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They say that home is where the heart is, but it can be pretty hard to pour your heart into a space that just doesn’t feel like you. Personalizing your home is in theory a great idea, but in practice it can be easier said than done.
Whether you’re a renter at the mercy of your landlord’s strict rules or just a little afraid of design commitment, sometimes knocking down a few walls or re-flooring just isn’t feasible. Never fear, there are other options! Here are 6 non-permanent ways to stylishly feather your nest.
Removable Wallpaper
Nothing transforms a room quite like wallpaper. That being said, it can be expensive, labour intensive, and unless you have endless time and patience, a big hassle to remove. Luckily, modern technology and creative designers have stepped up the wallpapering game in a big way.
In contrast, temporary wallpaper comes in countless patterns and textures, is easy to hang and, best of all, comes off effortlessly whenever you’re ready for a change.
Chalkboard Paint
Not just for the classroom, chalkboard paint gives you the option to customize a wall, a door or any other surface you feel like livening up. Whether you use it to keep an ongoing grocery list, as a way to leave messages to housemates or as a canvas for your chalk-based masterpieces, it’s guaranteed to add a fun focal point to any room. The best part is that in true, non-committal fashion, all you need to switch things up is an eraser.
Slipcovers
Think of slipcovers as a way to get a brand new couch look without having to pay a brand new couch price. Some manufacturers offer a range of interchangeable slipcovers for their more popular models (Ikea, I’m looking at you) or you can go the custom route and have one made to fit your specifications. Either way, you’ll be able to refresh even the most tired sofa without having to commit to a brand new piece of furniture.
Feeling crafty? Some fabric, a sewing machine and an eye for style can transform your Craigslist find into something worthy of the front cover of a design magazine.
Art
Art doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to pack a decorating punch. Framed properly, even a toddler’s scribbles can look like a Warhol sketch, and a bit of colour on even the plainest walls can elevate a room to a whole new level. Spend some time curating a gallery wall, or get those concert posters you’ve had rolled up in your closet since 2002 framed and then sit back and marvel at your creativity.
Don’t want to spend the big bucks on a custom framing job? Grab a hammer, a couple of nails and get creative. Reclaimed wood, old records, even leather belts all make even mass-produced prints look museum-worthy.
Curtains
Curtains don’t get a enough credit, even though they play a pretty significant role as far as home décor is concerned. A bedroom can become a cozy retreat with the right window-coverings, especially if they’re lined with blackout fabric. You’ll feel as if though your room is pulled together and you’ll get a good night’s sleep!
Worried about nosy neighbours and prying eyes? Curtains provide privacy without sacrificing style. Available in a range of styles and price-points, curtains are just as easy to hangs as they are to take down – perfect for the decorating commitment-phobe in all of us.
Bedding
Considering how much time is spent in the bedroom, it only makes sense that it’s the part of your home that feels the most you. To ensure that your boudoir is at its best, take some time to choose bedding that reflects your style. Can’t commit to one look? Keep a couple of duvet and pillow covers in your linen closet to easily swap out whenever the mood strikes you.
