Last summer a couple reached out to us for help decorating their rental home. They had just moved to St. Joseph, Missouri from New York for work, and would be in this house for 1 year before they would look to buy a home. Rental decorating can be tricky. Not only are you trying to avoid permanent (or difficult/expensive) changes, but it’s helpful to bring in pieces that can transition to the next home that you live in.
Rental Decorating
This rental posed another dilemma for the couple: a long, skinny living room.
Rather than doing a layout with a sofa facing the fireplace/TV, we suggested two sofas facing each other. A comfortable chair provides additional seating without blocking the flow through the room to the kitchen.
We chose sofas that were neutral but still had interest with trim on the cushions. We also went with sofas that were “average” in size, but appropriate to the scale of the room. Larger sofas could have worked if this was a long term living situation, but smaller sofas made them more versatile for the next house.
The client did not want to invest in painting a rental, so we brought in pieces that lifted the darker paint. The color palette of beiges, creams, and light blue feels calming and comforting.
The eat in kitchen also got some attention, and this round table brought the client’s style into this part of the house. We added some curtains, art and accessories to make it feel like a finished space.
Our clients were so happy with the outcome, and were so glad they chose to decorate a rental home. Your surroundings have such an impact on how you feel (read the psychology of color), and investing in your own well-being is always a good idea.
