Guest Picks: Decorating Solutions for the Stylish Renter

As a current renter (and having been a renter for more years than I've been a homeowner), I know a thing or two about turning a "blah" rental into a stylish home for my family. So many people shy away from spending anything on their rental space, but even though you are renting, it is still your home. And a home needs to reflect who you are. It needs to be a place that you can feel relaxed in, that you can entertain in and that you can simply rest in. There are so many ways to inject style into a rental space; you just need to think outside the box.

This ideabook is full of many of the products that I have used or are similar to things I have in my own home. As a seasoned renter, I know a thing or two about where to save and where to splurge. Renting can be fun — sometimes the limitations can really get those creative juices flowing! Hopefully my ideabook can inspire you to get out of a decor rut and inject a bit of life into your rental space. — Barbara from Markova Design

Daydream Removable Wallpaper Tile, Blue - $33.00 » I love this company because they carry removable designer wallpaper. It's perfect for renters.


Moen Chrome Iso Single Post Paper Holder - CAD 27.56 » I never hesitate to replace ugly hardware in a bathroom with something a bit more stylish. You can always take it with you when you move!


Ritva Curtains with Tiebacks, White - CAD 29.99 » Most rental properties come with hideous blinds or bare windows. I always remove the ghastly blinds and replace them with drapes. These are easy to customize with a strip of contrasting fabric or look great simply left as-is. They are a cheap and easy fix for plain windows.


Small Polka Dots Wall Decal - $22.00 » Don't want to be committed to wallpaper? These decals are perfect for renters and homeowners alike. Easy to adhere and easy to remove, they are a snap to add a bit of pizzazz to bare walls.


Homespun Chevron Charcoal Rug - $357.00 » An easy fix for covering less-than-stellar floors and adding a bit of graphic punch to a room is getting an area rug. I have covered up many ugly floors with fabulous rugs. They deter the eye from the ugly.


Progress Lighting Polished Nickel One-light Pendant - CAD 182.14 » I have never lived in a rental home that came with amazing light fixtures. In each space I have lived, I have replaced the ugly fixtures with lighting that's more my style. You shouldn't hesitate to inject a bit of style into a rental space, and a fixture is an easy switch and is easy to take with you when you move. I have to admit that I have a few in storage from past homes, but buying them in a big-box store makes it a no-brainer — you get fabulous style that doesn't cost you a bundle.


Colored Chalkboard Paint » Most rental homes I have lived in I have been able to repaint. It's a really cheap and easy way to update a space. I especially love to use chalkboard paint, as it adds a bit of a bistro feeling to the home. If you can't paint a wall, why not paint a sheet of wood and simply prop or hang on your wall? This line comes in a variety of colors, so go ahead and funk it up.


Ficus Lyrata Potted Plant - CAD 14.99 » The fiddle-leaf fig plant is all the rage. Found in almost every decor magazine or blogger's home (except mine), it is a great way to add some style to a rental space. If you don't kill it before you move, you can simply take it with you.


Circle of Life African Stencil - $49.00 » If removable wallpaper and decals aren't your thing, stenciling is another option to create some wall pizzazz. It only takes a few hours, and you can give your rental space a one-of-a-kind touch without any long-term commitment. Plus, you can easily paint over it before you leave.


Regency Suite III Hardware - $1.85 » Living with ugly cabinet hardware? For a few dollars you can update a boring rental ktichen with some fabulous hardware.


Hendrick Table Lamp - $112.99 » An inexpensive and stylish lamp gives a space an instant update. Don't shy away from buying accessories because you are renting. You never know how long you will stay, and why not create a home with ambiece?


Instant Stainless Peel-and-stick Dishwasher Cover - $29.99 » When I stumbled across this peel-and stick appliance cover, I flipped out! It's a fabulous idea for covering up those hideous appliances that some rental homes come with. Ingenious.


Threshold Trumpet Drapery Rod, Antique Brass - $25.99 » Every window needs a bit of bling to make it sing. ( I couldn't help myself!) One of the first things I do when I move into a space is change out the drapery hardware or add some to elevate the space. If you buy an adjustable rod, you can take it with you to the next space.


Faulkner Library Cabinet - $899.00 » So many people don't want to invest in furniture because they are afraid it "won't work" in the next space. The key is to buy versatile pieces that can serve different functions in different spaces.

This cabinet can be used in a kitchen space if it lacks proper storage. Or you can use it in your living space for books. Or if your bedroom lacks storage, this could be a stylish option to house clothing, linens or towels. They key is to think outside the box!


Bowl Basket - CAD 295.00 » Short on storage? A unique basket makes a good catchall for any and all "stuff." This one would fit in perfectly on top of a library bookcase or on top of kitchen cabinets. You could also fill it with towels or toilet paper and put it in the bathroom.

You can never have too many baskets! I love using them in my home to add some earthy texture.


Galvanized Flower Bucket - $2.49 » You are probably wondering why I have a galvanized bucket in the mix? Well, I use mine to house my cooking utensils next to the stove. I bought one when I lived in a rental space that lacked drawers, and this bucket was the perfect solution to my storage dilemma. And the price ain't too shabby.


Offset Stripe Layered Bed Set - $129.00 » Don't scrimp on style in your bedroom. A fresh take on the classic stripe is the perfect way to create a focal point in a less-than-stylish bedroom space. I am sucker for stripes, so this bedding would be perfect in my rental home.


Proteak Rectangle Cutting Board - $149.95 » What is a renter to do with less-than-ideal counters in the kitchen? Add a large butcher block cutting board to give your space that bistro look. It will help deter the eye from the counters and lead it to a fabulous wooden board that will be the envy of all.


Antique Gold Mirror Frame » Boring bathroom mirror giving you the blues? A mirror frame kit is the perfect solution. It's an inexpensive and easy fix.

Next: Steep Your Rental in Color — Without Painting the Walls

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