Decorating Your Rental Space - The Do's and Don'ts

Elevate Your Rental Space: The Do's and Don'ts of Decorating a Rental

Turning a rental space into a personalized oasis without ruffling the landlord's feathers can be an art in itself. Whether you're a seasoned renter or stepping into your first lease, the do's and don'ts of decorating can be your guiding stars to transform your rental into a cozy and stylish haven.

The Do's: Elevate with Elegance

 1. Accessorize with Abandon: Swap out temporary hooks for sleek, removable ones. Hang art, mirrors, and shelves to inject your personality into the space without damaging walls. Command strips can be your friend!

 2. Furnish with Flair: Furniture choices can set the tone. Opt for pieces that reflect your style and can be integrated seamlessly into different spaces.

 3. Light the Way: Replace basic lighting fixtures with statement lamps or chandeliers. These portable upgrades can be easily removed when your lease ends. Just remember not to throw out all the originals as they will need to be replaced again.

 4. Textile Touches: Transform a room with textiles. Layering rugs, adding colorful curtains, and cozy throws can infuse warmth and texture.

The Don'ts: Tread Carefully

1. Say No to Permanent Changes: Avoid permanent alterations like painting walls or replacing fixtures. Stick to easily reversible changes. As it relates to painting, if you choose a neutral paint and talk with the landlord, they may purchase the paint if you’re doing the work. I mean, why not repaint the place with free labor. 😊Truth is, it’s your home and you’ll have a sense of pride by doing so.

 2. Avoid Drilling: Steer clear of drilling holes for shelves, hooks, or art. Instead, explore adhesive or tension-based alternatives. Many times, build-your-own furniture can fill a wall in a jiffy and look fantastic.

 3. Skip the Wall-to-Wall Carpet: Rugs are your friends. Large area rugs can define spaces without the hassle of wall-to-wall carpeting.

4. Overhaul with Heavy Furniture: While you want stylish pieces, avoid furniture that's too heavy or difficult to move. Versatility is key. Besides, often at times, the delivery guys will not be coming back to help you move it out!

 5. Leaving Holes Behind: Nails, screws, and wall anchors can leave behind scars. Opt for damage-free solutions whenever possible such as strong removeable adhesives.

Style, Sensibility, and Sensation

Decorating a rental is all about achieving that sweet spot between personal style and practicality. While you may not own the space, you can certainly make it feel like home. Stick to removable, reversible changes that reflect your taste without compromising the integrity of the property. Adorning walls with art, accentuating corners with stylish furniture, and playing with textiles can transform any rental into a sanctuary that resonates with your essence.

Remember, it's not about what you can't do; it's about what you can do within the boundaries of a lease agreement. By embracing the do's and avoiding the don'ts, you can create a space that mirrors your spirit and welcomes you with open arms at the end of each day. So, let your creativity soar within the realm of practicality, and watch your rental space evolve into a delightful expression of you.

Inspect-By-Tenant℠, a mobile App to help renters complete their own independent rental inspection, puts the confidence, security and back-up into the hands of the tenant. Visit their website, download their app and use it on your next Move-In and especially your next Move-Out.

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