Is there anything worse than being a renter obsessed with interior design? Ok, clearly there are a lot of things worse than being a renter (segway face plant lady, I’m looking at you), but that doesn’t make it any more fun.
Tormented by overhead fluorescent lighting, stark white walls and appliances running since 1974, you suffer silently (or, in my case, not so silently) as you identify the wallpaper, countertops, bathroom tile (insert life-completing permanent fixture here) only to know that it will NEVER be yours – or at least not until the end of your lease.
To help ease your pain, I’ve assembled a list of tips to make apartment life manageable – perhaps even pleasant. For your benefit I present:
The Department of the Interior Guide to Apartment Living (Part 1)
After many mishaps choosing paint colors, I strongly advise buying samples first. There are plenty of times I encourage impulsiveness, but picking paint colors is not one of them. If possible, flip through a few issues of House Beautiful which always has designer paint finds and ideas on where to use each color.
2. Upgrade hardware – Switching out knobs, pulls, switch plates and doorknobs can give any room a very subtle sense of architectural gravitas. Personally I like Anthropologie's selection because they're somewhat affordable and always look cool, but for those who like a more functional, streamlined or traditional look you can try Restoration Hardware or Home Depot.
3. Invest in good lighting – It really doesn't matter how amazing the rest of your décor is if you have terrible lighting. A lot of designers have been hating on overheads lately, and I have to agree. However, I am a fan of hanging fixtures. I added a small chandelier over my dining room table which I think has made the room look a lot more luxe. Do avoid bare bulbs if you can – while I think chandelier shades can look a bit fussy, a glaring flame-tipped light bulb is so much worse. And don't get me started on old-school fluorescent bulbs – they make me die a little bit on the inside. Seriously, ask my officemate.
Aside from any overheads, you should have around four to five light sources in a medium-sized room. I prefer at least two table lamps and a floor-model task lamp for reading next to your most comfortable chair.
Finally, if you have any art you'd like to highlight, you can buy battery-operated picture lights that avoid expensive and probably forbidden installation.
Try making a list of everything you believe a well-stocked home should have. Then eliminate anything not on that list that you aren't completely in love with. Keep a dust bag in your closet to fill with clothes that could be donated to the Salvation Army. Throw out your BritishLit term paper from four years ago. Seriously, you won't need it for grad school. It's going to be OK. Promise!
So please buy rugs meant to come in contact with the floor. Buy a gorgeous table that can do double duty as a desk. Buy a couch you'd let your best friend pass out on after four tequila shots. Don't be like me.