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5 Terrific Non-Permanent Design Tweaks
Nomads, Take Note: Turn That Temporary Living Space Into a Creative Outlet
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
After a recent conversation with a young photographer moving into his first solo apartment, I thought a lot about creating uniqueness and beauty in temporary spaces. A serial mover, I've lived 10 places in the last 10 years. Gleefully. There's nothing like setting up a new space.
And yet, each time, in a temporary living situation, there are limits. Who wants to pay for super chic wallpaper when you leave it behind? And yet who wants to stare at bland untouchable walls days on end?
I shared with this exciting new tenant things he can do to add incredible — and temporary — individuality to a space. Here are my thoughts:
And yet, each time, in a temporary living situation, there are limits. Who wants to pay for super chic wallpaper when you leave it behind? And yet who wants to stare at bland untouchable walls days on end?
I shared with this exciting new tenant things he can do to add incredible — and temporary — individuality to a space. Here are my thoughts:
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1. Wallpaper. Vinyl temporary wallpaper (such as some amazing designs from Tempaper) comes in chic designs and looks just like permanent paper. No trace of having had it up when it peels off smoothly in the end.
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| 3D decals like this can add color and texture. Wall decals come on and off without damage. They can be repositioned as the room shifts (and there are even dolls with clothing and other fun themes that are meant to be moved around by the child themselves). |
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This simple wall area has been transformed into a memorable unique scene with a simple vinyl decal.
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by Imagine Living
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| 2. Paint. This strong and bold space is spectacular. The choice of the simple charcoal wall color adds drama to the space, without calling for any more work than a few coats of paint. |
by Kelly Porter
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By alternating colors, this lavender room offers a patterned wall with its simple wide stripes. Very unique and very easy to execute.
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| 3. Pops of color. While you may not be able to alter the white walls or the outdated bathroom sink, you can control the color factor with pops of color. Whether you fill a room with a temporarily-covered piece to suit the place specifically, or include a beloved piece that you lug from place to place, make surprising inclusions of color work to your advantage. |
Bright red adds warmth and a simple, contemporary thrill of detail.
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by Imagine Living
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| Now this is infusing a place with color and working with surroundings without needing to tamper with the structure of the place (though this structure needs no tampering). |
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| 4. Rugs. Compensate for a lack of wall hangings or paint, if not allowed, with a larger-than-life rug. Bring the focal point down to what you can control in your space. |
by Lindy Donnelly
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A simple yellow geometric rug reinforces this dining section and contributes to the collection of color and shape.
by Moroccan Design
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Such an unexpected pop of color in this space. Whether you have the spanning cabana area like this, or are looking to infuse the smallest of living rooms with life, consider the rug.
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5. Art. You don't have to be acquiring priceless pieces to become an art aficionado. Spend time accumulating pieces that you love. Find an individual artist you adore. Search through flea markets. There's almost no better way to exhibit your individuality.
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Think past paintings. Sculptures and busts and ceramics are a beautiful way to add dimension and detail without tampering with the walls.
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| Appropriately entitled Scrap House, this space is amazing. Take notes on its art, created from everyday objects (that "chandelier!). Temporary living forces a creative release. Go with it.
What do you do to individualize your temporary living space? Next: More ways to design with color |
Comments
sarah waldin what a fantastic ideabook - thankyou. there are so many of us around the world living in temporary accommodation for long periods of time ... and this is both frustrating and liberating when it comes to decorating. your ideabook provides great ways to make a place a home - regardless of how long someone resides there.
2 years ago · Like
Grande Interiors Looking for vinyl decal resources for young girl bedroom project. Who would you recommend?
2 years ago · Like
InterDesign Studio I like to use these custom pieces made from recycled redwood. 
2 years ago · Like
jeshyr I love these ideas and i know that the nature of this site is expensive areas mostly but I found it really disappointing that there were no pictures with more typical rental properties - the type that actually need these suggestions because there is no other choice. I think they are great suggestions but having them demonstrated on such oppulent spaces does not give me any idea of how they could look in a "so inoffensive you will die of bland" space like the ones I live in!
2 years ago · Like
Margaret Everton Jeshyr. Totally get your point. These photos are meant to illustrate the concept, and that beauty of such places can be recreated in any temporary setting. We would LOVE to see any photos you have in mind or would like to add to the database.
2 years ago · Like
leslie I have used corrigated galvanized aluminum on work-out room walls. It's fun, bright and industrial
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on Feb. 5, 2011.
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