Before the Makeover
Christina is a renter who's looking for a change. She's collected a random assortment of shelving units and chests since college to keep her items organized. But the space overall is spartan and needs a face-lift.
Christina likes the farmhouse aesthetic — cozy and classic in black, white and neutrals. She doesn't have a lot of DIY or rental home decorating experience, but our host Keyanna is going to teach her a few tricks of the trade.
As with any rental, talk to your landlord about the rules for your specific unit. Christina's landlord said no to built-ins, but she can paint and put holes in the walls (as long as she paints and patches the walls before she leaves).
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If you have an adjoining bathroom and you'd like a similar look, try these Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas.
Faux Shiplap
When you think of farmhouse
style, what always comes to mind? Shiplap, of course. But traditional planks
are a rental no-no, so Keyanna has come up with an easy alternative.
First, measure out the
location of the faux planks. Shiplap is typically 5 to 6 inches in width. Add a
tick mark to the wall every 5 to 6 inches. Then use a laser level to create a
line across the wall. Using the side of a pencil (not the point), follow the
level line. Then lightly smudge the line with your finger. Initially, it may
not look like much but keep going. Once you do a series of lines, step back and
you'll see the look of shiplap forming before your eyes.
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Create a Feature Wall
Keyanna wanted to create a feature wall in this bedroom. One of the best ways to achieve that is with wallpaper. Most wallpaper can't be hung in rentals, but peel and stick is a great alternative. This gray and white wallpaper with branches and owls stays within the neutral palette but adds some personality to this space. And the best part? You can easily peel it off once your lease is up and it won't damage the walls.
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Closet Storage
In this apartment, two small closets were outfitted with a simple rod, making it difficult to keep things organized. But most renters can't install a closet organizer. This is where freestanding units can make a real difference in keeping things neat and tidy.
Measure carefully to ensure that the unit you've selected will fit inside the closet. After it's built, use drawer organizers to neatly hold undergarments, socks and T-shirts. Clear kitchen organizers are also an easy way to keep belts, scarves and jewelry in place. A shoe compartment at the bottom of this unit frees up floor space in the bedroom.
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Wardrobe
Christina's two tiny closets can't accommodate all of her belongings. Her landlord wouldn't allow built-ins, but Keyanna found a workaround that'll provide much-needed storage — a stand-alone wardrobe. Using 1-by4s, 1-by-3s and standard project board for the shelves, they built a unit. Then it was stained in a light gray wash to match the farmhouse aesthetic.
Keyanna purchased drawers to insert into the unit. And then added rods, fabric bins and baskets to hold the remainder of Christina's belongings.
Office Space
Finally, Christina had an old desk that was tucked away and essentially used as a drop zone. But she needed one that would function in a utilitarian way. So the old desk was removed, and a new desk and chair were placed in the perfect nook between her two closets. The area is flooded with light and is a more inviting space to work from home.
Pretty office accessories as well as a lamp and flowers complete the look.
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Need more inspiration? Try these Farmhouse Decor Ideas.
Finishing Touches
Now that the faux shiplap,
office space and storage are done, it's time to add some finishing touches.
Here are a few ideas:
- Throw pillows and blankets make a space warm and inviting.
- Wicker baskets add texture and are great for hiding needed items.
- Fresh or dried flowers in matching vases add color and a lovely aroma.
- Hang artwork or mirrors at eye level.
- Instead of using overhead lighting, add table or floor lamps to make a room feel cozy.
- Use a decorative tray to drop small items like keys, glasses, jewelry and more.
