When you live in a rental like we do, making it feel less like a white box and more like home seems like a challenge. When you live in a NYC rental like we do, finding room in the budget for decorating after paying your rent can seem like a bigger challenge. These were the problems Gwyneth and I were up against when began our mission to make NYC feel like home. But we believe there is no problem without a solution, and our solution was paint. As an Apartment Guide Blog Partner, I will be sharing ideas to make your apartment feel like home.
“You painted a rental?” is the question that pops up in our inbox most frequently, and each time we respond with an enthusiastic, “Yes!” So fellow renters, today we’re debunking the myth you can’t paint, and we’re nudging you in the right direction with a few ideas to get started.
First, the reality – Chances are that whatever area you paint will need to be painted back before you move out. But we believe the impact far outweighs the investment. Painting our interior door took a quart of paint and a weekend, and it completely transformed our entryway. (Here’s the tutorial)
Don’t you think the daily impact is worth a can of eggshell and a weekend of pre-moving-out painting?
Other than doors, you’re rental is bound to have a few small areas (minimal pre-moving-out painting) where you can make a big impact (maximum daily happiness). How about an accent wall?
Or a bathroom?
So now that you know you can paint a rental and you’ve picked a spot to paint, the last decision you’ll need to make is what color to use. If you’ve got a color that works with your decor and that makes you happy every time you see it, then you’re already set. (We don’t need to tell you what color that is for us!)
But if your gut isn’t leading you to the answer, use a guide. the Apartment Guide blog has a fantastic questionnaire that will help you pick the right color for your space.
So let’s review:
- Renters can paint – you just have to be prepared to paint it back before you move out.
- Painting a small area can make a big impact.
- Use your gut or a guide to find the right color for you.
Feeling inspired? Head on over to the Apartment Guide blog to check out all the other design ideas and tips to make your rental feel like home. And if you’re looking for a place to call home, check out their features and tips to help you find the perfect apartment community too!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Hey, I read ur blog pretty religiously now for the last few months. My husband, daughter and I live in ny state, we live about an hour away from the city, we were just there staying last weekend. We always wonder how people who live in the city handle such small spaces in their apartments, cabin fever, claustrophobia at times? And we always wonder how u buy groceries, is it like an every day thing, bc obviously u need to carry it back to your apartment. Having an SUV myself and living in the suburbs our life is just so so different. Have a great day!
Hi Jen! So glad to have you reading! We don’t get cabin fever or claustrophobia really, but we think it’s because we’ve put our place together with things that make us really happy. Long before Gwyneth I lived up here in an even tinier apartment that I didn’t decorate at all – and I had MAJOR cabin fever! So we think that’s the key! Groceries are a serious pain in the neck if you don’t order them online and have them delivered. Cannot tell you how many times I have lugged heavy bags home! Thank GOD for Fresh Direct! We will tell you that there are so many times when we think about how nice it would be to live in the suburbs and have a car – especially for all the Dumpster Diving we could pick up! Maybe one day! Hope you have a wonderful week!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I love that door!! I so want to do that to my apartment! It’s so awesome!!
Thanks, Mree! It was super easy and is probably our favorite project yet!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Congrats on the Apartment Guide Blog Partner gig! How exciting … I’m off to check it out!
Linda
Thanks, Linda! We are so excited to be working with Apartment Guide, for sure!
Thanks for checking it out! We definitely thought about you when we were writing this, since it’s all about paint!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie