Homage

It’s Thursday afternoon, lovelies! We’re almost there! Before I blow your minds with some innovative decorating techniques, let’s all send good thoughts to sweet little Murray as he is getting shots this afternoon. And to J, who has no stomach for such things. In our daily email correspondence that gets us through the endless hours of work she remarked “I must focus on happy thoughts so as not to pass out at the vet’s office. That would be awful, and I would probably end up covered in dog hair and cat pee or something equally terrible.”  J makes me laugh.

Alright, down to business. Some of you have remarked that decorating blogs are great, but what if you rent your space? As a former renter myself, I understand the challenge.  And, since I aim to please, here is my attempt to address the issue.

A common  decorater-residing-in-a-rental complaint is that they can’t paint the walls. First of all, wall color is just a small part of decor. AND, don’t knock a classic white wall. Here are some photos I dug out of my inspiration folder that showcase very stylish (in my opinion) rooms with neutral wall colors. I have no idea where I found these, I saved them before I knew I would be a world famous blogger

There are many other ways to bring color into a room:

• Hang curtains over cheap rental blinds
• Throw pillows
• Paint a piece of furniture an unexpected color (see the coffee table and barstools in the second photo)
• Hang photos on the walls in colored frames (spray paint works well on wood frames). You can add an unexpected twist by covering photo mats with fun scrapbook paper.
• Table linens
• Hang colored plates on the walls in your dining space or kitchen

Another issue renters encounter is that they do not want to sink a lot of money into beautifying a space that they don’t plan on occupying for a long period of time. Understandably so, and bonus points for good money management! However, I don’t think stylish decor has to break the bank. In fact, I have spent very little on any of our decor.  This is the method to my madness:

• Flea markets and secondhand shops are great spots to find unique furnishings for your home. Make it your own using slipcovers or paint.
• Don’t buy items intended just for your current space. Purchase things you love, and they will fit into your decor for years to come. Trust me!
• Stick to neutrals for items that are expensive to replace (sofas, rugs, sets of dishes) and introduce color using other pieces (see the suggestions above). 
• Don’t want to pay a pretty penny for artwork? Me neither! My favorite ways to dress up a wall (other than pictures of myself and my darling husband…we are very good looking….part time model status for sure….) are to stretch pretty fabric over a frame using a staple gun and to print favorite movie/television/inspirational quotes on cardstock and frame them. Like so:

Now, I am by no means a professional decorator, and these lists are not exhaustive. Let us know – what are your favorite ways to introduce style and color without changing wall color?

Love,

Tags: DIY, Home Decor, inspiration photos