Edmonton Decorator | How to Decorate if You're Renting

How to Decorate When Renting: By the Numbers

 
I always recommend to my decorating clients, to make a big change, with the smallest investment, you paint. Paint the walls, paint the trim and paint the cupboards. 

But, in a rental you can't do that. You're prohibited from painting or renovating in any way. So what's a renter to do that want's a stylish place with some personal flair?

First, here's the list: (Photos to follow)

1. Use Removable wallpaper  
2. Add Wall Decals 
3. Use Moveable Storage
4. Create a Distinct Entryway
5. Decorate with Mirrors
6. Personalize with Drawer liners
7. Make a Framed Chalkboard
8. Buy Statement furniture
9. Decorate with Indoor Trees
10. Buy a Conversation Piece
11. Add Ambiance with Faux fireplace
12. Hang Pictures on a Wire

Removable Wallpaper

Available at most big box Home Renovation Stores

Removable Wall Paper

Wall Decals

Check Amazon and Etsy for custom options

Wall Decals

Moveable Storage

This model available at Restoration Hardware

Baker's Rack

Create a Distinct Entryway

This model available at IKEA

Storage Bench

Decorate with Mirrors

My favourite place to buy mirrors is HomeSense and Bouclair

Unique Mirrors

Personalize with Drawer Liners

Endless options in stores and online

Patterned Draw Liners

Make (or buy) a Framed Chalkboard

I recommend Flea Markets, Goodwill or Etsy

Chalkboard in Red Frame

Buy Statement Furniture

Unique Chaise Longue

Decorate with Indoor Trees

Add life with Indoor Trees

Buy (or make) a Conversation Piece

DIY Ladder Book Shelf

Add Ambiance with a Faux Fireplace

Faux Fireplace as Focal Point

Hang Pictures on a Wire

Look mom, no holes in the wall!

Want some additional help decorating your rental? Give me a call or drop me a line!

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Rachel Schofield, IDDP® | 780.999.3021 | www.EdmontonDecorator.com

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Edmonton Decorator | Shopping with Rachel

How Not Decorating with Antiques Makes You a Rookie

Now, I know that heading seems a little outlandish, but let me explain. Adding thrifted, vintage, antique or upcycled items to your decor gives you a unique edge.

Number one, if you shop at the same places that everyone else shops at, chances are you're going to have a friend that comments, "Hey, I saw that at HomeSense last week." Who wants to have what everyone else has?

Secondly, many of the home accessories are currently modelled on vintage or antique items. So, why not have the real deal?

And finally, they are fantastic conversation starters and can bring back a flood of fond memories.

You'd be surprised how adding an aged item or two, here and there, can really bring a lot of character and charm to a room. And if you are a vintage virgin, I really suggest you give it a try!

So who has been to the Blue Jar Antique Mall? I made my first foray and here's a few shots of what I found:

Lanterns, crates and jugs

Vintage weigh scales, tin ceiling tiles and kitchen stuff galore

Antique electronics, vintage sewing machine and an old clock

Brass bird cage, brass plant pot and old banker's boxes

Old rollerskates, silver oil lamps and distressed cupboards

It was hard to control myself, but I showed some restraint and bought just these three beauties!

Silver wine chiller, lion head door knocker and a Thai face mask

Psst! Want to see ALL of the pics I took at Blue Jar Antique Mall?  

Follow me on Facebook to see the rest. 

The Blue Jar Antique Mall occupies approximately 7,000 square feet and have vendors from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Millet, Red Deer, Barrhead and Kelowna. Go on and visit them at 15230 Stony Plain Rd! 

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Rachel Schofield, IDDP® | 780.999.3021 | www.EdmontonDecorator.com

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Edmonton Interior Decorator | The Look for Less

My clients know that I give tremendous value for my design services. Why? Because I believe that Interior Decorating & Design can be affordable and accessible for nearly every lifestyle. I'm also a keen bargain hunter. It doesn't matter if it's my money, or yours, I want to get the best deal and the best value at all times. Because I spend so many hours in different furniture showrooms, I know what is a reasonable price for any given piece of furniture. I also know that most retailers carry the same line of furniture, but with varying degrees of markup.

Here are a few examples of identical chairs, that I sourced for clients in the past few weeks:

Eames Barcelona Ottoman $1395 vs $450

I saved my clients nearly $2000 by purchasing two of these chairs at $450 rather than at $1395. Same chair...same manufacturer. (Interesting fact: I saved them even more than my total design fee.)

Black & Silver Damask Dining Chair $340 vs $230

My client fell in love with these chairs. She needed 8 of these beauties for her formal dining room. I saved her $880 by finding the exact same chair at a lower price point.

Elegant Art Deco Chairs $599 vs $459

A client wanted 4 of these chairs. I scouted around to find the best price. Lo and behold, I was able to save her $600! The same price tag of one of the over-priced chairs.

Grey Leather Pouf Ottomans $2080 vs $199

Now here, I am comparing apples to slightly different apples. These leather "pouf" ottomans are not from the same manufacturer, but they look nearly identical in real life. Can you imagine paying $5160 for some little footstools? I achieved the same look for $398! (Even with the GIANT price reduction on the left, it still would have cost my client $812 for two "poufs".)

I'm also able to pass along "Designer Discounts" to my clients, that is only available to Certified Industry Members. Depending on the product, or retailer, I can pass along a savings of anywhere from 5-40%. So, are you ready to save?

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Rachel Schofield, IDDP® | 780.999.3021 | www.EdmontonDecorator.com

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