Dress: Julie Brown / Sandals: Steve Madden (Old), similar here / Bag: Kate Spade (Old), similar here and here (bigger) / Necklace: Kate Spade / Bracelets: Fornash (c/o) and Kate Spade (Sold out), still available here / Earrings: J.Crew / Sunnies: Kate Spade (Old), newer styles here
If I were a homeowner, I wouldn’t think twice about taking on the project. (My sister-in-law tells me that subway tile is pretty easy to install, and relatively inexpensive.) But every little project adds up, and how much do I really want to invest in a rental?
In the past, I’ve invested very, very little. My philosophy–at least in New York–was that I was young, and my time in a particular apartment was tenuous, as my rent could always be raised. (Which explains why I moved almost every year!) Did I save money on decor? Sure. But I never successfully turned a space into a real home.
Now, I’m in a slightly different situation. Mitch and I have no doubts that this apartment will be our last before we bite the bullet and buy something. We won’t be here forever, but we’ll be here for a while. We’re now a bit older, too. Isn’t it time that our apartment felt like a home?!
For now, I’m meeting myself halfway. As much as I want to go completely crazy with this place, I know that I need to be smart about our decor investments. There are ways to create the “homey feeling” without making structural changes to a place, right? Or buying everything from Pottery Barn? Instead of the navy-and-white wallpaper and the tiled walls, for instance, I could opt for a navy-and-white shower curtain, nautical wall art, and a porcelain soap dispenser for our bathroom. All of which we can take with us to our next home. And all of which can be thrifted or found on major sale.
Today’s project was the back porch. There are definitely some things I’m dying to change about it, like how it doesn’t have an electrical outlet for twinkle lights, and how it’s painted gray. (Both problems that we, as renters, can’t fix.) And there are definitely a few outdoor pieces from Pottery Barn I’ve been ogling for a while now. (So not happening, haha.) After a few trips to Ikea and the local hardware store, though, I’m really happy with the results. Is it something that will likely be featured on Pinterest? Nope. But it’s cute and homey. And it draws inspiration from all those magazines and Pinterest boards I adore so much.
And that’s good for now.
(Photos to come!)
Oh, and I’ve mentioned this before, but I love the living section of The EveryGirl. So many of the home tours are of rental spaces–and I’m absolutely astounded with what budget-savvy girls have done with them!
I completely understand your dilemma honey. It’s so hard to decide whether to invest in a “temporary” residence or not even though it might improve your quality of life. Kori xoxo
Thanks for understanding, Kori! I’m trying to upgrade our quality of life while also being reasonable… as difficult as that is! Hehe ;) xoxo
Your dress is so pretty!
Haley
haleyvalerie.com
My husband and I had the same dilemma while living in Vegas. We wanted to make our rental feel like a home, but didn’t want to invest in things that would be left behind (we knew there was no way we were staying there for more than a couple years). Art and picture frames were two of the most frequently purchased, biggest impact items on making the space feel like “ours” and that weren’t too bad to pack when we moved east. Buy pieces you LOVE and you’ll have no trouble finding a place for them in your forever home (especially if you increase square footage from your rental – haha!).
Happy Decorating!
-Michele
The Salty Hanger
Hi Michele!
YES–Exactly. It’s a hard spot to be in, but we’re lucky that we love our rental so much. I love the picture frames–they add personality, even though they’re small and can easily be packaged up for the next move. :) Thanks, girl! xoxo!
You’re so right, Pottery Barn has great stuff but is super pricey. I’m not sure if there is a HomeGoods where you are but they have some great affordable items that would totally add personality to your apt!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
YES! There’s actually one pretty close to me. I visited today and scored an adorable nautical soap dispenser… just what I was looking for… and for $5.99! Thanks so much, Alex. :) xoxo!
Love that dress! We are in an apartment too and I keep begging my husband to let’s go ahead and by a few nice furniture pieces for when we move to a house, he hasn’t quite given in to that idea! Love your ideas and I can’t wait to see pictures! xo!
McKenna
stylewaltz.com
Haha! I can totally identify. My hubby thinks I’m crazy… ;)
Ok, that’s pretty much the cutest dress ever!
Style by Joules
for your outdoor fairy lights, check out these options:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9PEC9C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1042K43GIGP3N&coliid=I390KFFGCWXC3K&psc=1
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/el-wire-lights-white-9vdc-12ft.html
OH MY GOODNESS, Bethany. Thank you!! Twinkle lights, incoming… ;)
That little dress is everything, you look so cute and preppy.
xo
PinkSole
Here’s the catch – once you do buy a house you never have the $$ to decorate. Kids, mortgage, home repairs … They all suck those decorating fund. I agree buy what you love and you will find space but every house / apartment, etc… Has its own furniture needs – if that makes sense. My SIL is closing in a house tomorrow from a townhouse and although around the corner from each other each place has such a different feel andshe wants new furniture – too bad blinds, landscape and etc… Come first. Have fun decorating and enjoy your new place.