When faced with the task of transforming a 1,100-square-foot rental home in New Orleans, Louisiana, designer Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors brought forth a plethora of ideas to elevate the space without breaking the bank. Below are some of her top tips for designing a stylish rental interior while preserving your budget and security deposit.
- Chic Removable Wall and Window Treatments
Rather than opting for traditional removable wallpaper, Collins took a unique approach by utilizing framed wallpaper panels to create the illusion of wallpapered rooms without the permanency. This creative solution not only adds personality to the space but also offers flexibility for future moves.
Addressing window treatments in rentals can be tricky, but Collins found an affordable solution on Amazon by purchasing made-to-order drapery. Her advice is to aim for standard drapery lengths to facilitate future reuse in different spaces.
- Explore Untapped Furniture Sources
Don’t overlook the furniture section of hardware or big-box home improvement stores during your next shopping trip. Collins found the perfect faux marble dining table for the rental at The Home Depot, fulfilling the client’s desire for a marble table while staying within budget. This demonstrates the potential of finding stylish pieces in unexpected places.
- Utilize the 70-30 Rule for Furnishing
Embrace the power of secondhand shopping to furnish your space affordably while adding unique character. Collins emphasizes sourcing vintage pieces locally to achieve a balanced mix of old and new. She recommends adhering to the 70-30 rule, where 70 percent of the furnishings are new and 30 percent are vintage or antique. Maintaining a cohesive time period for antique pieces enhances the overall aesthetic cohesion of the room.
- Add Art for Personality
Elevate your rental’s ambiance with statement art or gallery wall arrangements to infuse personality into the space. Whether repurposing existing pieces or scouting for new additions at flea markets or craft fairs, art can be a transformative element in interior design. Collins suggests mixing various styles and mediums to avoid redundancy and create visual interest in the space.
By implementing these four tips, you can elevate the style of your rental home in New Orleans or any other location without exceeding your budget or sacrificing your security deposit.
