Comments on: Solving Renter Woes

By: Cara

Cara — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 23:24:52 +0000

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I feel like so many websites (*cough AT cough*) talk about decorating rentals, but then only show photos of gorgeous industrial lofts with exposed bricks and 12 ft. ceilings. They’re beautiful, but as someone who lives in the most stereotypical of beige rentals, I always feel a little cheated. But what you have done with this apartment (that looks eerily like mine) gives me hope!!!! I can’t wait to get home and cover up my vertical blinds *immediately* haha. Thank you!

By: Lyrica Tyree

Lyrica Tyree — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 21:29:19 +0000

I rent a tiny apartment that originally had vertical blinds. I work for a window treatment company and have property owner customers who purchase vertical blinds for rentals . The feeling I get from a lot of them is that they basically anticipate replacing the blinds with every new tenant. You may or may not eat a few hundred dollars when you get your security deposit back. If you’re sticking with a place more than a couple years, it may be worth it. Some landlords view damage on blinds as normal wear and tear so they don’t charge the old tenant who is moving out for the new blinds. I imagine that if the blinds are gone and replaced with something nicer they would have a similar response.

With this in mind, I had no qualms with taking mine down and trying to donate them. I eventually resorted to sending the PVC slats to the landfill and recycling the metal head rail. After all, PVC/vinyl potentially contributes to negative environmental air quality so I didn’t want it around my house.

I just happened on your blog today and am enjoying your projects! I admire your creativity!

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:43:57 +0000

Love! I’ve been wanting to replace the icky ceiling fans in my rented home for ages, but was too scared to take on something that involved electricity INSIDE THE WALLS. Seeing what a difference it can make (and that it’s, I guess not that hard?) has renewed my will to redecorate. Also a question – why are people so averse to painting the walls in their rentals? If you plan to live there a few years, why live with beige? You can always paint it back when you move out, just like you can always repaint the rooms in a home you own. I rent and my entry way is blue, my kitchen is yellow, my bathroom is grey and the living room is white – and so much more cheery and homey than if I’d left it beige for the last 4 years. Renters against beige, unite!

By: Smile First Then Speak

Smile First Then Speak — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:22:55 +0000

Great job! I especially like the giant light bulb, and the use of plants. One small tweak though, please rehang the American flag so the blue field is in the upper left, which is the proper way.

By: Desarae

Desarae — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:38:11 +0000

Yes! I want to know the giant lightbulb too!

By: angie

angie — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:41:19 +0000

I’ve always understood that the problem with rugs over carpet is that when you walk o the rug it actually tugs and pulls the carpet in a way that wears the carpet under the rug, even creating holes and thin spots in the carpet (while the rug remains looking great). I like the look and say ‘go for it’ but be aware it might be an unpleasant surprise (and expense) when you move out and pull up the rug and discover you have to replace the carpet.

By: Shonee

Shonee — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 14:25:32 +0000

The whole space turned out amazing! Great work!
-Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com

By: Jessica Brank

Jessica Brank — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:31:18 +0000

Comment: you've done an amazing job making this place look like a million dollars in renter money!!! Question: where is the macrame pendant light from?! Thank you!!!!!

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 15:40:54 +0000

The whole place looks just *awesome* — well done!! Love the light fixture above the dining table.

http://www.annlanglois.com

By: Corinna - A Designer At Home

Corinna - A Designer At Home — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 02:09:45 +0000

A plethora of good tips! And you’ve given me a shopping list! I never think to check out world market. clearly I should be!