Ideas for Decorating a Rental Space

Renters are at least 50% of the U.S. population, and if you’re one of them, you probably feel like you’ve been ignored by interior designers. Don’t let that space and those rules own you. It’s time for your to step up and own your space. Designer Genevieve Gorder presents several ideas for decorating a rental space in this video by The Design Network:

If you want to add wall decor but you’re not allowed to nail into the wall, frame it with tape. Painters tape comes in a variety of different colors. You can layer inexpensive prints onto a wall in rows and hang them up with painters tape. Use silver or gold tape for a luxe look. Exposed tape looks cool and almost becomes a beautiful accessory, and you can change it in and out on a whim.

In terms of lighting, whether you rent or own, it’s basically the same formula – you’re going to get the cheapest fixtures. You can give your space a lift just by replacing your light fixtures. Pendant lights are great for work areas. Buying more expensive fixtures will not be a lost investment as you can take them with you when you move.

If you are a negotiator, negotiate into your contract that you want to paint the floor. Use marine paint for a low maintenance finish. If your landlord won’t let you paint the floor, it becomes all about layering, and more specifically, layering area rugs. You can build rooms within rooms with great rugs. When you’re layering pattern, you really have to keep a balance between masculine, feminine, textural, flat – so you’re telling a beautiful story – just like building an outfit.

Great news for renters – there are so many products now geared specifically for this demographic, including temporary wallpapers which allow you to have pattern on your walls. Temporary wallpaper looks great in any room, closet or cabinet. You can use it in a million different ways depending on what your style is. It’s a great way to accent your space, subtly or boldly, with pattern. Use it on satin and semi-gloss finished walls. It’s so easy to install, either with ready-to-adhere wallpaper rolls or with pre-made easy-to-install wall tiles. Temporary wallpaper will change the way you feel entirely about your space; you will own that space.