STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

apartments + decorating = ideas please!

theotherjess · Chanel

Blik (whatisblik.com) has some cute things that cling to your wall and come off easily but they are pretty cute. Their website won't let me post pictures but here is one I found in a search:

A rasterbation can also look cool. You take a picture or a poster and cut it up and place the pieces a few inches apart like this:

Sevilla · BCBG

I think things like window treatmeants and wall decor add lots to a room if you can't paint.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on more/different furniture, you could always look at getting some furniture and things like that from second hand shops and then refurbishing or re-apolstering them to make them more your own. I've had friends do this for next to nothing and they always come out beautiful! Then if you add some accessories like candles, art (you can get some really pretty stuff off of ebay for cheap), etc., the room can look dramatically different.

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

thanks for the suggestions! i went to blik.com and found some really cool things

there that i will have to try and i'll have to go find some curtains or something for

my windows and see if that helps. any more ideas would be appreciated!

cahabo · Kate Spade

White walls can be boring! I suggest decorating with lots of color. Colorful throws, pillows, curtains, and rugs. Red and orange are really eye poping colors.

Suasoria · Chanel

I agree with Cahabo. Fabrics and textiles dress a place - window treatments, rugs, and to a lesser extent pillows and throws. A rug you can throw down over the carpet in this place you can always use somewhere in a new place.

If your windows are standard sizes, bamboo roll-up shades are hella cheap at home stores, and much more attractive than the standard-issue blinds you probably have. They come in several different looks and add a lot of warmth and texture. You can probably hang them in such a way that you don't see the rental blinds underneath.

Renters should be aware - when it comes to painting walls, it's easier to ask forgiveness than ask permission. Even though off-the-shelf leases usually say no paint, you may find landlords and managers to be much more amenable than you think. If your heart is set on painting, it pays to ask. You may have to get the color approved in advance and promise to repaint when you leave, but it's worth a try.

If you're likely to leave in May, though, I wouldn't bother painting. Wait it out and save the money.

And aside from paint and textiles, art or framed mirrors on the walls make a big impact.

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

thanks, everyone, for all the great suggestions!

ILoveChoo · Hermes

I rent in a similar place (white walls, beige carpet blah blah blah) and I find that area rugs and wall hangings make a huge difference.

dangergirl · Kate Spade

cahabo wrote:
White walls can be boring! I suggest decorating with lots of color. Colorful throws, pillows, curtains, and rugs. Red and orange are really eye poping colors.

i 2nd this - i love colourful cushions, rugs etc!