Tips for Decorating a Rental Apartment

This rental apartment is new and has a lot of potential but was a little boring. See how designer Joel Bray brings this space to life and get tips for decorating a rental apartment in this House & Home video:

If you live in a rental, you do not want to invest in things you cannot take with you. The new look was all about painting, switching out light fixtures and decorating, as well as adding key furniture pieces that can transition from one space to another.

The den has a dark wall color and a dramatic geometric light fixture. A re-upholstered chair provides a good spot for reading.

A credenza in the wide hallway provides storage as well as an anchor for the gallery wall and is flanked by vintage chairs. A gallery wall is a great way to add personality to a space and can be changed as your interests change.

To make the most of the relatively small main living/dining/kitchen area, a bar-height table serves a dual purpose as a dining table and secondary prep area, and the sectional sofa is modular. A sofa is something that you don’t want to buy every few years, so it’s important to invest in a sofa that you love and will last a long time. The small coffee table offsets the large TV console.

The living area is anchored by an IKEA rug. Patterns are layered in with the block-printed zigzag curtains and a few accessories. When it comes to decorating, it’s important to have a mix of large and small patterns.

Patterned wallpaper behind the bed in the master bedroom creates a focal point. Neutral bedding and symmetrical tables and lamps makes the space feel balanced.