Design Ideas for Renters

When it comes to decorating your apartment, you may feel hesitant to make changes because you're renting the space as opposed to owning it. But the reality is that while you won't likely be able to make any grand structural changes to the space (no installing skylights or knocking out walls), most landlords are open to allowing tenants to make some cosmetic changes.

Now for certain don't expect to make any major architectural changes to your apartment. As a rule, most landlords want the space to remain as whole to ensure that they will be able to utilize the property (rent it out) when you leave. And as a renter, it would be unwise to make expensive upgrades to a place that you have no investment or ownership in. But still, there are many things that you can to change your place from a generic rental into a sophisticated and customized living space. And the landlord will likely be amenable as long as the tenant agrees to return the place to its original state when they move out.

Paint: The easiest way to change the appearance of a room may be to paint. Whether it's a warm chocolate brown, cool steel gray or a deep shade of blue, color on the walls can add richness and depth in a way that plain walls couldn't do. And landlords are usually amenable to painting as long as you agree to return the walls to their original color before you move out.

Wall Art: Art tends to warms the space and injects personality. Wall art can come in so many styles and forms- it could be a painting, photography an arrangement of picture frames or even wall sculpture. The options and sources are almost endless, so look around and shop around to see what feel like the best fit for your space. Next to painting the walls, paintings on the wall are the next best way to change the look of a room.

Accessories: Sometimes it only takes a small change to breath new life into a tired layout. Looking for a way to freshen up your kitchen? Try swapping out the handles on the cabinets and drawers. They're reasonably priced, easy to install and you can always change them back when you move out.

Or how about adding a stained glass effect to your windows using colored adhesive strips. It's easy inexpensive and the only too you need is a bottle of window cleaner.

Plants: Plants are great because they give color and texture to any room, plus they bring fresh air into the room. (Remember photosynthesis from high school biology class!) There really are so many different varieties of plants to choose from, just make sure that you pick plants that you can easily care for. Plus, is there anyone who doesn't love fresh cut flowers on the dining room table?

Armed with a few of these options, a good plan and a little imagination, your rental space will go from your bland, new apartment to your stylish new home in no time at all.