Courtney is in a situation that’s familiar to a lot of people. She and her husband are in a rental that they know isn’t long term, but they still want it to feel like home for the time that they are. (And why not?!) As with most rental situations, there are a few decorating limitations to consider. They aren’t allowed to paint and you have to decide how much you want to invest in more specific things like window treatments. Courtney’s main concerns were a lack of color and how to address the TV wall.
There’s nothing I would take from this space; all of her basic pieces are in place. But, this would be my advice to Courtney—and other short-term renters:
When buying investment pieces, don’t go too specific or too trendy. Stick to neutral fabrics, rugs or a piece of art that you really love, for example.
Add color with easy-to-change accessories. Pillows, throws and inexpensive art prints are the way to customize your “for-now” space and are easy to switch out later when you move.
Rugs are a great way to add pattern and color to your room when you can’t paint the walls—or if you hate the current carpet situation.
The right window treatments might be worth the investment. I wouldn’t spend my money on anything custom (there’s too many good ready-made options!), but I do think even a simple curtain or shade can elevate the entire look (and sense of height) in a room. In Courtney’s case, I’d suggest a simple textured shade to add warmth.
Lighting is the quickest way to cozy up a space. Even the smallest room can benefit from a lamp—or two. The arch lamp I suggested for Courtney’s living room also adds a little visual interest to the blank corner. I didn’t suggest a specific overhead light, but that’s another easy and impactful change. And, you can switch it back out and take it with you when you go.
map prints // bamboo shades // floor lamp // rug
tan pillow // black & cream pillow // throw // fiddle leaf tree
basket // sectional sofa // magnifying glass // rattan tray
What changes or pieces do you think are worth the investment in a short-term rental?
.
Jamie says
April 19, 2017 at 10:50 amI love what you added to this space. Simple but makes such a difference!
Maybe this is a lame question…but I always wonder if I can add bamboo shades and keep my existing white blinds? I noticed you added the bamboo to this space. Would you keep both up?
More specifically, I love bamboo shades layered with curtains. Are the shades meant to replace my existing white blinds? I guess I wonder how functional the bamboo part is. Like is it too much to have white blinds, bamboo shades and curtains? Ha, seems like a lot of layers! I’d love your opinion. Thanks!
Emily Clark says
April 19, 2017 at 11:23 amI’m not in love with the look of the shade layered over the blind, but I’ve seen it done… Maybe I could live with it short-term if it were too much trouble to remove the blinds. I, too, like the look of curtains layered over the bamboo shade (I’ve used it in our house) but in Courtney’s room, I think curtains would feel a little too crowded–especially behind the sofa.
Jamie says
April 19, 2017 at 12:33 pmThanks for letting me pick your brain. Your rooms are always so lovely. I just painted my kids bathroom a beautiful green color and framed a few of the bird prints from the Animalium book. I love it! And it was all inspired by your design :)
Emily Clark says
April 19, 2017 at 1:11 pmIsn’t that a great book? Glad you were able to use it. I also just bought the botanical book in the same series. So pretty.
Jenny says
April 19, 2017 at 11:09 amGreat suggestions, Emily!
Emily Clark says
April 19, 2017 at 11:21 amThanks, Jenny :)
Kathleen Tweed says
April 19, 2017 at 2:33 pmI love the pieces that Courtney already has especially the TV console. Emily what you have added really makes the room feel homey. Love all the texture the shades and pillows add. What a great idea about adding the rug – I’m sure that will add lots of warmth and comfort. Love this series so much Emily.
Pam Bartholomew says
April 19, 2017 at 4:18 pmGreat ideas Emily! I don’t suppose you know of a place to purchase a bamboo blind that is 76″ wide? It is a bedroom window, wide but rather short. I was going to go to the ceiling with the blind. I have googled, but haven’t had any success (other than an outdoor one that has terrible reviews.) Any thoughts are appreciated.
Pam
Emily Clark says
April 19, 2017 at 4:20 pmThis is the problem I had in our last house in the den. I ended up using two (from JCP) and it worked okay…
Pam Bartholomew says
April 19, 2017 at 6:41 pmThanks, Emily, I kicked that around, I’m going to go stand in there again and see if it makes sense.
Melanie says
April 20, 2017 at 10:02 amTwo comments:
1. I found bamboo blinds on amazon for my entire house. They are great quality. Only feedback is that the screws that came with them are terrible and stripped easily when I installed. https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-blinds/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_ho_web_8306896011?ie=UTF8&node=8306896011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Arlo+blinds
2. When I rented, I used lightweight (and cheap!) curtain rods from Target, hung with ‘brushed nickel’ command hooks. Not ideal, but they worked for plaster walls that I couldn’t damage.
Carol Wiatrak says
April 20, 2017 at 8:33 amI love all your suggestions. But maybe a bit more color, especially, the throw pillows, and I love the woven blinds, but I think they are to dark . Something lighter, in such a small space. That’s the first thing my eyes are drawn to. The dark blinds.
Erin Zubot says
April 20, 2017 at 7:45 pmHi Emily, I love these give and take posts, as I read them I’m always, “yes! Great idea! Oh that’s brilliant!!” I am wondering if you ever get follow up photos from your give and take posts?
Mary says
April 20, 2017 at 8:38 pmLove all your suggestions. I’m glad you mentioned adding plants. They always add so much life to a space.
Catherine says
April 21, 2017 at 3:17 pmGreat ideas! Although, if it were me I would use Melanie’s idea about the cheap lightweight curtain rods and hang some patterned or striped lightweight curtain panels (like the kind they sell at World Market). There are already so many neutral tones in the room that it makes me crave color. Adding in a few plants will help a LOT.