Decorating Ideas for Renters

Unless you're lucky enough to have a lax landlord, personalizingyour rental propertyin any way that permanently alters the walls, floors or cabinets will likely be prohibited.But that doesn't mean you can't add colour, character and style to your living spaces. Here are10 easy decoratingideasthat won'tget you evicted.Temporary decals, like these vibrant wall flowers from , turn plain walls into artsyfocal points. Made of washable vinyl, they can be removed and repositioned without leaving any sticky residue on the surface. Availablein hundreds of patterns, colours or inspiring sayings, they can also be used on windows, doors and furniture.Transforminga kitchen from drab to fab is an easy DIY projectwith self-adhesive contact paper. Once used solely for lining drawers and cabinets, it now comes in a rainbow of colours, wood finishes, textures, metals, even chalkboard paint for giving cabinets, counters, backsplash tileandappliances a facelift.Even the smallest bachelor apartment can look and feel like a rustic lodge with panels of reclaimed wood on the walls. An innovative new system calledArtis Wall makes it easy to create stunning accent walls.Sold in kits, lightweight planks come pre-sanded and stained and adhere to the wall with peel-and-stick strips and adhesive backing.Order online atSometimes all a neutral bathroom needs is a splashof colour to give it personality. The easiest way to do that is with a lively shower curtain. Made of durable plastic, vinyl or washable fabric, the sky's the limit when choosing boldprints and motifs. To help definespaces or create privacy in an open layout, invest in a free-standingbifold room divider or screen. From shoji paper and woven bamboo to painted canvas and carved wood, these portable partitions are both handy and decorative. When there's no money in the budget for original watercolours orbold abstracts, bring rooms to life with potted plants. Besides looking lush and green, research shows common houseplantsimprove air quality, relieve stress and help fight colds and sore throats. When repainting isn't an option, hanging art, posters and framed photos is the perfect alternative. But hammering tiny nails into the wall will damage the drywall. 3M Command has a simple and affordable solution:adhesive picture hanging strips and hooks that can be easily removed and reused without damaging the surface. Prices start around $5 for a pack of three.You can never have too many colourful throw pillows heaped on the couch, bed or floor in front of the TV. They not only boost the comfort of a space, but can change its look and style altogether. Not that long ago, you needed a trough of water, tub of paste, sharp utility knife, scraper and hours of free time to install wallpaper. Now,there areself-adhesivewall coverings and muralsthat can be mounted and removed withoutany mess orextra materials. Overhead lightingoften casts horrible shadows, butyou're not likely to go to theexpense of replacing ceiling fixtures in a rental. Time to invest in cool lamps that you simply plug in (or out when you move) for instant ambience or task lighting.