From time to time I have people comment that they wish they could hire an interior designer to help in designing their apartment or rental house but didn’t think it was possible because of the mistaken notion that interior designers only with with clients that own their home. Not true at all!! Interior designers help people design their apartments as long as they realize you probably can’t do any construction related work; unless you really want to invest in something you don’t own and your landlord agrees, though I wouldn’t recommend that route. There’s still so much a designer can do with your space in regards to furniture selection and layout, wall colors, décor, window treatments, storage solutions, space planning, and more! I’ve worked with plenty of clients in rentals to help them make that most of their budget and fixed space to turn it into a home that feels right and works for them.

Renting a home or apartment doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style and personalization. With a little creativity and some smart design choices, you can transform your rented space into a stylish and inviting home. In this blog post, I'll share some valuable interior design tips specifically tailored for renters. Let's dive in!

**Modern Eclectic Style Living Room.** Image created using AI via Canva

Choose Temporary Wall Treatments

When you're renting a space, with a little bit of work, you can do a lot with your walls that will transform a space. Painting is typically what you think of first of course and you’ve got oodles of colors to choose from. DIY it yourself or hire professionals; entirely up to you! I advise checking with your landlord first and checking your lease aggreement to ensure that it’s allowed and if there’s any restrictions on paint colors or brands. The stipulation is usually you’re responsible for getting it back to the original color on move-out or you pay the cost to do it.

Another option is removable wallpaper, wall decals, or vinyl stickers to add visual interest to your walls. These temporary solutions are great for adding patterns, textures, or a bold statement in your space! Nowadays there are tons of options for peel and stick wallpaper across a range of price points and quality levels.

Boho style living room. Image created using AI via Canva

Embrace Color and Patterns:

One of the easiest ways to personalize a rental is through color and patterns. Use vibrant throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and artwork to add pops of color and visual interest to your space. Experiment with different patterns and textures to create a unique and dynamic atmosphere. Remember, when it comes to color and patterns, there are no strict rules for that so you can have fun with it.

Scandinavian style dining room. Image created using AI via Canva

Lighting Matters

Good lighting can make a significant difference in any space. Since you might not have control over the fixtures in a rental, focus on portable lighting solutions. Floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights are great options for adding warmth and ambiance to your rooms. Choose bulbs with warm light to create a cozy atmosphere that enhances the overall aesthetic.

In my last three rental homes, I’ve had my landlords approval for me to switch out different fixtures in the dining room, entry way, and bedrooms since I really hated the standard lighting fixtures they came in the units; zero personality, terrible lighting quality, and just plain ugly! We did the installations ourselves and saved money too! Of course, when I moved out, I removed my light fixtures and restored the original fixtures. In my place in San Francisco however, my landlord loved the fixtures so much that he wanted to keep them!

Mid-century modern style living room. Image created using AI via Canva

Utilize Furniture and Storage Solutions

Invest in multifunctional furniture and storage solutions to maximize both style and functionality. Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as ottomans with hidden storage or bookshelves that can double as room dividers. This way, you can make the most of your space while keeping it organized and clutter-free. The main advantage of having a room divider screen or bookshelves is it allows you to divide a large room into distinct areas that have their own function and purpose, which is frequently a large room that acts as living and dining space.

Transitional living room. Image created using AI via Canva

Dress Up Windows

Windows play a crucial role in the overall look of your space. Enhance their appeal by adding curtains, blinds, or shades that align with your style. Make sure to choose options that are easy to install and remove when it's time to move out. Hanging curtains higher and wider than the window frame can create an illusion of larger windows and make the room feel more spacious. If your windows have plenty of space above - I’d recommend installing the curtain rod at least 8 inches higher than the top of the window or a couple inches below the ceiling. I add curtains in any rental I’ve lived in, it makes the space more sophisticated and homey.

Boho style shelves with accessories. Image created using AI via Canva

Incorporate Personal Touches

To make your rental truly feel like home, don't forget to incorporate personal touches. Display your favorite artwork, family photos, or cherished mementos to infuse your personality into the space. Consider creating a gallery wall or arranging a shelf with meaningful items that bring you joy and make the space uniquely yours. You can make your place a home of your own and tell a story about who you are.

Mid-century modern style dining room designed by Joshua Jones - JJones Design Co.

I want to share what I did with my old apartment in San Francisco. I decorated my dining room for the One Room Challenge back in spring 2020 as shown in the picture above. You can learn more about it in my other blog post here. I was allowed to paint the walls, change the light fixture, and add window treatment. When I moved out - I had the walls painted back to original wall color and we did this work all ourselves. I was actually sad to leave my old apartment since it was one of my favorite rental properties that I’ve ever lived in because of it’s older-building charm, materials, and architecture. I will always cherish my memories of living there. The bottom line is, you can make your rental property a home of your own as long as you put a little work in and perhaps with the help of a designer!

Just because you're renting doesn't mean you can't have a stylish and personalized living space. By using temporary décor, embracing color and patterns, optimizing lighting, choosing versatile furniture, dressing up windows, and incorporating personal touches, you can transform your rental into a home that reflects your taste and personality. Remember, with a little creativity and some thoughtful design choices, the possibilities are endless. If you’re inspired to make your rental home a home of your own but still need the assistance from professional interior designer - I’m more than happy to assist you with that. You can get in touch with me here. Otherwise, happy decorating! :)

Jun 11 Interior Design Tips for Renters: Creating a Stylish and Personalized Space