Temporary decor

July 11, 2014

If the remnants of your last college apartment are still haunting you, it may be time to update your space. But as most renters know, it's not always that easy. Your landlord won't let you paint, drill massive holes or do that DIY bathroom remodel you saw on Pinterest -- and that's OK. "Knowing that you won't be in your current abode for the rest of your life should be liberating rather than restricting," said interior designer Summer Thornton. Instead of paint, shift your gears toward colorful tapestries, textured rugs, bold curtains, fun art, lamps and and throw pillows. Rather than drilling holes that will later need to be spackled, check out Ook picture-hanging kits (ooks.com), which leave tiny holes but can still hold heavy pieces. Above all, don't be afraid to take a risk or two while you're still a renter -- as long as it doesn't cost you your security deposit. "Use it as an opportunity to seize the moment and create a space that represents you today without any concerns for your taste preferences in the future," Thornton said. -- Morgan Olsen