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I am currently renting an outdated apartment, I was wondering what kind of cheap updates/decorating I could use to make the place a little more inviting while also being able to save my purchases after moving out. Thank you for any advice!

It would help if you posted pictures of your place, then tell us what you like and don't like and want to change.
Give us a place to start...

Welcome to the forum!

Here's a link that tells how to apply fabric to walls which can be removed when you move: http://www.rentaldecorating.co..._fabric_on_walls.htm

I think there are other rental decorating ideas there as well altho I haven't looked at them.

IMO fabric is a good buy for decorating which you can take with you. You can use sheets in stead of yard goods for curtains, wall hangings, bed throws, sofa covers, tablecloths. Sheets can often be found on sale quite inexpensively and don't need hemming as yard goods do.

Become acquainted with the second hand venues in your local area. Yard sales, thrift stores, 2nd hand shops often have very inexpensive treasures. Beware of the increase in bedbugs when purchasing upholstered furniture or even wood furniture. I don't recommend buying 2nd hand mattresses but check out sales for items you want to purchase new.

If you have a green thumb plants can add a lot to your decor. Paint is also your friend when buying old furniture.

Plan your color scheme around something like an area rug or your chosen fabric.

You might also ask your landlord if you can paint one room to make it more personal.

Good luck, have fun with this, and show us pictures as you decorate!

Dustin,

I would also suggest you post photos of the rooms you're working on plus your likes and dislikes, favorite colors, budget restrictions and your design style(s). The more information you provide, the better the information you'll receive.

Good Luck!

Welcome. PIcs would definitely help, but here are some ideas offered to renters who posted here in the past. Keep in mind that fabric (and paint) bring the most bang for the buck. Your choices in upholstered pieces, art, window dressings, accessories and rugs will go a long way to evoke the feel you seek even if you're restricted re. painting walls. The liquid starch-fabric treatment already suggested is one way to bring color and perhaps pattern to a focal wall or below a chair rail. It's popular because it won't harm walls and is removeable and reusable down the line. Even if you're spaces are carpeted, but worn or not to your taste colorwise, you can use inexpensive area rugs or have a carpet remnant bound to cover most of the wall to wall. If the flooring is neutral and in good shape, colorful patterned rugs can create lots of visual impact even if the walls are blah. Bring more color upward via framed posters, hanging tapestries or small rugs, enlarging photography, creating a canopy over a bed, hanging long drapery panels, creating a soft wall w/ gathered fabric (or sheets) on a tension wire, using a floor standing screen for some ideas. Don't overlook the impact of lighting in your design plan. You can even use colorful gels or bulbs to wash white walls w/ color. A tall piece of painted furniture like a bookcase, secretary desk, hutch or armoire will also bring color upward. Go to sites like www.apartmenttherapy.com for more inspiration and problem solving solutions.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

http://www.apartmenttherapy.co...-cool-contest-170082

I love this one, though creating a cube in the center of a long rectangular room may not apply in this situation, the idea of two armoires back to back, or armoire with bookshelf at the back and small drawer unit or table on the side might fit for storage.

If you do not have photos of your place, a floor plan can be drawn (rectangle with measurements of each wall and doorways and windows marked.

Purpose, size, materials on the floors listed, colors of those materials... This can help you find a solution that works, then once the function is sorted, you can make pretty and coordinate a few colors for impact.

Good luck with your project!