As some of you probably know, we just relocated to Fort Worth Texas.  Along with a big move comes new challenges for decorating and making a new space your own.  Purchases for a house or apartment home can be tricky when you’re furnishing a temporary abode. Follow these guidelines to know when to splurge and when to save on pieces that are versatile for renters.

While we were deciding whether to rent or buy, I had the chance to look at a few rental properties and most recently the opportunity to learn about ‘s apartment communities.  After being in seven different rentals in the last 13 years, I was super impressed with ‘s 48-Hour service-completion guarantee and top notch amenities on their beautiful properties.   If you are relocating to the Dallas Fort Worth area and renting, I encourage you to check one of their more than 20+ communities out!  (They even have an in-house design team.)

1.  Splurge on soft furniture like mattresses and sofas.  I’m a huge fan of mixing old with new but when it comes to sleeping and sitting it’s good to invest in new pieces.  Choose a higher end mattress to ensure a good night’s sleep and a sofa with classic lines and neutral colors so it can work with any decorating style you enjoy.   For smaller rental spaces, stick with queen size mattresses (or smaller) and a standard size couch with exposed legs to maintain a good flow and give the illusion of more space.  You can find more tips for choosing the right sofa with fabric, build, and care here.  

2.  Save on hard surfaces like small side tables, dressers, and kitchen tables.  Side tables, dressers, coffee tables, and kitchen tables are a great opportunity to shop your local estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, and antique stores.  And oh my goodness, there are amazing estate sales in Dallas and Fort Worth!   You are more likely to find good solid wood pieces with lots of character than buying inexpensive furniture from out of box stores.  Small accent chairs, garden stools, and benches are also easy pieces to save money on and can look high end and on trend when cleaned up and/or given a fresh coat of paint!  (If you are in one of a ‘s 20+ communities you will be in a great neighborhood for shopping!) 

3.  Make sure to purchase rugs and curtains in standard sizes to keep them flexible.   You want to be able to reuse nice window treatments and rugs when you move around (or rearrange your home).  Look for curtains in 96″-108″ sizes and use iron fusing tape or a simple stitch for a temporary custom hem.  You can also fold tops over and use curtains clips for the right fit!  If you are a huge fan of vintage and high end rugs like I am, invest in 5×7 and 8×10 sizes.  When you need a large area rug, you can save on a neutral sisal or carpet rug and layer a beautiful smaller vintage on top.   Having the proper size window treatments and rugs will help give you a well designed home!  Find more tips on purchasing and placing rugs with this post. 

4.  Mix it up with final touches like throw pillows, art, lighting, and other decorating accessories.  Here is the place to mix old with new, vintage and modern styles, and really personalize a space.  Don’t be afraid to create a gallery wall mixing a fine art piece with family photographs, inexpensive prints, and other wall hangings.  If you are investing in classic large pieces like a sofa and rug, then you can save when looking for inexpensive seasonal or on trend items that you easily be switched out.  If you don’t want to purchase these items try using free printables for a quick and free switch-a-roo.

5.  Some good rules of design/decorating tips to follow:  Group decorating accessories in odd numbers (3 or 5).   Add a plant and other natural elements (from your yard, beach, travels, etc…).  Have something soft in each space (upholstered furniture, pillows, and throws).  Keep large pieces neutral and light to showcase decorating accessories in your unique style.  Don’t buy anything in sets from big box stores (they do that to get you to spend more money!).  If you do have sets, try to split them up in between rooms.  (For example, your bedside tables could be your sofa side tables.   Switch out a couple of kitchen chairs with occasional chairs.)  Have fun!  Move things around.

Using these 5 tips to know when to splurge and when to save on furniture and decorating accessories for your new residence will give you the right tools to make your home a space you’ll love.

Are you relocating soon?  Do you have any favorite rental decorating tips I didn’t include?  Leave me a comment and let’s chat friend!

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