Often, renting an apartment feels like living in someone else’s space. Someone else chose the paint colors, flooring, countertops, and finishings. And there’s a good chance you would have made some different decisions if you had free reign over the decor. Thankfully, there’s still a lot you can do to make the place feel like home. Whether you’re intent on entertaining guests or enjoying a calming space to yourself, check out the following tips from Weekly Real Estate News to redecorate your rental so it perfectly suits your needs!
Design a Home Workspace
If you work from home, designing a home office is a great way to boost your productivity. You don’t need a spare bedroom to make this work. A closet or an empty corner can also serve as a comfortable home workspace. Clear out a space for a desk, invest in a comfortable chair, and hang some shelving so you can organize your office supplies. A few bright splashes of color can help you maintain your energy and creativity when working from home. At the same time, try to keep your distractions to a minimum by choosing simple decor and adding lighting without irritating glare.
Create Kid-Friendly Spaces
Renters with kids may feel like their options are limited when it comes to fun and playful decor. However, Apartment Therapy suggests several great ways to personalize your children’s spaces with lots of color and a touch of whimsy. If you can’t paint the walls in your rental, paint some of your children’s furniture. Removable wallpaper and bright rugs are also great for making a statement and adding excitement to children’s rooms.
Keep your kids in mind as you decorate the rest of your home as well. Choose washable textiles that resist stains. Get creative with custom storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. Find ways to feature your children’s artwork around the home. Most importantly, remember to ask your children for their input. This is their home, too!
Plan for Entertaining
Do you like to entertain guests? Hosting people in a small apartment can be tough, but with a little creativity, you can furnish and decorate your living area to accommodate a number of people. For example, The Spruce suggests choosing a large coffee table where friends and family can gather and graze on your appetizer trays. Instead of packing your house with seating for all of your future guests, keep folding furniture stored away in a closet that you can pull out when people drop by.
Your kitchen can also serve as an entertainment hub for guests. Do some decorating in this room to make up for the laminate countertops and outdated cabinetry. Adding a rug, for example, is a great way to add some personality to your rental kitchen. If you have a nice set of pots and pans, you can hang them on a pegboard installed on an empty wall. This can add an interesting focal point in your kitchen while at the same time freeing up your limited storage space.
Of course, you’ll want to be sure your furniture and draperies are in good repair and clean for your guests. For those tough-to-clean stains or pet fur that seems to never go away, it’s best to call on the pros that specialize in deep cleaning furniture. Go online and research reputable and experienced professionals near you, and be sure to read up on customer ratings and reviews. When narrowing down your search, ask companies what tools of the trade they use, as this speaks volumes about their expertise.
Prioritize Comfort
When decorating, many people prioritize form over function. But comfort is just as important to the overall atmosphere of your home. For those who just want to get home from a long day at work and cozy up on the couch, comfort is key! Turn your bedroom into a relaxing sanctuary with minimal decor and calming lights. Invest in a comfortable sofa for the living room along with some throw pillows and blankets that compliment your surrounding decor. You may even want to create a cozy reading nook in an empty corner where you can curl up and get lost in a good story.
Add Potted Plants
Houseplants can liven up even the dreariest rentals. Adding a touch of greenery here and there will bring color, life, and freshness to your home. Place plants around your home office, living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Hang trailing vines from the ceiling and fill empty corners with towering plants. Can’t keep houseplants alive? Head to a local garden center and look for low-maintenance plants like snake plants, spider plants, pothos, and succulents. Aim to create contrast with plants of different sizes and types, and use decorative pots to add even more personality to your indoor plantscape.
Just because you rent your apartment doesn’t mean the space has to feel foreign and unfamiliar. Make decorative decisions that fit your personality and lifestyle! Think about how you tend to spend your time at home, whether it’s reading on the sofa or entertaining guests from out of town, and decorate your apartment to accommodate these activities.
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