apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

So, I rent my apartment which I love but don't know how long I'll truly be there (it's a one bedroom and my boyfriend recently moved in, so who knows?). I am dying to paint, which is of course not allowed in my lease, but I know other residents have done it and just paint it back before they move, but I also know that I hate moving and would hate to add an extra huge chore when I do move.

The walls aren't stark white, they're a nice, creamy color, but I feel like my house won't look completely put together without paint. That said, if I decide for now to keep it white, what are good ways of making it look cozy and finished?

I wrote a post in my blog the other day for apartment dwellers. It's under "Temporary Thing." Most of it is just re-hashed advice, but maybe it'll be useful to you...

shannon, i live in a rental with white walls too (and a studio at that), but i have nice warm wood floors and lots of shots of color that keep the walls from looking too bare. do you have light carpet? or wood floors? if you have wood, rugs in great patters and colors can give you the color and interest you need without having to paint.

I do have wood floors, and rugs that are adding color, but I think I've started to answer my own question by getting more on the walls. I just put up a Marimekko hanging and it's finally starting to look less anemic.

I was just going to say try adding art. With really colorful art and accessories, white walls will act as a background canvas. You also could just paint one room, and if you go for a neutral or pale color, they may not make you paint it back when you leave.

Good luck!

I was just in Sweden for business, and while out shopping I happened to see a number of real interesting fabric wall hangings (at Hemtex and similar shops) that could be easily recreated. A strip of fabric (hemmed with iron-on fusible web tape) with a dowel at the top and bottom, a few eye screws and you have instant color.

Or the off-mentioned Mio wall tiles could be another option. They come with adhesive strips (but may damage drywall, so be careful)