Embracing the Imperfections of Rental Life
As a frequent military spouse relocating, I’ve learned a thing or two about turning temporary spaces into cozy, functional homes. Rental living often comes with its fair share of unsightly “eyesores” – from exposed wires and outdated cabinetry to obtrusive wall units and protruding electrical panels. But with a little creativity, these eyesores can be transformed into stylish, seamless features that enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.
Polished Habitat is a go-to resource for clever renter-friendly decor solutions, and I’ve gleaned some brilliant ideas from their team. Let’s dive in and explore how we can turn those rental “uglies” into something beautiful!
Covering Up Unsightly Objects
One of the biggest rental challenges is dealing with fixed elements that can’t be removed, like phone jacks, electrical outlets, and HVAC units. The key is to find ways to draw the eye away from these eyesores and incorporate them into your decor.
For that pesky phone jack or electrical box smack in the middle of your living room wall, leaning artwork or a decorative mirror in front of it can do the trick. You can also create a gallery wall around the offending item, making it blend seamlessly into the display.
Exposed cables and outlets are another common annoyance, but Polished Habitat suggests using small furniture pieces like plant stands or garden stools to conceal them. Not only does this hide the clutter, but it adds extra storage and seating to your space.
When it comes to awkwardly placed HVAC units, the solution is to visually distract from them. Hang curtains or window treatments that blend in with the rest of your decor, or use a decorative screen or piece of artwork to draw the eye elsewhere.
Disguising Dated Surfaces
Outdated wall colors, wallpapers, and cabinetry can make a rental feel stuck in the past. But with a few clever tricks, you can transform these eyesores into stylish features.
Removable wallpaper and washi tape are lifesavers for renters, allowing you to add bold, temporary patterns that distract from drab walls. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your cabinets – cover them in peel-and-stick contact paper or even try a playful floral print!
For those unsightly gaps and cracks in the walls, a simple gallery wall can work wonders. Frame your favorite artwork, photos, or mirrors and arrange them around the imperfections, turning them into a cohesive design element.
Concealing Utility Eyesores
Protruding objects like fuse boxes, electrical panels, and fire extinguishers can really disrupt the flow of a room. But with a little creativity, you can disguise these necessary evils.
BuzzFeed recommends displaying something in front of these utility boxes, whether it’s a framed piece of art or a decorative tray. You can also create a gallery wall around the eyesore, drawing the eye away from the protrusion.
And for those pesky laundry room wires and cords, Polished Habitat suggests covering them with baskets. Not only does this conceal the clutter, but the baskets can double as shelving for extra storage.
Transforming Dated Furniture
Let’s not forget about the furniture itself – outdated or mismatched pieces can really disrupt the flow of a room. But with a few simple updates, you can breathe new life into these rental relics.
For those dated kitchen or bathroom cabinets, consider covering them with removable wallpaper or contact paper. You can even create a custom pattern using decorative tape. And swapping out the hardware is an easy, budget-friendly way to instantly refresh the look.
If you’re dealing with an unsightly piece of furniture, like a boxy TV stand or a worn-out dresser, try covering it with a tablecloth or decorative fabric. This allows you to disguise the eyesore while adding a touch of personality to the space.
Embracing the Rental Lifestyle
The beauty of renting is the freedom to experiment and try new things. So don’t be afraid to get a little bold with your decor choices! After all, it’s a temporary space, so you can always switch it up when the time comes to move.
At the end of the day, the key is to approach those rental eyesores with a sense of creativity and problem-solving. With a little imagination, you can transform even the most unsightly features into beautiful, cohesive elements that truly make your space feel like home.
And remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Resources like Polished Habitat are here to inspire and guide you on your rental decor journey. So why not embrace the imperfections and turn your temporary abode into a stylish, functional oasis?
Ready to get started? Head to ABC Home for all the tools and materials you need to hide those pesky eyesores and create a space you’ll truly love.
