and colors in your furniture (as opposed to standard wood finishes) while receiving the added benefit of two functional tables. When you need more space, simply clear off the bottom table, and slide it back into place.
Other options include:
• Trunks that you can use as a coffee table, as well as a storage unit for blankets or throws
• Oversized pillows that you can move from the couch to the floor when you need a makeshift pallet for company
And don’t forget about the value of an excellent area rug and the need to keep from scratching the floors with your tables and chairs, or leaving excessive stains on the carpet!
Magnify with Mirrors
Mirrors are wonderful ways to not only bring in your personality but to also enlarge even the coziest of spaces.
*Tip: Initially, avoid putting holes in the wall by using special damage-free adhesives for applying your hangers and hooks to the wall.
But we all know how impossible it is to leave a space in pristine condition, so help yourself out by repairing holes, dents and dings that do occur during your tenancy.
A quick repair kit can be bought for around five bucks and can singlehandedly guarantee that your deposit returns to you where it belongs. All you need is a quart of joint compound and a plastic taping knife, and you’re in business.
What are some of the creative décor solutions that you’ve come up with when residing in rental properties?
Chris Long is a Home Depot store associate in the Chicago area where he has been helping customers since 2000. Chris is also a contributor to Home Depot’s HomeDecorators.com website. Furniture decor and living room decorating styles are among Chris’s interests.
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