Question for Renters

[purplecow0206]

DH and I just got the keys for our new apartment. ;D We have 2 bedrooms (!) and an additional 350 square feet. We'll probably be here another 4-6 years, depending on how long it takes to save enough for a reasonable down payment on a small place, which in the DC Metro area will take some time.

So far, we've painted 2 walls on the living area and the master bedroom, and I'm really happy with how they look. We're trying to figure out how else to personalize our space without the ability of making any permanent changes. So far, we have the painting, and are thinking about doing some removable wall decals. We may also do some tile decals (www.2jane.com/collections/tile-tattoos) on the bathroom tiles as well and are thinking about possibly changing out some of the light fixtures and also change out the shower fixture.

Anyone have any other suggestions or ideas of ways to temporarily personalize the space?

[RoxMonster]

We just bought but rented for three years. I think painting is a huge one, since it sounds like your landlord allows it (some don't, which sucks). Paint can totally spruce up an otherwise drab room. I think curtains can go a long ways too.

Are you allowed to hang things in the wall? usually apartments are OK with that. I would hang pictures/wall art as well.

It sounds like your landlord is pretty flexible. We weren't able to change out our shower head or light fixtures, etc. We could hang things and paint, but we would have also had to repaint it white before moving out, so we never did paint.

[Deleted]

I would say hanging pictures and window treatments are the two best things you can do to spruce up an area. We just have to spackle over any holes when we leave.

[Awkward]

Do you read the blog Offbeat Home? They have a bunch of posts about how to deal with apartment living and not being able to change things.

offbeathome.com/

They even have a tag for "no damage decor" for stuff you can do in an apartment, though it sounds like you're fortunate enough to be able to paint. They have some awesome ideas! offbeathome.com/tag/no-damage-decor

offbeathome.com/2012/09/de-beigeifying-rental-kitchen
offbeathome.com/2012/07/temporary-wall-decor
offbeathome.com/2011/04/battle-bland

[purplecow0206]

Thanks for the suggestions! I poked around on offbeat home, Awkward, thanks for the suggestion. It has some really good ideas. I'm hoping to use a lot of what we have now to get through the next two months (I got an amazing deal on a bed at the Crate and Barrel outlet near my office, so we shouldn't be spending any more decor money for a while), but I think all these suggestions are worth considering.

[ESF]

Rugs are a good way to add color and personality to a room.

Depending on the cabinets/built in drawers, you may be able to change the handles and knobs on them.

[megalicious]

You make me look bad. We've been here 4 years and I haven't even changed the curtains.