I love interior design but I’m renting. How much should I invest and will it be worth it?
We all want to live in stylish surroundings. Don’t let the fact that you’re renting hold you back from having your own amazing interiors.
Websites like apartmenttherapy.com are popular because they show the possibilities for designing and decorating flats and apartments of any size. With a little planning, effort and creative thinking, you can have the space that you want even if it’s just temporary.
Here are 12 tips and things to consider when deciding on interior design for your rental:
How long do you plan to stay in the rental? Answering this question will help in deciding how much or little to invest.
Set a budget. As with any design project big or small you should decide how much you are comfortable investing. As soon as you have an amount, decision making becomes easier.
What to do with an ugly doorway or a wall full of mismatching materials, surfaces and pipes? Paint it all out – wall, trim, door, etc., – in one colour, preferably a mid to dark tone – it will all appear to vanish into one entity.
Tip: Painting the entire wall the same colour including the baseboards can make the ceiling appear higher.
Paint and wallpaper – one or two walls or a whole room for impact. Wallpapering will cost a bit more and painting can be more flexible so if you’re unsure, go with a new colour.
Light it up with statement lighting – get your lighting right. The best lighting comes from a mix of sources, floor, table, wall, task, ceiling and indirect. Get creative! If you’ve got high ceilings, hang an oversized light. The right lighting can improve any atmosphere.
Want to hang a light over the table but the ceiling cable is in the wrong spot? Have an electrician simply loop the cable to the desired spot (he or she may have to lengthen the cable), install the hanging hardware (for example, a hook) and you’ve got it in position.
Keep clutter to a minimum and behind doors when possible. Small and dark entrance? Add stylish furniture with storage, an oversize mirror and instantly the space appears to have doubled.
Buy fewer but bigger, oversized items whether they be furniture, mirrors, artwork, lighting or plants – the design impact of a few large scale items will go a long way.
Tip: Hang a large mirror across from a natural light source and instantly you’ve got another window.
Beautiful storage – organize your stuff in beautiful containers, oversized baskets and mail and papers in tabletop trays, etc.
Measure, measure measure! Take photos and measure your rooms, ceiling height and doorways to make sure it will fit! Keep it with you when shopping either in person or online.
Sometimes, all it takes is getting rid of stuff to make all the difference. Give your place a thorough cleaning, sell, get rid of or give away stuff you don’t need and bring in a massive container of flowers. You’ll be amazed at how different your place will feel. No time to clean? Splurge on some professional cleaning help to get you on your way.
Still not sure what to do? Get an on site consultation with an interior designer who can give you specific tips for your place as well as advice on where to get what you need.
