Last year, 55% of people who moved in the U.S. did so for housing reasons, like relocating to save money or to own instead of rent. However, the reality for countless American millennials is that — while they’d like to purchase a home — renting is the only viable option. And while renting has some benefits, there are certain drawbacks to not owning your property. Chief among these drawbacks is the inability to renovate or even redesign a space to fit your personal tastes. With the remodeling industry growing by 6.4% over the past five years, updating a living area has become big business.
Although some landlords might allow you to paint the living room or to drill holes in the walls, there are limitations to how far you can go. Still, there are plenty of ways to improve the look of your apartment without knocking down walls. Since interior designers recommend updating a room’s decor every five to 10 years, there’s no time like the present. Here are some easy interior decorating tips that millennial renters will love.
Try Some Temporary Wallpaper
If you’re not able to paint the walls or you simply aren’t that ready to make that kind of commitment, temporary wallpaper is an affordable way to add some flair to any space. Although more than one-third of survey respondents said they’d choose a neutral color palette for their home decoration plan in 2017, a lot of millennials aren’t shy about making a statement. You can even find temporary wallpaper that looks like marble, tile, or wood to make your one-bedroom look way more luxurious than it actually is. Alternatively, you can define part of your studio as your home office or as an eating area with a bold patterned paper. Best of all, they’re easy to remove if you change your mind or decide to move when your lease is up.
Get Some Multifunctional Furniture
Millennials tend to love minimalism, which means the items you own need to pull double duty. Multifunctional furniture can allow renters to make room for everything they need without sacrificing on style. Instead of investing in oversized, expensive furniture that serves only one purpose, many millennials are looking to get more out of their furnishings. Floor lamps with built-in shelving, lift-top coffee tables, sofa beds, and modular storage units are all great for small apartments because you’ll get more for less money and less space. And with so many options now on the market, millennials don’t have to give up their affinity for midcentury modern aesthetics or their desire to lead a minimalist lifestyle.
Become a Plant Parent
If millennials are known for any one decor item, it’s indoor plants. In fact, the National Gardening Association reports that U.S. sales for houseplants has increased by nearly 50% during the last three years, thanks in large part to millennial “plant parents” and their obsession with succulents, ferns, cacti, and more. Whether you’re of a low-maintenance type of plant mom or you’re really into growing herbs for your meals, this can be a great way to bring some life into a small space. Plus, being surrounded by living plants really does do wonders for your mental health. When in doubt, add a plant to add color and have some fun shopping for planters, which can double as art.
With these three tips in mind, you won’t be required to make major changes to your rental. You will, however, make your apartment look its best and be able to incorporate some elements that your friends will love. By investing in a bit of interior decor, you may come to love your digs even more than you thought you could — without the strings of homeownership attached.