Clueless About Decorating Your Rented House or Apartment?

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Posted by admin | Apartments, Daily, Home, House, Tips | Sunday 11 March 2007 3:47 am

Tip: Additionally, when you are visiting the apartment, do not be afraid of scrutinizing every aspect of the apartment. Look for cracks, bugs, dirty spots, and any other flaws.

You can’t make huge changes around a rented house/apartment but this does not mean you lose heart. The trick is in knowing that you can make temporary changes and changes that are small. Not only will this be affordable but also keep your landlord happy. Before you go out and buy decorating items for your home, see what you can do with the things you already have. If you do buy other items, see to it that they are things that will last, can be used to decorate in other houses (if you move) and they go easy on your wallet.

Tip: Find out how much the rent is, and all the financial details therein. This is very important for comparing apartments.

If you are unsure of certain changes you would like to make – will the landlord approve or not variety – then its best to get these ideas clarified before implementing them. Here are a few ways in which you can decorate your home without indulging in painting and loud banging.

Since in most rented houses you are not allowed to paint the walls, try a colorful rug that you can hang. Rugs of neutral colors can be used to hide dirty flooring or ragged/unflattering carpeting. Use cotton covers for your sofa in bright colors or use white if you want to make the room look bigger. Also throw in some cushions in different colors around the sitting area and bedrooms.

Tip: Visit the apartment. Too many people sign on the dotted line without ever actually seeing the apartment or the neighborhood.

Use table lamps placed at strategic points to enhance the lighting in various rooms. Candle holders or just fancy candles, tabletop fountains, art pieces etc. can also be used to decorate.

Use colorful and varied patterns of curtains or panels for windows; colorful dishtowels and bath towels, fancy soap dishes and delicate vases with fresh flowers for the kitchen and bathrooms will add to the finer details making the rooms look bright.

If your landlord is particular about not nailing the walls, then lean huge mirrors against it to make the room look bigger. Paint the sides of the mirror or frame if it is bare. Small photo frames and other artwork can be placed on tables and mantel tops.

Tip: Use all your resources. Apartments are listed in newspapers, free magazines, small ads, and even ?for rent? signs in the front yard.

Fixtures and doorknobs can be replaced with your own as these can be reversed while vacating. But if you are unsure of this, get it checked with the landlord.

Put skirts or decorative screens around the sinks: not only will you be covering the area underneath but it can also double as storage space for your mops, brooms or other cleaning items. Shine up your taps and faucets if needed.

Trunks painted or decorated by you or the kids can be placed at the end of beds for more storage space.

There are many things you can do to decorate a home, rented or own, without making permanent changes. Think about your taste and go for that look in your house. Do not overdo anything to the point of garishness. Do not forget that no matter how short the period of your tenancy is this is your living space. Put in some time, effort and money to make the house your home.

Tip: Ask about service locations around the apartment. Find out things such as, how far it is to the supermarket, the gas station, the bank, restaurants, and public transportation.

Sadiya Anjum – ChoiceOfHomes.com- Find Apartments and Houses for Rent in the U.S.