If you are renting your house or apartment, you’re more than likely familiar with the fact that there can be limitations on what you can do with your space. A common one: Some property managers do not allow the walls to be painted or otherwise altered. If this is the case for you, don’t be discouraged — you’re not sentenced to a lifetime of boring neutral walls! There are plenty of visually interesting (and completely temporary and non-damaging) ways you can customize your wall space that will make both you and your property manager happy.
Wall Murals and Tapestries
Who said you must use paint to cover a wall? Wall murals can bring to your space everything from a photographic nature scene to a graphic or abstract pattern. Another option is to use a lightweight tapestry, which you can hang for a shot of personality. Bonus: You can easily change the tapestries — simply take down and tack up — allowing you to change your décor as often as you change your mind. (The tapestries can also serve as furniture throws!)
Looking for a budget way to get the same effect? Simply purchase fabric by the yard in any pattern that catches your fancy. Fabric can be expensive as well, so keep an eye out for clearances and sales. You can tack the fabric up or use a liquid starch method that won’t damage your walls.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. As Elizabeth Rees of removable wallpaper emporium Chasing Paper notes, “Choosing complementary but not matching prints and colors … will help to break up the print and help to make the print the focal point rather than competing.”
Wall Graphics
Ready to have some fun? Stick-on wall graphics come in so many different designs, and you can even have them custom made to suit your imagination. The graphics are easy to apply and remove, and you can use them on other surfaces besides walls, too — stick them on furniture, lampshades, kitchen cabinets, bed headboards, etc.
[tweetthis]Stick-on, personalized graphics can be used on many surfaces to add personal flair to your rental.[/tweetthis]
If using graphics in the main area of your space doesn’t align with your taste, consider trying them out in your children’s rooms for some whimsy and color. This is also a great way to allow your kids some freedom and imagination in how their personal spaces are decorated.
Removable Wall Hooks
Hang all your favorite photos, artwork, mirrors and whatever else your fancy dictates without damaging the walls by just simply using removable wall hooks, which are adhesive-based and won’t leave holes or marks behind. If you’re a fan of bold color, experiment with fun picture frames in different shades, or perhaps make a “work of art” with your scarves, hats and other colorful accessories. In the kitchen, you can create a cheerful display — as well as save space — by hanging utensils and cookware.
While loading up your wall space, don’t be afraid to experiment with your personal tastes. As design blogger Elizabeth Mayberry of Oak + Oats notes, it’s all about finding your vibe. For her, that happens to be “a little bit of a Scandinavian style with lots of art on my walls, [and] fun pops of bright color in pillows and throws.” Follow her lead and discover yours!
Tip: If you’re hanging something heavy, use multiple hooks to make sure it will be supported.
Creative Shelving
Instead of being stuck on the idea that the walls are your primary surface, consider using creative shelving to add visual pizzazz to your rooms. Shelving units in interesting configurations, shapes (floating, hexagons, triangles, etc.) and colors (no limit on how much paint you can use here!) draw the eye and make a plain wall suddenly something special. If you’re working with white or neutral walls, experiment with contrast — black or dark shelving will create a dramatic statement.
As a bonus, you can add more color and personality by displaying objects on the shelves. Spotlight your books, musical instruments, framed photos or houseplants — anything that makes you feel good.
Armed with these ideas, you can now transform your home into a personalized paradise, one that can be changed as often as you like! Who needs the permanence of paint with all these amazing options?