Decorating Portland apartments can be expensive. However, with a little bit of elbow grease and a few do-it-yourself ideas, renters can save money without sacrificing style and comfort. From the living room to the bedroom and everywhere in between, there are simple and affordable ways to add personality to a space without breaking the bank. Here are some DIY projects that renters can use to transform their apartments into homey abodes.
- Decorate the walls. Most landlords don't let renters paint apartment walls. However, plain white walls are cold and boring. The best way to inject color and personality into Portland apartments without going against the landlords' wishes is with DYI wall coverings. Consider using a bold fabric on the wall instead of paint – nailing the fabric to the wall only creates small holes that easily be filled upon moving out, which is a less permanent solution compared to paint or traditional wallpaper.
- Create artwork. Investing in art is an expensive undertaking, but renters can easily create their own artwork for significantly less money. Here are a few DIY design projects that are just as beautiful but more affordable than purchasing the real deal – and they're personalized too:
- Frame fabric that matches the décor of Portland apartments
- Enlarge and frame photographs from a memorable vacation
- Take photographs of favorite pets to hang on the wall
- Frame children's art projects
- Refinish existing furniture. Buying all new furniture for every room is not a practical way to decorate Portland apartments. Some people get carried away by the excitement of living in a new place and start buying new furniture left and right. However, it is in the best financial interest of renters to use pieces they already have but in new ways. Consider the reasons why refinishing or repurposing old pieces is a more realistic design solution before going on any major shopping trips:
- Reusing old furniture is better for the environment
- Refinishing used pieces is more affordable than buying new ones
- Bringing old furniture into the space gives the apartment character
- Many older furniture pieces increase in value over time, making them a smart investment