(StatePoint) Moving into your first apartment can be a little intimidating, but it can also be an exciting time to create your own personal sanctuary. Most rental properties have restrictions in their leases about what tenants can and can't do when it comes to painting and decorating, but there are still ways to infuse the space with your own unique aesthetic.
DuckBrand's new survey asked current and past renters about how they made their temporary space feel like home.
According to the survey, 70% of renters say it's important for their living space to reflect their personal style and taste. While most residents say they're happy with the aesthetics of their rental property, respondents still complain about neutral paint colors and not being able to use nails or screws in the walls. Additionally, 86% of renters have damaged walls when trying to hang decorative items using hooks, and 62% said it took them two or three tries to successfully hang a decorative item.
“Personalizing a rental space, even if only temporarily, is a top priority for most people, but it can feel daunting when working on a tight budget and trying to avoid damaging walls and surfaces,” says Ashley Luke, senior product manager, home solutions at Duck Brands. “Luckily, there are a variety of affordable, temporary solutions you can try that can make it easy for tenants to freshen up their nest.”
A popular DIY project for renters to bring color and pattern into an otherwise white or neutral area is creating a kitchen backsplash using a removable adhesive, like Duck Brand Adhesive Shelf Liner. In fact, 60% of renters say they've used removable decor, like shelf liners or wallpaper, to inject some personal style into their space.
Additionally, adding accent pieces around the room like mirrors, photos, paintings, etc. will give it a more lively feel. To hang them, choose a tool like Duck Max Strength Nano-Grab Gel Tape, which is clear and double-sided and can be used to attach decorative items to a variety of surfaces. It can be used in temporary indoor and outdoor spaces and can be removed and reused.
With some smart strategies, DIY decor can make your space feel like home and at an affordable price, without violating the terms of your lease.