One of the bad things about living in an apartment is it can be awfully difficult to find ways to make it your own. With rooms all painted in flat Builder's Beige, and standard stock building materials that make every other apartment look the same, expressing your individuality can seem downright impossible, especially when the landlords virtually never allow you to make any changes. Here are four management-friendly ideas that will allow you to temporarily add your own flair to the rented space you call home.
Wall Graphics
Peel-and-stick wall graphics can add color, a design theme, and artwork all at once. These decals are easily applied and are equally as easily removed. You can also reposition them, which makes it simple to fix if you make a mistake, or recreate the rooms every time you feel like rearranging your furniture. You can get full wall mural decals, such as scenic landscapes, or you can opt for smaller arrangements, such as birds on a wire or leaves falling from a tree branch. You can also get decals that have an erase board surface, making them useful for leaving messages, making shopping lists, and keeping your appointments and calendar organized. Decorative script quotes are another option, allowing your guests to learn more about your philosophy and what's important in life to you. Wall graphics companies also make door-sized decals to decorate that space as well.
Window Clings
Rather than putting up curtains, you can buy a roll of decorated window cling to provide both color and privacy to your rooms. Many of the designs are beautiful faux stained-glass patterns that look lovely when the sun shines through them, casting colorful beams of light on your walls as well.
Fabric Walls
Use tension rods and fabric shower curtains or flat sheets to create your own "wallpaper." This will help keep your walls clean, in addition to adding flair. On larger areas, simply fasten a small lathing strip with a few finishing nails and then staple the fabric to the strips.
Stone Countertops
Kitchens are notoriously ugly in apartments because they cost so much to update. Get rid of that gold-glitter–flecked countertop by covering it with contact paper. Choose a faux granite or marble self-adhesive paper, or go all natural and choose a wood grain instead. When it comes time to move, simply pull it up, throw it out, and be on your way.
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