We might be renting soon. I've been giving a lot of thought on how that changes my roll as a blogger and do-it-yourselfer. The solution I've come to is that things need to be removable or reversible.
One thing before we move on. I got these images from Pinterest. Love it! Do you pin? I'll follow you back!
*Please don't pin the following images! That will just take future pinners back to my site when they click on an image to learn more about it. Instead, click on the picture which will take you to that pin on Pinterest. Then you can either re-pin it or click on the picture again to find the original post. Confusing much?*
Ok, now that that's taken care of, let's get on with example #1:
I promise, this is the only idea from my own blog. The point here is that instead of marking your kids' heights on a wall and leaving it when you move, why not measure them on this ruler and take it with you when you go? Completely removable with a little fix of a nail hole!
This living room is calm, neat, tidy, welcoming and colorful. But if you were to take away the furnishings you'd be left with a blank slate. The feel of the room, from the color to the cozy atmosphere is all added by furniture, pillows, curtains and accessories.
Here the same example is applied to a bedroom. Any color, texture, depth, storage, decoration or overall feeling of the room is added by furniture and accessories.
I borrowed the unpainted cabinets from Twenty Three Oh One. Kinda hard to find a blogger's kitchen that isn't painted! They plan to paint, I believe, but for now their kitchen looks warm and welcoming because of a few accessories in a common color. Yes, I know the walls are mint and in a rental they are usually white or beige, but it would still look nice.
Love an organized entry? Me too!! Shabby2Chic has plans to build this freestanding entry bench. As in, no holes in the wall and you just load it up and take it with you when you move on.
Here's another low-budget entry option using Ikea shoe cabinets. I love the mirror, but it doesn't have to be mounted. The lights above the mirror could be eliminated or attached to the mirror instead. Or use lamps that rest on the entry unit.
Here's a fun way to add character and shelving to a rental space! This old door has shelves mounted to it. Then the door just leans against the wall. I'm not sure if you could find a lamp that mounts to the door and plugs into the wall, but I'm sure you could figure something out.
This awesome headboard is made from stained 2x4s that are individually attached to the wall with command strips! Meaning it's completely removable! So fun!
Please don't break out the Sharpie and write the words to your favorite song on your rental wall! This is fabric held to the wall with liquid starch. You find an inexpensive fabric you like, tack it to the wall, then use liquid starch (found in the laundry section of your grocery store) and a paint roller to roll it onto the wall. When it dries you can do a second coat or touch up spots you missed. When it's time to move, peel the fabric off and wash the wall. That's it!
Ok, so this one isn't just for renters, but it's in the same vein because it's removable too. Love the texture it would add to a room for the winter!
Love stripes but can't paint? This blogger painted contact paper and stuck it to the wall after it dried! Amazing!
Don't you love Emily's home? I know you probably shouldn't attach a huge window on track, but you could lean one somewhere for an architectural element. The shelving unit in the background is another great idea. It adds an industrial feel (and more storage) without building something in.
Speaking of storage, I think this pantry is a fantastic example of how to spruce up your rental. I know I appreciate whatever my living condition is when it's organized. This is a standard pantry without fancy paint, expensive custom built-ins or anything permanent. Just pretty jars and baskets that are also functional.
Same idea here--lots of storage that is not permanent!
Here's a nice way to display craft supplies and have easy access to them too. A couple nails are allowed, right? I've seen pegboard used in other rooms too, such as nurseries, bathrooms and of course garages.
I've drooled over this command center system for years now, but the reason I've included it here is because you can have white boards, chalk boards, bulletin boards and just mount the two rods on the wall. Can I have one?
Here's a DIY version of it that is totally customizable. Super fun idea, and you only have to worry about mounting the rod, not each board.
This fun calendar is made from paint chips inside a frame. You can use a Sharpie or dry-erase marker to write on the glass, then erase it every month. One nail on the back!
I love the look of these chalkboard paint calendars. This one is made out of vinyl and won't leave permanent marks on your wall. There are many other ways to use vinyl to personalize your space, from small decals to sayings to focal walls with large pictures! Etsy is a great place to find vinyl art for sale.
Before you pock mark a wall with nail holes for this gallery display, think command strips again! Easy to change out your art, easy to remove permanently.
So there you go! 20 completely reversible ways to personalize your rental space.
Tell me, do you rent? What are your tips and tricks for making your home feel like you belong?
