7 design elements to elevate your rental home

So you’ve seen a million pinterest ideas about various design projects, they’re all swirling around in your head and you’re dying to create new energy in your space but you’re feeling creatively quarantined in your rental. Having lived in rentals my entire adult life, I’ve learned to get creative with making a house feel like home, while working around the many challenges a rental can bring. 

Here’s some ideas to create new life in your home: 

Lighting

I can’t say enough how important adequate lighting is in a space. Natural lighting is always first choice, but if you don’t have the luxury of large windows, especially if you live in the pacific northwest, maximizing lighting choices is key. I advocate for 3 lighting choices in each room, one for ambience, one floor lamp and one overhead, which is only used when absolutely necessary. Between these three options you can coordinate to create varying levels of illumination for the various tasks you may need to accomplish. Another important piece is the lightbulbs you are using. I always advocate for warm white light, but find what feels right for you. 

If you have the ability to install your own, a dining area centerpiece can bring alot of personality + design elements into a space. A minimal geometric globe light for the desk is another favorite. One important addition to the bedroom from a feng shui perspective is always having matching sconces or table lamps on either side of the bed. Here’s some beautiful modern plug in options from humanhome. 

Walls

Paint color can change everything in a space. The mood, energy, vibe whatever you want to call it the walls say it all. Personally I have chosen to go white or warm neutral with paint in every space I’ve lived in. Bright colors can be energizing for some, and draining for others. I fall into the latter category, but do what feels right for you! Spend time feeling into what emotions coordinate with different colors for you, and make decisions for how you want to feel in different rooms based on this exercise. What is the intention of the space and how do you want this to translate on the walls? I’m a huge fan of backdrop when it comes to paint, as they ship right to your door and have some beautiful color options. 

Another option that is rental friendly, wallpaper! What was once outdated has become a thriving fun way to bring new life into a space. Peel and stick wallpaper, like chasing paper, specifically can be super easy to apply, temporary, and give an extra flair to a room. 

In the kitchen, stick on backsplash can be a great way to update a space with minimal effort. No messing with grout, just stick it on and you’re done! You can find some great options at West Elm + Etsy. 

A smaller way to change your walls that is typically looked over, switch plates! I recently DIY’d mine with spray paint to give a fun pop of texture + color in my space. You can find all kinds of metallic, print + color options, and again it takes a few minutes to install. 

Especially in a small space, mirrors can work wonders. Especially important in the bedroom, make sure your mirrors don’t face you when you’re sleeping, another feng shui tip. In the kitchen a mirror over the stove can enhance prosperity + abundance. And in the closet, a full length mirror is always a functional addition to check yourself out before walking out the door. 

Switching out the mirror in the bathroom can also be an easy upgrade. I like white or light wood options, especially for small bathroom spaces to make them feel larger. 

Last but not least, art! I can’t say enough about how important having intentional art pieces can be to add life + personality into your space. Creating a gallery wall can be a fun project, and doesn’t need to be expensive either. Shop what you already own, shop second hand or print off some options from society6 or etsy. Insert shameless plug for my photography prints on society6 here. But really, a gallery wall is such a fun creative exercise. I recommend groupings of 3, 5 or 7. Really any arrangement with an odd number looks best visually. For frames I recommend shopping second hand first. You can even DIY an old frame with spray paint. 

Floors

If you’re looking for instant hygge makeover, add a rug! Whether its an outdated wood finish, or carpet with a hideous stain to cover, rugs make a statement and create warmth. I love adding jute rugs into a space to create a minimal hygge look. They’re great with pets, and very reasonably priced at Ikea or secondhand shops. 

Accessories

Maybe the bones of the place are alright, but you need a few tweaks. In the kitchen I love adding an updated wood or metallic handles. An hour or so to install, and a great way to upgrade your overall kitchen aesthetic. I adore these drawer handles by Sarah Sherman Samuel. 

Or if your couch needs an upgrade, modernize it with new screw on legs! If you have ikea furniture like I do, these small shifts can really elevate your furniture pieces. For drawers, updating the knobs or handles with a variety of options from leather to metallic can accent + add some spark to the bedroom. Pretty pegs has great options for kitchen, bedroom + other ikea furnishings. 

For a bigger transformation, theres a few options. You can add a slipcover to a couch or chair which can create a new look while also protecting furniture from future wear and tear, and being washable. Another option, that I’m current in process on, is re-dyeing fabric covers. This takes a bit more research into finding your perfect color combination, and best product options for the fabric involved, but its also a very cost affective alternative to buying something new. 

Textures

Blankets, duvet covers, + pillows are always great additions, especially going into the winter season, to pump up the hygge and instantly make a space feel homey. Textiles can be a great way to add new textures seasonally, new pops of accent color + more intricate patterns in an intentional way. The Citizenry + Parachute are two of my favorites when it comes to textiles. 

You can never go wrong with adding a vase of flowers or another plant baby to the mix. Make sure to do research on the amount of lighting needed and maintenance. And make sure to remove any dying or dead plants, as they release negative energy. 

Scent

When all else fails, for an instant lift, bring in aromatherapy. A final touch for any space is a diffuser, candle or room spray. Scent is the strongest tie to memory, and creating a smell for your space can create an instant calm when you walk in the door. A note to use natural fragrances, avoiding anything with ‘fragrance’ on the label is the best option. For calm: lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang + sandalwood are my favorites, For energy: orange, bergamot, jasmine, pine, for focus:  citrus, rosemary + peppermint. My favorite blends come from Vitruvi, but do your own research on what scents are tied to what emotions for you. 

I hope these design tips have been enlightening for you. 

What questions do you have when it comes to designing your space intentionally? 

Let me know what topics you’d like to see from me next! 

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