Apartment living has the drawback of dwelling in a place someone else owns; this means that renters are limited in what they can do to personalize the space and make it their own. Fortunately, there are a handful of hacks that can enliven the dull white or off-white walls and plain carpets that many apartments seem to feature. By following a few tips, renters can feel that they have truly claimed their space and made it their own.
Utilize Area Rugs
An area rug can bring a grouping of furniture together. It can also tie together the colors and themes used in decorating when chosen with particular care. Area rugs enliven boring floors and are readily portable investments.
Apply Removable Wallpaper
Wallpapering is a hassle; removing it is worse. Fortunately for renters, there is an option of removeable wallpaper. Installation involves a mere couple of hours. It is a simple means of personalizing a space without causing permanent change. A statement wall is a reasonable compromise versus the whole space.
Feature Big Wall Art
Another way to claim the walls is with large displays of wall art. Large pieces claim the eye and beautify the space, but large collections of smaller pieces also do the trick. A large-format canvas, an antique world map, or a tapestry can help turn boring walls into interesting focal points.
Upgrade Kitchen and Bath Fixtures
With the landlord’s permission, one easy way to bring more class and comfort to an apartment is to update the fixtures of kitchen and bathroom. A new kitchen faucet can be more convenient and stylish; a new shower head can add amazing degrees of comfort for very little work to install. Such fixtures can be taken with the renter when the time comes to move on so long as the original hardware is restored.
Refresh the Space with Lighting
Since extensive renovations are out of the question for an apartment dweller to personalize a space, one of the easiest ways to infuse personality into the apartment is through lighting. A statement fixture is capable of changing a room’s mood. An apartment dweller can update lighting covers, add floor and table lamps, and change out bulbs for warmer or cooler lighting.
Decorating an apartment can seem like a daunting task due to rental limitations, but there are plenty of things you can do to make the space your own. With some out-of-the-box thinking, strategic planning, and an open mind, you’ll have an apartment that’s easily Instagram-friendly.