When you move into your new Chico or Redding apartment, in all likelihood the walls will be painted white, the floors will be ivory and the carpeting will be off-white. All that muted color might be calming, but it also might give you a case of the blahs.
So it's time for you to embrace the color wheel and be prepared to heed rule No. 1 of Chico rental properties: You can put your distinctive touch on your apartment if you want to –- and doing so will make it feel more like home.
Don't go Overboard, but do Climb Aboard
The naysayers may try to dampen your enthusiasm. But it's worth noting that lease agreements on most Chico or Redding rental properties require that a unit be restored to its original state. So any changes you make will probably have to be un-done before you move out. Double check with your property manager what is okay to change and what is a hard no.
Nevertheless, this is no time to abandon the color wheel –- or your ability to take the long view. Even if you plan to stay in your apartment only one year, putting your personal imprint on your Chico or Redding apartment will pay the immediate benefit of creating that end-of-day and end-of-week refuge that is vital to your overall happiness and well being.
Besides, no one would suggest that you rip out appliances and bathroom fixtures and otherwise make a king-size investment in a rental property. That would be foolhardy. But you can reach a happy medium by budgeting carefully, spending prudently and making the following five changes a little at a time to put some heart into your new home. One thing is for certain: you won't regret making them.
1. Express your personality with paint
Nothing can transform a room as quickly and affordably as paint. If you're nervous about overdoing it -– or retracing your steps in a year's time –- single out the dominant wall in each room for a paint job. The wall will pop with energy and infuse your Chico or Redding apartment with style. Before you do this, make sure that you talk to your apartment manager to get the approval.
If you can't repaint a wall, then skip to number 2 below!
2. Express your personality with borders, wall decals or removable wallpaper
Making a trip to a well-stocked paint or home improvement store will give you wall art ideas you probably didn't know existed, and their inherently temporary nature might appeal to your thrifty instincts.
Washi tape makes good borders to frame photos, or order some removable wallpaper in a fun pattern or the paint color you wish you could paint your wall!
3. Express your personality with throw rugs
They provide warmth, serve to separate one area or room from another and can be layered to exude texture. Plus, they're easy to find and are available in a wide range of prices.
4. Express your personality with window treatments
Here, too, the operative word is “affordable” because you don't have to spend a lot to make it look like you did. Drape a window scarf or fabric remnant over a curtain rod if you're pressed for cash; you might end up keeping it long term when you see how it invigorates the basic shades found in many Chico or Redding rental properties.
5. Express your personality with lighting
You might never again flick the switch on those staid overhead lights after adding ambient, task, or decorative and accent lighting to your Chico or Redding apartment.
Ambient lighting from chandeliers and table lamps will provide the soft but direct light you need to safely navigate a room.
Task lighting throws light exactly where you need it, such as on a computer desk or reading chair. Decorative lighting may include table lamps, but it's typically the fun, “artsy” or stylish lighting you buy because you want to, not because you have to.
Accent lighting should be done last after you have everything in place and know what you wish to highlight, such as a family picture. If you're stumped about how to brighten up your kitchen, try stringing rope lights under the cabinets. Most rope lights come in clear, but you just might reach for the colored variety -– because you know how to embrace the color wheel and make your Chico or Redding apartment a home.
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