Spending too much time at home has activated a dormant decorative gene in many of us—and we have the shelves and Pinterest boards to prove it. However, even the most Instagram-ready rooms can take advantage of rebooting more often to bring new energy into familiar surroundings. Fortunately for renters and those of us who don’t have the time, budget, or power tool versatility required for a large-scale renovation, there are plenty of non-experimental home décor ideas to update your space that won’t leave behind a trail of dust and are easily switchable if you want another change soon.
Mirrors add depth and interest while plants create a lush focal point in the room.
almost natural
Reorienting your furniture, beautifying your walls, adding dramatic touches (without any digging) and drawing the eye to unused areas can change the flow of a room and lead to a whole new look. Here, 12 easy ideas to help revamp your living spaces.
Change your walls
Install a mural (moving)
This highly rated mural is easy to apply – it’s backed with an adhesive that sticks seamlessly to your wall, and later peels off in non-paint strips. Designed in 81 square feet, the botanical landscape brings a blank, boring wall to life, whether in your bedroom or living room.
Hang oversized artwork in pairs
Simply changing the size and symmetry of the artwork you’re displaying can dramatically change the look of a room. Minted sells large-format prints in pairs, like this amazing set, along with other groups from independent artists that look great side by side.
Add a backsplash right away
This peel and stick backing tape has garnered over 1,000 reviews on Amazon for being easy to install and durable. It has an adhesive and water-resistant finish and comes in 12″ x 12″ sizes that you can cut to size to give the look of tiles in your kitchen or bathroom.
Changing the scene with mirrors
Floor-length mirrors reflect light into your space and make any room feel larger by creating the illusion of depth. Choose a zigzag shape that adds visual flair and contrasts with the straight lines of furniture and other pieces in your surroundings.
Switch up your lighting
Hang pendants in unexpected places
Overhead pendants look beautiful and help define the space but can be difficult to install on a whim. This add-on version from George Oliver solves that problem thanks to a swag hook so you can place it just about anywhere. Instead of placing the pendant directly above a dining room sofa or table, consider places that are less visible, such as room corners or near windows to create a reading or lounging nook.
atmospheric glow cast
Inexpensive light projectors work well for showering around you in soft colors that really change the mood of the room (and make great Instagram shots). The projector comes in three different colors (sunset red, twilight sky and rainbow purple) and has a head that can be rotated 90 degrees for different lighting angles.
Conquer and divide interior spaces
Choose modular furniture that you can easily rearrange
Designed with pieces that can be pulled together or separated to create different seating arrangements, this modular sofa can change the direction – and flow – of your living room or family room without having to purchase multiple pieces of furniture.
Room partition with bookcases
When you can’t fit walls or hang sliding doors, a reversible bookcase is a creative and sculptural way to visually divide a room and create separate areas (for eating, sleeping, and studying).
Subtly hide with room screens
Modems, cable wires, air conditioning units, old radiators…a stylish paneled screen that hides what you don’t want to see in the room so you can focus on the more attractive aspects. While you can find plenty of cheaper options, West Elm’s Tiered Cecilia Screen is well made and durable so it stands firmly in place and comes in a selection of beautiful fabrics.
Create a focal point with oversized greenery
Potted plants and trees attract the eye, making a small room seem larger and more spacious. Natural travelers palms are nearly eight and a half feet tall (see the giant version here) and look so realistic—so much so that guests will ask how often you should water your plants.
Dressing your floors
Resurfacing with peel and stick tiles
Remodeling your floors can be a big investment and a headache, but peel and stick floor tiles are a smart alternative. Perfect for small spaces—like a bathroom, laundry room, or entryway—the tiles are thick enough to hold up well over time and easy to cut and lay, earning them over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Stencil your flooring
Of all the pandemic home projects that have taken over Instagram, here’s one that requires no professional skills and can be done in a weekend: Painting tile or floors adds a geometric touch that elevates your surroundings. This graphic style has been purchased over 75,000 times on Etsy and has earned high marks for being versatile enough to be used on everything from kitchen floors to stair tops.
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