Non-invasive décor Apartment design without the damage

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

For years, renters have been limited as to what they could do to decorate their space. However, new products have been developed that will let you infuse some personality into your apartment while preserving your deposit (and your walls!) If you are looking for some best bets and innovative ideas, we’ve got the top tips to get you started!

Simple Solutions

Apartment design tips to consider:

· Be guided by your apartment’s natural light

· Keep things bright to offer the illusion of space. (A dark accent wall is OK too!)

· Include the biggest dining table possible (chances are it will do double duty.)

· Push pins can be used to hang lightweight fabric at the windows (and are easily filled with toothpaste when you move!)

According to Debbie Hochstetler ASID and owner of Sweet Water Interiors, there are a number of great ways to add interest to a room while keeping your walls safe from nail marks and your floors free of scratches and snags. She suggests leaning a tall mirror against a wall to add light and open up a space. Command Strips, made by 3M are also a way to help renters hang pictures without using a nail and area rug mats featuring a vinyl pattern can help protect floors or cover up an unsightly carpet.

“One thing that I do suggest is taking a screwdriver and popping off the little plastic cap that is attached to the legs of your tables and chairs,” she said. “Those are hard on floors, and they can do a lot of damage. Instead, put some brown felt on the bottom of the legs to protect your floors and make moving things a little easier.

Stick It Out

Decals have come a long way in terms of giving renters options to make a space their own. Textured peel-and-stick backsplashes come in a wide range of styles and colors and are easily applied and removed. Other decals can be affixed to existing tile and contact paper can be placed on countertops to offer a customized look that you normally only get when you own your home.

“Those stick-on options are amazing because they really can transform a room,” Hochstetler said. “Removable wallpaper can be a great choice as well.”

Clip Art And Easy Switches

Another option to personalize is to use existing holes to infuse your own ideas. Swap out cabinet hardware for options that fit your style, change out switch plates and ceiling lights for something that is more your style. Non-invasive clips and hooks can also help renters create a cozy space while allowing them to hang terrariums, tapestries, paper lanterns, fairy lights and yes, even pictures.

“I have some clients who have used clips under their crown molding and a decorative cord to hang their pictures without damaging their walls. It looks really great.”

Redecorating your rental is no small undertaking, but with time, patience, a decent budget and a little ingenuity, you can go from drab to fab and make the place your own! n