Decorating Tips For New York Renters

There are many ups and downs to living in New York, but putting your stamp on a new home is a wonderful feeling no matter your situation. However, some renters worry in case this will put them at odds with their landlord.  

So long as your plans fit the lease agreement, you won’t have anything to worry about. With this in mind, here are some decorating tips for your New York home that are perfect for renters on a budget.

Add Wall Lamps

You can add more personality to your home with a wall lamp, especially if you pick one that matches your style. However, many of these sconces will require you to add to the property’s wiring — and the owner might not approve 

Choose plug-in wall lamps with a cord that runs to the nearest socket. The cord may put a slight dampener on your ambiance, but this is simpler than drilling into the wall. You’ll also have more freedom over where to put the light, to begin with.

Use Temporary Wallpaper

New wallpaper goes a long way towards making the space your own, but this might count as a significant renovation for which you would require special permission. In any case, haphazardly removing the original paper could cause damage to the wall, depending on the type. 

Temporary solutions, such as peel-and-stick wallpaper, are simple to remove at the end of your tenancy while giving a wide range of design options. This means you can cover any surface you like to fit your aesthetic without worrying about keeping your security deposit. 

Get a Rug

For most rental contracts, it’s not possible to change the flooring. This could be a problem if you don’t like how it feels to walk in your own home. A statement rug in key common areas can help guarantee every step is a breeze. 

Rugs are an incredibly versatile option — you can even change the design every now and again to fit the different seasons and vibes in your home. If you add them to the living room or kitchen, however, make sure it’s a design your roommates will like. 

Buy Houseplants 

Many people looking for short-term housing or who just don’t want to make massive changes to a property that isn’t their own opt for houseplants. These brighten up your room and let you connect with nature while also boasting their own health benefits.

You need to pick the right houseplants for your New York home, especially if you live in the heart of the concrete jungle. A low-maintenance Neanthe Bella Palm, a glossy Umbrella Tree, or even a ZZ Plant if your home doesn’t get too much natural lighting. 

Invest in Multipurpose Furniture 

If your space and budget options are somewhat low, you can buy furniture that offers you plenty of options for different situations. For example, a pullout sofa is a comfortable way to give your friend a place to sleep if they stay over. 

Keep functionality in mind with each piece of furniture you buy. For example, if you want to get a new dining table, you might want one that can act as a workspace. The decision you make can save a lot of trouble in the long run. 

Hang Pictures Without Nails 

You can really make a home your own by adding personal pictures, or even your own artwork to the walls. If you do this, make sure you use hanging strips or another adhesive instead of nails; these could easily cause damage to the property. 

Be careful removing the strips at the end of your tenancy, though they should easily come away from the wall without leaving any marks. For added security, you can instead simply stand these pictures on your furniture or add them to the fridge. 

Talk To The Owner 

You can still negotiate with your landlord if you really want to decorate the home in ways that don’t line up with the lease. Even if there's no contract clause against what you're hoping to do, bringing it up still lets you make sure, just to be safe. 

This could even be an opportunity to show the landlord that you’re a responsible renter, one who will take care of their property and carefully avoid any damages. If you make any major changes without consulting them, they might be within their rights to evict you. 

Even with a renter’s budget (and an ironclad contract to navigate), you’re still able to make your space more personal. With this in mind, portable fixtures and convenient furniture could soon be at the heart of your home. 

By following these helpful tips to spruce up the property, you can stay ahead of any trouble with the owner. However, you should still go over the lease to get a clear idea of what you’re allowed to do.

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