Designing a rented space

So as a recent college graduate, and a new(er) member of the Laura U team, I am weighing my options about getting my own place. Now I am in no place to become a home owner right out of the gate, but I am interested in renting somewhere to call my very own. And after working here at Laura U, my brain is overflowing with creative juices about how to decorate. So knowing that I am not the only recent college graduate in this very same position, I decided to look at some smart, creative, and affordable ways to decorate a rented space! I believe that I can offer 5 helpful tips for any renter; so here they are...

1. 
   
   Lean on me

         With your rented space, more often than not, your landlord will not want for you to punch/nail/drill any holes into their walls. To solve this problem, try the leaning technique. Take the piece you want to hang, that you simply cant live without, and lean it up against the wall. This way, your art is still displayed and you are not responsible for any unsightly holes in the walls!

In the above image, courtesy of J Conner , the framed art is displayed on the shelf. Totally fab and wall friendly!

In the above picture, courtesy of covetable designs, the mirror is leaning against the wall.

2. Light the way

        So one quick and easy way to change a space into something personal, is to change the lighting. This can easily be done in a rented space. Simply take off the shade or an already existing lighting piece and store it away, and replace it with the one of your choosing. When it is time to move out, change it back to the original! Also, fabulous floor lamps can definitely make a statement!

These floor lamps are courtesy of the furniturestoreblog. They are great examples of the importance of a floor lamp!

These fun lampshades are perfect for spicing up any space!

3. Rugs, Rugs, Rugs!

    If you don't like the carpeting or flooring in your rented space, your best option would be to find some great rugs. Below are a few examples..

This rug is a great centerpiece to this room and really brings out the colors of the pillows on the white couches, the lampshades, and the flowers on the mantle. So if you are totally inspired, this look is definitely do-able. And simply lean that mirror against the wall above the fireplace and there ya go!

 A fun technique that is very hip right now is the idea of rug layering. Just buy several of one smaller sized rug that you like and layer it across all or part of your floor. It gives for a 'lived in' feel and brings warmth to the space. You can have to rugs match (like the image above) or not match (like the image below). Pretty great, huh?

4. Personalize it

Here at Laura U we have some awesome accent pieces to personalize your space. These are just some of a few of the fabulous pillows that we have in the boutique. (side note: they will all be 40% off Sat June 26- Fri July 2!)

Also in store, we have this fabulous set of vinyl chairs that are to die for. They would be a perfect piece in  just about any house!

The first thing I am going to display when I get my own place, is some art that I bought at the French Market in New Orleans, La . The addition of any fun, sentimental items to your rented space is sure to give it some character and definitely strike up conversation!

5. Don't forget the color!

Color is super important in most rented spaces. Usually, the walls are white and drab and painting them usually isn't even an option. My best advice would be not to get down about your drab color palette, but to work with what you have! Grab some bright, fun pillows or colorful flowers! Whatever you do, just make it reflect who you are!

These are more fun pillows that are meant to bring out the personality in a room with their bright, vibrant colors. Picture courtesy of style-files.

See! This white kitchen was instantly spiced up with the addition of some lovely red flowers. Now doesn't that look precious!

This picture is a perfect example of the use of a rug to bring character and color into a room. Also, the red lampshades on the fireplace... marvelous!

So I hope that these tips are helpful to anyone and everyone out there debating on what to do with their rented space! Happy Thursday!