Personalizing Your Rented Space

Whether you’re living in properties for rent or a small house, it’s important to make the space your own. Even if your landlord won’t allow you to paint the walls colors you prefer, there are other ways to make the rooms reflect your personality. If you are looking to invest in a real estate property, you may find that there are numerous benefits to hiring a buyers agent to help you with the whole process.   Before you move in any boxes or furniture, it’s a good idea to clean as thoroughly as possible. Though some landlords hire a cleaning crew or do it themselves prior to new tenants moving in, one person’ idea of clean may not be the case for another. And it’s always good to start with a clean slate. Wash all the walls, the floor and any appliances, especially the freezer and refrigerator. One of the best things in life is a clean house that’s sparkling and fresh for you and your possessions. You might be in love with the place but not the color scheme. If your landlord won’t allow you to repaint, then the best thing you can do is work with the existing color scheme. If you have a jade-tiled kitchen floor, it may seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. Using draperies, tea towels, dish towels, kitchen stools or cushions on the chairs with a matching or complementary hue will help to pull the room together with style. Another way to pull a room’s color scheme together is with colorful area rugs. Bright patterns in rich, bold hues will perk up any room and area rugs can also hide and flaws or imperfections on hardwood or tiled floors. Area rugs also add depth and interest to any room. Many apartments and rental homes have interior walls painted white. Blank walls can leave rooms feeling cold and clinical. One of the best ways to personalize your rented space is with artwork. For a gallery effect, like the walls on Galleria on the Park Condos you need to blow up your favorite travel photos and hang them on the walls in a mosaic style. Or, pick your favorite pop culture posters or affordable prints in colors and styles that match your furniture and other accessories. It never hurts to ask your landlord if you can repaint the space. They may want final approval on the color so don’t pick anything that’s too over the top like neon pinks or greens. If the walls are already painted a neutral tan or antique white, painting a wall with an accent color can really add some personal style without overpowering the room.   Some rental spaces like studio apartments have open floor plans with undefined rooms or spaces and decorating them can be intimidating. But defining your space to make it more functional is easier than you think. Use dividing screens, bookcase, cabinets or a large potted plant to divide a studio apartment in halves. If your rooms seem boxy, use round tables, chairs and accessories to add curves and movement. Accessories are also the most economical way to add personal style and taste to any space. Candles, pillows and throws in tantalizing colors, textures and patterns can give your rooms just the “wow” factor they need. Personalizing rented space is what makes a house or an apartment feel like home. By customizing your space with draperies, cushions, towels, pillows, throws and artwork your home becomes an extension of yourself.