Just because you’re a renter doesn’t mean you need to settle for bland, boring décor. You can make more of your space in an inexpensive yet trendy way.
Don’t know where to start, don’t worry. Here are ten top home decor trends online real estate expertsHomes.com and ForRent.com uncovered after surveying more than 140 home design experts across the country on the year’s biggest home trends.
• Do-it-Yourself: Do-it-yourself projects save money and allow you to incorporate personality into your decor. For example, distressing old headboards, hutches, benches, and other wood furniture can enrich a room’s appeal.
• Go Vertical: Nothing perks up a room like a fresh coat of paint. If your rental property prohibits painting, use temporary techniques to create a gorgeous visual landscape, such as your own artwork.
• Fall in Love with Floral: Make your apartment pop with floral patterns. If that’s overwhelming, keep it subtle with an accent pillow in the den or bedroom.
• Mix It Up with Metals: Metallic shades are not just for appliance finishes. A great alternative to color, they can be used as accents, picture frames, vases, pillows -- essentially anything you’re inspired to give a unique look.
• Brighten Up: If your space is looking dull, brighten it up with a splash of color. Whether it’s the smallest objects or an entire wall, color accents can drastically change a room’s appearance, giving it that pop you’ve been looking for. This year, it’s all about purple -- Radiant Orchid, the Pantone color of the year, to be exact.
• Organize: The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to organization. Storage bins and labels in the pantry keep snacks, condiments and other food items separate and easily accessible. A command center at the front of your home should include a place to keep keys, mail, sunglasses and the other things you need most.
• Bring the Outside In: Plants add gorgeous depth and texture to a home. Incorporate different shapes, sizes, and colors for visual appeal.
• Classic and Contemporary: If you lean towards a more contemporary style, include vintage pieces for an ultra-updated appearance. These elements create contrast for a unique look -- plus, you can find a lot of classic pieces for great prices at thrift stores.
• Luxurious Lighting: Sometimes rentals can be less-than-luminous. Add temporary decorative light fixtures so you aren’t left in the dark.
• Play with Textures: Don’t buy all your furnishings from the same place. Instead, mix and match different textures and styles to create an intriguing atmosphere, rather than the cold, uniformed feel of a furniture store.
For additional decorating tips, visit the Idea Gallery at Homes.com. There’s no place like home, so take it from the pros -- it’s worth the effort to make your rental property a great space.
