People often assume that you can't paint a rental. Even if your rental agreement says that, you can enter into a supplemental agreement that will allow you to paint the walls as long as you agree to repaint the walls back to their original color (many managers will even pay for the paint) when you leave. The reason for this is because they have to paint the walls when you leave if you are there for more than a couple of years. So, they are basically getting free labor! It can't hurt to ask.
If you can't paint the walls, then you are going to have to rely on furnishings and wall decor to create warmth. Many people will give you rules about colors, etc. and how to make a space feel bigger. I think the most important thing is to surround yourself with the colors you like best.
If you are in an apartment, it will likely be transitional, so choose neutrals for your major pieces, and then use color to provide "punch". (For example, a camel colored couch with red pillows.) This will also make a huge difference in your kitchen, bath, etc. Rugs, colorful towels hung from the oven handle, and a few colorful useful pieces (paper towel holder, spice rack, etc.) to tie in with wall decor will bring a space to life.
I personally find that wall decor is the thing that brings a room together - especially when you have a white or cream wall. Don't limit yourself to "pictures". Think outside the box. Use painted screens, big framed mirrors, tapestry, and other bold statement pieces where possible. If you have a lot of pictures, consider framing them in interesting frames (not necessarily all the same frame) and creating a large and dramatic grouping.
Whether the space is big, or small, it is unique, personal touches that make it interesting. Go with what you like, and items that reflect your life, and your interests.
If this is for yourself? A large part of decorating an apartment depends on whether or not they let you paint the walls. If you can't paint, you can do one of two things:
Go for a modern monochrome look with everything varying shades of one color.
or
If white walls make you crazy, make the best of it with vibrant colored curtains, area rugs, slipcovers, and pillows as well as some large colorful paintings/wall hangings.
Alot depends on your own personal preferences. do you like bright colors or pastels? do you like patterns or solids? I suggest consulting a color wheel if the thought of coordinating colors overwhelms you. The following site is a good place to start: (http://www.decoratingstudio.com/archives/Home_Deco...
Third suggestion, go shopping with the idea that you are looking for the focal point of the room, whether it be a painting, a vase, what have you, as long as its something you wont get tired of soon. A friend of mine loves elephants, and found a hand carved elephant about 2 feet tall sitting on a black base. We decorated her entire room around that elephant, with a dark rust brown rug, black furniture, and brown, black and gold accents, and some tropical greenery to set off the look. She loves it! You need to find what you like, It's your apartment, there is no reason why it shouldnt reflect you. :)
oh and if you are decorating an apartment for someone else to rent, its probably best to stick to white and neutral colors.
ok first of all lets be sensible its a rental,you need to have washable paint and a good commercial carpet i would suggest white ceilings and trim(semi gloss on trim)off white benmoore#1066 is a great color or bone white (walls eggshell finish) this combo of colors is rich looking,paint all rooms the same color(kitchen and bath walls should be semigloss)as far as window treatments the cheap vinyl miniblinds are great they look great and cheap to re-place..as far as wall hangings have none!tell the tennent you would prefer no holes in the walls (there are plenty of no -hole hanging devices on the market today,and like i said try for a good medium to dark color burber carpet,this will also match the walls... good luck Bill
Is this for someone to rent or yourself? If it's for you go with you own taste. If it is for someone else to rent, go with neural colors and think of what many peope would lke so that you will have a wider group of renters. Watch "Designed to sell" on HGTV. If it s for you watch HGTV "this small space" and "mission organization." They have great ideas for small apartments.HGTV- Home and garden t.v.
go with white furniture, overstuffed. it looks clean and elegant. if you have hardwood floors, try to find some throw pillows in the closest color possible to the floors then find matching drapes. all artwork should be framed in white or wood. simple is always best
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multifunctional minimalist furniture ,,,,but lots pastel color and bright lights ,,,,,,,,,try avoiding lots patternal decorations
People often assume that you can't paint a rental. Even if your rental agreement says that, you can enter into a supplemental agreement that will allow you to paint the walls as long as you agree to repaint the walls back to their original color (many managers will even pay for the paint) when you leave. The reason for this is because they have to paint the walls when you leave if you are there for more than a couple of years. So, they are basically getting free labor! It can't hurt to ask.
If you can't paint the walls, then you are going to have to rely on furnishings and wall decor to create warmth. Many people will give you rules about colors, etc. and how to make a space feel bigger. I think the most important thing is to surround yourself with the colors you like best.
If you are in an apartment, it will likely be transitional, so choose neutrals for your major pieces, and then use color to provide "punch". (For example, a camel colored couch with red pillows.) This will also make a huge difference in your kitchen, bath, etc. Rugs, colorful towels hung from the oven handle, and a few colorful useful pieces (paper towel holder, spice rack, etc.) to tie in with wall decor will bring a space to life.
I personally find that wall decor is the thing that brings a room together - especially when you have a white or cream wall. Don't limit yourself to "pictures". Think outside the box. Use painted screens, big framed mirrors, tapestry, and other bold statement pieces where possible. If you have a lot of pictures, consider framing them in interesting frames (not necessarily all the same frame) and creating a large and dramatic grouping.
Whether the space is big, or small, it is unique, personal touches that make it interesting. Go with what you like, and items that reflect your life, and your interests.
If this is for yourself? A large part of decorating an apartment depends on whether or not they let you paint the walls. If you can't paint, you can do one of two things:
Go for a modern monochrome look with everything varying shades of one color.
or
If white walls make you crazy, make the best of it with vibrant colored curtains, area rugs, slipcovers, and pillows as well as some large colorful paintings/wall hangings.
Alot depends on your own personal preferences. do you like bright colors or pastels? do you like patterns or solids? I suggest consulting a color wheel if the thought of coordinating colors overwhelms you. The following site is a good place to start: (http://www.decoratingstudio.com/archives/Home_Deco...
Third suggestion, go shopping with the idea that you are looking for the focal point of the room, whether it be a painting, a vase, what have you, as long as its something you wont get tired of soon. A friend of mine loves elephants, and found a hand carved elephant about 2 feet tall sitting on a black base. We decorated her entire room around that elephant, with a dark rust brown rug, black furniture, and brown, black and gold accents, and some tropical greenery to set off the look. She loves it! You need to find what you like, It's your apartment, there is no reason why it shouldnt reflect you. :)
oh and if you are decorating an apartment for someone else to rent, its probably best to stick to white and neutral colors.
ok first of all lets be sensible its a rental,you need to have washable paint and a good commercial carpet i would suggest white ceilings and trim(semi gloss on trim)off white benmoore#1066 is a great color or bone white (walls eggshell finish) this combo of colors is rich looking,paint all rooms the same color(kitchen and bath walls should be semigloss)as far as window treatments the cheap vinyl miniblinds are great they look great and cheap to re-place..as far as wall hangings have none!tell the tennent you would prefer no holes in the walls (there are plenty of no -hole hanging devices on the market today,and like i said try for a good medium to dark color burber carpet,this will also match the walls... good luck Bill
Is this for someone to rent or yourself? If it's for you go with you own taste. If it is for someone else to rent, go with neural colors and think of what many peope would lke so that you will have a wider group of renters. Watch "Designed to sell" on HGTV. If it s for you watch HGTV "this small space" and "mission organization." They have great ideas for small apartments.HGTV- Home and garden t.v.
go with white furniture, overstuffed. it looks clean and elegant. if you have hardwood floors, try to find some throw pillows in the closest color possible to the floors then find matching drapes. all artwork should be framed in white or wood. simple is always best