Even if you are renting and in a place for a short time, it is still great to do things to make the space feel like home. It can be depressing to “put your life on hold” for a year. Instead I suggest unpacking your books, sewing some drapes out of inexpensive fabric and getting on with living, whether is a temporary address or not. My client Rachel contacted me when she had a house under contract..we had plans to swiftly make a plan and execute so she could settle in her new home. Circumstances changed, the house deal fell through, Rachel and her family are stuck in a rental for a year. But she decided not to totally put life on hold, instead she is doing a few things in the rental, nothing foolish or too spendy, but some small projects to make this time in the temporary place less depressing and more nurturing. Because that is why we decorate, not to impress others or keep up with trends but to inspire and nurture ourselves and our families. To live with joy.
Rachel is doing this with color, nature and books. She even told me about chalkboard CONTACT PAPER! Who knew? (Of course I said just use the paint and forget your deposit but she is more practical) Has anyone used this chalkboard paper?? It will cover sliding closet doors in the eating area. Great for her homeschool projects and teaching. And the kitchen, not her favorite space in the new place, and to top it off you can see it from the front door. Our solution, we are going to hang a rod over the kitchen door opening and hang drapes (pulled back of course) of the yellow chipper by premier.
For the sofa she is going to retrofit a ready made slipcover, it will be brown. I suggested adding the Thomas Paul aviary fabric in blue for pillows to punch up the sofa. And the bold floral picutred in the middle above will go on living room drapes. All of these fabric purchases can move with her to her new home later on and be used in similar or different ways..it’s just yardage and pillows! Rachel’s books COVER and I do mean cover her wall behind the kitchen table and chairs. I love that. She and her family love reading and books and it is a perfect fit for them. And books are gorgeous, especially used ones….they bring color and LIFE to the space. Rachel is interested in “nature tables” a Waldorf teaching, so I suggested framing some nature art, even if it is just that Cavallini poster. I am also hoping she will mat and frame some of her children’s art to brighten the white walls. This has turned out to be such a fun project to work on…thanks Rachel!
So what have you done to make temporary spaces feel less unsettled and more like home????
Holly, I got some chalkboard paper at Paper Source – haven’t tried it yet! Also, Bering’s in West U has Pratt & Lambert sample jars at $1.20. Just sayin!
Great post Holly! We are renting our home in Houston and plan to do so for a bit longer. Part of the reason I started my blog was to share ways to make a house your home without spending too much AND be able to take most of it with you when you move on.
You already know I love Cavallini paper and the fabric samples you share are fabulous!
Hugs~
T
This is such a new experience for me, I think of myself as a down to earth intellectual, and decorating felt like a frilly feminine thing, why spend money on new drapes when I can spend it on books? But over the years I’ve realized that beauty is important too, and it’s important for my home to feel like a cheerful and welcoming place. I had no idea where to start, though, and figured a decorator would be a) too expensive and b) too snooty, wanting me to do things I didn’t like or were unrealistic for our family. Seeing your blog online was so helpful, I got a sense for your style and knew you’d be able to help me get where I wanted, I can’t imagine hiring a decorator out of the phone book. And the fee wasn’t nearly as scary as what I’ve imagined, and well worth every penny. I have my things I’m passionate about and expert on, but this is not one of them. I can see that it is for you, and I’m grateful to have your help and expertise.
Love this post! Rachel .. please send pics when you are finished.
Amen, Holly! To live with joy and find joy in our homes. Couldn’t have said it better. We live in the “city” where houses in good school districts cost nearly $1 mil and a tiny condo is half that. So, with joy and money growing in our savings, we continue to rent a beautiful apartment. Initially, when we got married and moved in, we were combining our tastes and furniture. We didn’t do much; made do with what we had. But over the first year, the changes had to come. We wanted our place to feel like home. Not a dorm. Not a bachelor or bachelorette pad. Out went certain IKEA pieces and in came some classics that didn’t break the bank. We’ve created living “areas” … a living room with a “conversing and relaxing” area and a “reading chair.” Over time, we’ve made the bedrooms what we want to. I think you have to think about how you use your space. I turned an extra closet into an office to hide the big Mac and files. We painted the two bedrooms and bathrooms and often wish we had done that much earlier. I’m currently debating painting the main living area — maybe I will post about it!
I think the bottom line is to remember that your home should be in harmony with your life and a place that brings you joy, peace and comfort.
girl, you do have a way with fabrics! so fresh & pretty!
This is my life as a military wife! The biggest thing is to unpack and put out familiar things that make the house feel like home. And having some wonderful traditions that travel with you no matter what always speed up the settling in process.
I love your living drapes! I have been looking for some fabric for some drapes and that looks about perfect! Where is the fabric from? I love your blog!!
I second Amanda – send pictures!! 😉 We’re in the process of moving over a period of 2+ years. So closing one house and starting a new one. It’s a fun time but also daunting. This post really got me thinking about what I want my new place to look like. It doesn’t have to be the same thing all over again.