Noelle Daumeyer and her roommates knew they needed a big, bold art piece to decorate the bland, white walls in the living room of their rented apartment, but they also worried about damaging the paint.
They solved the problem by painting their own version of Henri Matisse鈥檚 ``Dance鈥欌 and using hooks with removable adhesive to hang the canvas.
鈥淲e wanted to give the space more personality,鈥 said Daumeyer, of Columbus, Ohio. 鈥淎ll of our friends comment on the painting. It really brightens up the room.鈥
Many renters who are hoping to get back their security deposits can still pursue ambitious decorating ideas thanks to a growing number of landlord-friendly products. In addition to removable hooks, temporary decorating updates include removable wallpaper, tile decals and easy-to-install light fixtures.
鈥淭here is definitely a growing interest in designing rented spaces,鈥 said Lee Mayer, CEO and co-founder of Havenly, an online interior design service. 鈥淧eople have more access than ever to inspiring homes and creative interiors, which has stimulated the desire to improve and optimize our own spaces.鈥
Like Daumeyer, Mayer is a proponent of art and, when necessary, adhesive hooks.
鈥淣othing makes a space feel more `you鈥 than artwork. It鈥檚 a highly personal item in the first place 鈥 it cues to your style, your interests and your unique sensibilities,鈥 Mayer said. 鈥淵ou can dramatically makeover a blank wall with a large statement canvas, create a gallery wall of your photos, or even curate an eclectic collection of pieces picked up on travels and over time.鈥
For the more adventurous renter, she recommends removable wallpaper. 鈥淚t sounds complicated, but I promise, it鈥檚 very doable and goes a long way to completely transform and tailor a space to your tastes,鈥 Mayer said.
The product is aimed at renters and homeowners who like changing up their d茅cor, said Christiana Coop, co-founder of Hygge & West, which sells traditional and removable wallpaper.
鈥淪o many people want wallpaper to be a part of their design. It鈥檚 any easy way to add pattern and
Renters also can perk up boring tile with waterproof decals in an array of
Her company also sells removable window film, which can add pattern and create wow factor, she said. It鈥檚 also a way for renters to get more privacy without installing curtain rods or blinds.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely an easy-on, easy-off quick fix,鈥 she said.
Lighting that doesn鈥檛 require new wiring is another way 鈥渢o immediately add ambiance to a space without risking your security deposit,鈥 Mayer said.
Use plug-in wall sconces to flank a bed or accent a living room scene, she suggested. The lights 鈥 which must be mounted on the wall but don鈥檛 require help from an electrician 鈥 can customize a space, added Ben Marshall, creative director at Hudson Valley Lighting Group.
鈥淩enters, just like homeowners, are looking for impactful upgrades that can be easily swapped and changed as new trends emerge,鈥 he said.
Traditional ways to upgrade a space in a 鈥渘on-invasive鈥 way include using table lamps, floor lamps and task lighting as decor elements that evoke style and visual interest. Other very temporary improvements include shower curtains, draperies, rugs and bedding.
``It鈥檚 way to bring
Melissa Kossler Dutton, The Associated Press