Charlotte NC Home Design

Follow these dos & dont's for home design when renting

Home is to be pleasant whether you rent or own. You need to love where you live, but there are smart ways to express your home design in a rental knowing that down the road, what you can and cannot take with you is an expense you can't recoup.

Don't hold off buying nice furniture
Don't fill the space with substandard furniture because you plan to own someday, go ahead now and spend money on good quality furniture, pieces you really like. Or when you do buy, you may find yourself having to furnish a whole home because the pieces you bought in your 20s and 30s are falling apart. And that can be stressful.

Do be friendly with your landlord
Maintain a good relationship with your landlord; you may be able to provide input on the rentals home design choices when upgrades are made. You may be able to suggest a new faucet or sink or backsplash tile at a decent price that looks much better. Don't forget, your landlord wants the place to be rentable, too

Don't wallpaper
You don't want to invest in wallpaper, even if your landlord okays it. Wallpaper can be pricey, and you'll likely face the hassle of taking it down before you leave. If you're looking to make a statement, try removable wall decals or wall tattoos, which are available at most home decor stores in a variety of patterns and colors.

Do paint
A $30 gallon of paint creates a powerful mood and color in a space, and it's also an affordable way to inject your own personality into a rental home design. Be prepared to prime your walls before you move out, and get permission before painting anything.

Don't invest big money in structural features
Pouring money into permanent structural elements, including crown molding, hardwood floors, counters, etc, in a rental space simply isn't wise when you are only renting. One exception cheerful gleaming cherry kitchen cabinets, for example, may be worth the price if you are planning on living in the rental for many, many years to come.

Do try less expensive flooring options
Can't stand the dated, looking hall linoleum? There are a number of affordable flooring options perfect for renters. First get written permission from your landlord before starting on any renovations. Carpet tiles provide a simple, comfy underfoot splash of personality. Water impervious woven vinyl floor covering called Bolon, cut to size, is great for bathrooms and kitchens. And so are peel-and-stick tiles, available at most major home improvement stores. Last but not always least is rugs and they can cover up an ugly floor and help ground a room. Most rugs will transfer smoothly to any future living space, too.

Don't invest in built-ins
Every renter is desperate for storage. But built-ins are too costly, and impossible to take with you. You have to think about what can go into a moving truck, so consider open shelving units, freestanding wardrobes or a piece of antique furniture that offers storage.

Do switch out lighting and hardware
Two smart rental home design investments are lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware. Most apartments, homes etc. usually come with generic lights round ceiling fixtures with a screw cap switching them out for a new or reclaimed antique fixture will change the whole look of a room. Put them on a dimmer its great for changing the atmosphere of a room, plus you'll save on your bill. Just hold on to the old fixtures and replace them when you go. The same goes for the old hardware.

Don't give up your personal design style
Express your daring design personality in accessories. Panel curtains are perfect because they move easily into your next place. You will want to avoid window treatments that are measured to fit. And you can't beat the appearance of artwork, which is an investment you can take with you.

Turn your rental home into the home design of your dreams.