the renter's challenge: in lieu of painting

Renters make up more than half of the United States. I'm a veteran renter. Over the past 6 years I have lived in a place that is not my own. It started out in a 100 sq/ft dorm room to a 300 sq/ft dorm room and now a 900 sq/ft apartment all with a roommate. I feel as though I have constantly been making each stark, sterile place more like a real home. Now being a blogger, I have immersed myself in DYI blog projects for the home but not for the apartment. Noticing a lack of inspiration for people like me, I decided to dedicate a post each week to the renters challenge. With a little creativity and hard work, anyone with little or no money to spend, can turn a sterile space into a cozy home.

Most renters first challenge is not being able to paint due to landlord standards. 1. Its expensive 2. Not worth the trouble if you are living there for a short period 3. You almost always have to paint it back to the color it was before you moved in. Here are some simple solutions...

1. The sprinkle effect-

Your own worst enemy. The first thing I tend to do when moving into a new space is randomly displaying every piece of art or frame on every empty wall. It ends up looking like a hot mess. Solution: Draw an imaginary rectangle on the main focal wall in the room you wish to dress up. Fill that rectangle with a grouping of related art such as framed pictures, art, clocks, or plates. This makes a stronger impact for the room than the "sprinkle effect."

2. Scale-

Try to hang larger scale items to make the room seem bigger. See my do it yourself art work here.

EXAMPLES-

Stencils:

Wall stencils are all the rage. Etsy.com has boocuddles of these things. I have to say that I was a skeptic at first. However, after some investigating these vinyl pieces of art really captured my heart (cheese, sorry). Check them out.

photo from etsy

Wallpaper:

Even though you can't paint it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fun of color. The shabby nest puts this to the test by using wrapping paper, yes wrapping paper. The fun pattern adds life to her make shift mudroom in a rental home. If you can't find a cheap wrapping paper you love you could always use wallpaper with her same technique, staples. Genius. 

photo from the shabby nest

Curtains:

A little trick that I used from my favorite home boutique, adding curtains behind your bed. No there is not a window, considering our neighbor is right behind that wall. However, it does lead your eye up making the room seem larger. Fabric in general makes a room feel softer and more relaxed. Curtains are key. Add to each window as high as you can but still letting the fabric hit the floor. An inexpensive trick is to use remnant fabric at your local fabric store. Make sure you measure the height for the window treatment and convert to yards. Then buy curtain clips and clip to curtain rod. Tada-easy, cheap, no sew curtains. 

Shutters:

Another dilemma with apartments is no architecture. My simple solution was to hang shutters found for $7 each. I painted them my favorite blue to add that pop of color the room needed. 

Windows:

For our wedding, I used an old window that I had in my room growing up to display the wedding pictures from our parents and grandparents. I now have this window hung in our guest bedroom/office. Another inexpensive way to make a rental more personal.

Chalkboards:

I love anything with word graphics right now, from subway art to chalkboards. This vinyl chalkboard can be placed on any wall you wish—without using mounts or tools. Just stick it on the wall and peel it off when you are done. Perfect for renters. Also check out my chalkboard here only costing me a $1.

photo from taylor gifts

Picture groupings:

Best way to make a home feel more personal. On display is our favorite wedding photos. Pottery Barn always has the best example of picture groupings if you are in need of some inspiration.

 

Fabric canvas:

Love, love, love this idea. I really wish I had a spare wall in our apartment. Head over to bella dia to learn how to make your own. So easy!

photo from bella dia

Plates:

Gives a wall a big statement in a little way. If you haven't found the nester yet, make a b-line to her site. She happens to rent (homes) and has some great budget friendly ideas including this one. 

photo from the nester

Frames:

If you have dozens of different sized frames and pictures, tie them together by painting the frames all the same color. Black gives an elegant touch to any style décor. White is very fresh, and a bright color can be found in a contemporary design.

photo from Country Living

I hope this leaves you with some sort of inspiration to make your nest more homey. Make sure to drop by for next week's renters challenge: hint, you might be blinded by the light.

Read On, 

MT