Creating a Beautiful Rental Home: Last and Final Tip ~

Tip #8

Don't be afraid to use a bit of elbow grease...

Image from www.delight.com

 to clean and tidy both the exterior and interior of a home. I have not hesitated in fixing up the flower beds, adding a garden and sprucing up the lawn. I have gone out to buy planters, outdoor lighting and patio furniture. You can always pack it up and take it with you! I have also scrubbed and cleaned grout, tiles, walls, doors, windows and the list can go on. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get down to work. 

A home is an expression of you, don't let it scream that you don't care.

I hope that throughout the year I can show you what I have done around our rental to make it a home, maybe inspiring you along the way. 

This week I hope to share a dresser re-do, awesome finds and another thrift store lamp makeover!

Creating a Beautiful Rental Home: Tip 7~

Tip #7 

Accessorize!

 It is a great way to personalize a space. I use throw pillows, artwork and mirrors. Accessories are a great way to add a pop of colour if you aren't allowed to paint the walls in your place. 

You don't have to spend a lot on accessories. Ikea (I am sounding like a broken record), Homesense (Homegoods in the US), Target (if you live in the US or are like me and live close to the border),  Loblaws/Superstore and even Walmart carry throw pillows, lamps, artwork, frames, etc.

One way I instantly personalize our space is by hanging up artwork. 

I know you are thinking "what about the holes?" I have never had an issue, most landlords paint after you leave OR I fill in the holes, patch them and paint over ( a good domestic diva always saves her paint!)

 Use what you have. 
I love using my children's art around the house, items in shadow boxes, photos that my husband has taken on his travels,  art purchased on various trips, family photos or even posters and maps that I have framed. My latest purchase is a poster my husband wanted, it is the graph of the Napoleonic advance into Russia in 1812, can't wait to frame it and hang it up.

Photos taken by my husband in Paris hanging in a daughter's room in old frames I spray painted black.

Artwork painted by my oldest daughter in art class in a Ribba frame from Ikea.

Nail from Jamestown, VA in a shadow box from Homesense.

I also love hanging up mirrors. They visually expand a space.

Pillows are another way to add warmth and coziness to your space.

(I love making pillows).

PIllows made by me.

Patterned pillow from Pottery Barn outlet

More pillows made by me (down inserts are from Ikea-only$6)

Come back tomorrow as I share my last tip. This week I am also going to show you what I did with this second thrift store lamp I found!

Creating a Beautiful Rental Home: Tip 3 ~

Tip #3:
Replace hardware in bathrooms and kitchens. 


You can easily switch out cabinet knobs and towel bars to spruce up a room. You can find inexpensive knobs and pulls at Ikea or other hardware stores. My goal is to spruce up the laundry room with some new knobs. I found some at Ikea 6 for $3.99. They are a plain dull grey but my plan is to spray paint them, either black or chrome. 


We found the house lacked towel bars in the main bathroom so for $40 we got 2 bars. 

Before

Now the once plain (and purple!) wall looks polished and finished with new towel bars and personalized art.

I am sharing this tip at Make it Monday at Cottage Instincts
and DIY Day at a Soft Place to Land
and Thrift Decor Chick's Before and After Party

Creating a Beautiful Rental Home: Tip 1 ~

I love to read decor magazines and blogs. They are so full of inspiring ideas yet there are times I feel a pang of envy. We don't own our current home and are renting until we find the right home for our budget. We have moved 5 times, twice across the continent from one coast to another and between countries. We have rented more homes than we have owned due to our moving every few years. 

Over the years I have learned that even though I can't knock out walls, renovate a kitchen, tear our carpet I can still create a beautiful home within the constraints of renting. I must admit that I can't wait until I can tear up, knock down and redo a house to my liking. In the meantime I am trying to be content with our lot in life and do the best I can. Sometimes being restricted in what you can do to a home can really bring out the creativity. Over the years I have learned a thing or two and would like to share my ideas. (I wish my photos of past homes were digital, I could then show you what I have done in past homes)

I have decided to create a mini-series of some do's and don'ts in creating a design saavy home while renting. Stay tuned over the next week as I share what I have learned over the years.

TIP #1

Don't hesitate in painting the walls. Just because you are renting doesn't mean you can't invest a little. Paint doesn't cost a lot and you get great results. Don't forget it is the home you live in, even though it is temporary you need to make it your own. But make sure you have the OK from the landlords (or you can paint the colours to your liking and then paint back before you move) Another idea is if the walls are white you can add punches of colour in your accessories, art work and drapery. I will be discussing those topics in the next few posts. Stay tuned!

Before -  ugly paint colour and light fixture in the living/dining room....

....after!

Family room in all it's peachy glory...

...after with a fresh coat of paint.

Master bedroom - more peach....

...after with a lovely shade of grey-blue.

Don't be afraid to roll up those sleeves, grab a can of paint in a colour you love and create a room you will enjoy to be in.


Linking up with Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
and *edited: January 7 Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage