I’ve spent many enjoyable hours browsing Pinterest boards and Instagram accounts that feature beautiful homes furnished in the most current styles. Pinning walls painted in the trendiest colors, DIY architectural features that add the finishing touch to a room, and millwork that moves the house from cookie-cutter to high-end.  I dream of my forever home and having the freedom to take on these transforming projects. 

Okay, that’s a great daydream, but time to wake up and face the reality.  I am a renter.  I move so often I have to use a cheat sheet to remember my zip code at the gas pump. I sign a contract to return the home back to the owners and act as if I never lived there.  And let’s face it, the white walls of every rental get very old and boring.  So what are my options?  What can I change and control in my borrowed space?  

During a time of unemployment after a recent move, I had way too much time on my hands. It was just me, the pup, and my laptop.  I quickly got sucked down multiple Instagram, YouTube, and design blog rabbit holes of DIY furniture painting.  A new hobby was EXACTLY what I needed. As a bonus, it offered an affordable solution to bring some color and personality to my white walled home!  

I started with painting items in my home I already owned. Then I expanded to thrift stores, yard sales, and resale marketplace finds.  Just painting a coffee table and TV console, and switching a couple throw pillows, the whole living room was transformed.  Such freedom, I loved it!  I may have gone a little overboard as I’ve since painted my dining table, buffet, end tables, and sofa tables. Even metal wall art and picture frames were painted to fit the new vibe of the rental space. The possibilities are endless and quite affordable as long as you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease.

I tried out both chalk paint and regular latex paint from my local hardware store.  My preference is chalk paint, personally I’m partial to to CeCe Caldwell’s Paints. Chalk paint requires minimal prep work on the piece you plan to paint, which is so convenient. Additionally, with chalk paint there are a wide variety of finishes and techniques you can accomplish by simply adding water.  As I said, I love working with CeCe Caldwell’s, but American Paint Company is also an excellent option. Both of these brands offer non-toxic, eco-friendly paint products free of VOCs. This means they can safely be used inside your rental space with easy clean up.  

For a cost saving hack, you can make your own chalk paint with latex paint, plaster of Paris and water.  There are many recipes, such as this one from The Home Depot.   

Paint is a great tool to help transform your rental, even when it can’t be used on your walls. Don’t let those white bring you down.  For the next 12 months (or however long your lease is) this rental property is your HOME. So, hang your wall art, put up your curtains, and paint your furniture!