Do you sigh over pictures of beautifully decorated homes and tell yourself, “Someday, when I move into my own house…”?
It isn’t just you. A good part of today’s urban population lives in rented spaces, many of which remain bare and characterless months after being lived in. You’re probably reluctant to invest in beautifying a place that is not your own. Add to this the landlord’s strict ‘no alterations’ policy, and you continue to live in a makeshift setup even as the days turn into months.
The truth is it doesn’t have to be this way. Lets get started:
1. Light it right
Always remove and store away the boring lights (so that you can put them back on when you vacate), and get your own. Layered lighting through the use of multiple light sources can create different zones and moods in the same space. A bedside lamp that throws light patterns on the wall is a great backdrop for late night conversations in bed.
Change-your-mindable wall art
Removable wall decals are all the rage these days. They are inexpensive and can simply be peeled off the wall without damaging the paint or plastering. Plus, they come in a variety of designs, from your favourite Peanuts quote to florals, animals, and cartoons. Remember to plan their position carefully before setting them up.
Hue’s hue
Hate the wall paint your apartment’s come with? Too bad you can’t just repaint it. But you can still bring home the colours you love – think upholstery and soft furnishings like curtains, cushion covers and carpets. The best way to get started is by making a colour palette that will work well with your wall paint. Play by the 60-30-10 rule. Pick your colours from the pattern of the sofas and utilise them.
All eyes on the floor
A rug is an incredibly simple way to make your home feel homely – there’s something so warm and welcoming about it. For areas that have higher footfall, choose a durable, low maintenance carpet that’s in a dark colour or highly patterned. Rugs in low footfall areas can be fancier: a jute or silk hand-crafted one, for instance. Never forget to measure the size of your room you want to cover with rugs before you go shopping.
Not just window dressing
Pastel curtain shades or florals give a soft, cosy feel, while satiny textures and intricate patterns create an opulent look. Choose one that goes with your decor style. Do remember that each time you change your curtains, you may need to change your cushion covers to keep the room looking well-coordinated.
Indoor plants
If you have a sunny balcony, make a small garden there with potted plants and hanging planter boxes. Keep a garden chair, bench, or swing, and you’re all set to go! Keep succulents and easy-to-maintain plants that will look lovely.
