
(StatePoint) Just because youre a renter doesnt mean you need to settle for bland, boring décor. You can make more of your space in an inexpensive yet trendy way.
Dont know where to start, dont worry. Here are ten top home decor trends online real estate experts Homes.com and ForRent.com uncovered after surveying more than 140 home design experts across the country on the years biggest home trends. Do-it-Yourself: Do-it-yourself projects save money and allow you to incorporate personality into your decor. For example, distressing old headboards, hutches, benches, and other wood furniture can enrich a rooms appeal. Go Vertical: Nothing perks up a room like a fresh coat of paint. If your rental property prohibits painting, use temporary techniques to create a gorgeous visual landscape, such as your own artwork. Fall in Love with Floral: Make your apartment pop with floral patterns. If thats overwhelming, keep it subtle with an accent pillow in the den or bedroom. Mix It Up with Metals: Metallic shades are not just for appliance finishes. A great alternative to color, they can be used as accents, picture frames, vases, pillows — essentially anything youre inspired to give a unique look. Brighten Up: If your space is looking dull, brighten it up with a splash of color. Whether its the smallest objects or an entire wall, color accents can drastically change a rooms appearance, giving it that pop youve been looking for. This year, its all about purple — Radiant Orchid, the Pantone color of the year, to be exact. Organize: The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to organization. Storage bins and labels in the pantry keep snacks, condiments and other food items separate and easily accessible. A command center at the front of your home should include a place to keep keys, mail, sunglasses and the other things you need most. Bring the Outside In: Plants add gorgeous depth and texture to a home. Incorporate different shapes, sizes, and colors for visual appeal. Classic and Contemporary: If you lean towards a more contemporary style, include vintage pieces for an ultra-updated appearance. These elements create contrast for a unique look — plus, you can find a lot of classic pieces for great prices at thrift stores. Luxurious Lighting: Sometimes rentals can be less-than-luminous. Add temporary decorative light fixtures so you arent left in the dark. Play with Textures: Dont buy all your furnishings from the same place. Instead, mix and match different textures and styles to create an intriguing atmosphere, rather than the cold, uniformed feel of a furniture store.For additional decorating tips, visit the Idea Gallery at Homes.com. If you have your own décor ideas, use #HomeMoments to share them on Twitter.Theres no place like home, so take it from the pros — its worth the effort to make your rental property a great space.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.