How to Decorate in a Rented Apartment

So you are renting and the apartment comes with weird green cabinets and shag carpeting. Don’t despair – with a little ingenuity and maybe some creative permission from your landlord, you can make this space your own.

If you have a scary carpet like the marbled look from the 70’s or commercial carpet that is so bland it almost disappears, consider layering with your own bright area rugs. Bend the rules and double up the area rugs to add more interest and some dimension. Affordable area rugs are available at Ikea and Urban Outfitters. Consider placing them beneath a coffee table, in an entry, an extra-large one in your room and beneath accent furniture. Ask your landlord if you can paint your walls. Often times, if they agree, you can choose a color that is somewhat neutral with updated pizazz. Try something fresh like a very soft celery or celadon. Slate blues come off as a quiet color and latte is warm and inviting. Remember to use no-voc paints to avoid breathing in toxic fumesFun lighting such as a chandelier, a modern floor lamp like the Big Dipper from CB2 or Crate and Barrel or compelling table lamps like this one from Crate and Barrel will add charm and style to a much needed space. Customize your windows with drapes from Ikea or Urban Outfitters. These whimsical patterns will perk this place right up and won’t break the bank. And best of all – you get to keep these for your next place. Remember to keep the old blinds or window coverings so you can put them back when you leave. Bring in furniture that will take away from a cookie cutter layout often associated with apartment buildings. Use room dividers for privacy or to create smaller spaces such as a home office or art space. Hang a mirror in the entry and bring in a colorful accent table or bright chair to place below the mirror. Make this your catch all for keys and handbags. Storage is key to decorating success. And clutter is bad. Try ottomans that have built in storage. I love this credenza from CB2. It has mid-century style at an affordable price and makes the perfect place to store dishes, glasses, books and magazines. And it keeps it all dust-free. Hang artwork. This little part cannot be overstated. Nothing makes a place quite your own like your art collection. Try salon style by grouping similar themed images on one wall. A collection of small framed art draws the viewer in and gives you the opportunity to showcase small pieces of art. Frame black and white photos, vintage postcards, ephemera from travels, letter press cards. Try an oversized piece to hang on a non-descript wall. Make a statement and be bold. Garlands and banners are lots of fun. These can be strung on high walls in the kitchen, over the sliding glass door or over a fireplace. Try Etsy for a selection of handmade fabric garlands. If you do not have permission to change the colors or some things are really permanent such as kitchen or bathroom tile, then you have no choice but to work with it. So – that lemon yellow tile from 1958 will look great paired up with a cool citrus green. And BORING beige from the earth tone 80’s can co-habitate with orange and blue for a playful twist on retro colors. Even pink and brown looks great together. Pink and beige not so much. Avoid piles of anything and be sure to rid your space of unwanted items. Keep what you love. If I don’t love it I see no point in keeping it.


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