How to Infuse Your Rental Property with Color and Character

When it comes to rental properties, it's difficult to get that personalized decorating style you're looking for because you're often not allowed to make changes to the space with paint, wallpaper, or architecture. This doesn't mean, however, that you have to live in a dull and dreary space with no personality. You can add plenty of color and character to your rental property through careful accessorizing.

Most rental properties are painted in safe, easy-to-clean, neutral colors that don't really have any personality to them - affectionately referred to as 'builders beige'. The good thing about this is that you can choose any color you like for your furniture, artwork, and accessories. The easiest way to add color to any room is through the use of fabrics. Bright, bold colors can be added to the living room with beautiful drapes, slipcovers, throw rugs, and pillows. In the bedroom add colorful roman shades, bedcovers, sheets, and lots of pillows. The kitchen can be spiced up with tablecloths, placemats, valances, rugs, or chair cushions. Even that boring bathroom can be infused with colorful towels, shower curtains, and floor mats.

If you really have your heart set on brightening up a boring wall without getting stuck with a damage fee, why not place some fabric directly onto the walls? Just like wallpaper, fabric can be applied to the walls, but unlike wallpaper it's removable! Using a lightweight fabric cut long strips to be applied to the wall like wallpaper. Apply liquid starch directly to the wall with a paint roller and place the fabric on top of it. Smooth it out as you work from the ceiling to the floor. Using a brush, apply another coat of starch to the outside of the fabric and smooth it all down. Trim the edges and you've got yourself a beautiful fabric covered wall! When you're ready to move, simply spray it with water and gently peeling it off. Wash the starch off with a sponge and your apartment manager will never know the difference!

Another great way to add some well needed color to your rental property without damaging the walls is to use decorative screens or foliage. Place decorative screens up behind a couch, against the wall, or as a room divider to break up an open plan. Look for screens that have removable fabric inserts and make your own that can be changed out with the seasons. Add potted plants to give a room instant life. Don't be afraid to use silk plants over windows, doors, mirrors, cabinets, shelving, or mantels.

Of course, you can also hang artwork, posters, and family photos on the walls to break up the monotony of a neutral color scheme. Hanging pictures on the walls with removable adhesive hangers are a great option for renters. Add some interesting shelving units to long, bare walls and place some beautiful vases, books, or collectibles on them. With a little creative accessorizing, you can add color, charm, and character to any rental space.