Renters can get creative if landlord allows it

The new American dream: Renting, until the dust settles.

More Americans are renting homes and giving up on homeownership — at least for now. Job loss and foreclosures are forcing some folks out of their family homes and into apartments and rental homes.

Stephanie Hug Grossman of Coldwell Banker Gundaker in St. Louis says, "A few of my clients are becoming landlords, and others are becoming renters."

One year ago Suzy Hall, 37, decided to sell her home near downtown St. Louis and move to California. Her 3,800-square-foot home sat on the market for nine months with no movement. She made a choice to rent her home. Now she's a landlord.

Lynne Gallese is Hall's new tenant. Gallese has owned several homes over the past 25 years. "Renting is a new experience for me," she says.

Gallese decided to rent a home in the city to see whether she liked the area before making a large financial commitment.

She knew Hall's home was perfect for her. "My furniture looked like it was made for this home rental, and the wall colors matched my décor. It was easy to bring my style into the rental home. I have lots of accent pieces, pictures and plants. Plus, my furniture is very warm and gives the home a comfortable, inviting feel."

She made some adjustments to the rental home. "I turned the front bedroom into an office, and the smaller back bedroom is used as a den/television room. I put a workout area in the basement along with a spare bedroom and a movie room."

As a renter, you may feel that your options are limited when it comes to decorating. But, if you spend time with your new landlord, you may be able to work out some cosmetic changes in the home before move-in. In fact, there are many painting products, hardware items and wall décor pieces that can change a look without destroying the place. Many landlords will be happy you're taking care of the home.

"Lease agreements often forbid making permanent changes to a property, and even 'temporary' changes usually have to be undone when you move out," said Jim Dohr, president of Coldwell Banker Gundaker.

"However, renters can get creative and do not have to live with plain walls."

1. Start with updates

For example, if carpeting or flooring needs to be replaced, see if the landlord would be willing to update it. It could be a "win-win" situation for the both of you: new flooring for you and it increases the home's value for the homeowner. Consider making a deal with your landlord: he buys the materials, you do the labor.

Try: Armstrong 12-foot-wide Rust Sundialin Chestnut Corner residential sheet vinyl ($9.81 a square yard) at Home Depot. It's a reasonably priced flooring and easy to install.

2. Painting

Always get permission from your landlord before you paint. If he or she approves, consider magnetic primer by Rust-Oleum. This specialty magnetic latex primer has a dark gray base coat that allows you to create a surface that attracts magnets. It can be applied to wood, metal, masonry, drywall and plaster. It's a fun way to hang photos, prints, posters and more without damaging the wall.

Try: Magnetic primer ($21.99 for a quart) at some paint or home improvement stores.

3. Area rugs

Rugs are a good way to cover up old flooring. It's an easy fix and you can take it with you when you move.

4. Fixtures, cabinet hardware and switchplates

These items are simple changes you can make for an updated look. If there is a ceiling fan in the kitchen or dining room, consider new light kits with charming glass votives. Replacing knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinetry is a simple task and an inexpensive way to upgrade the look. Changing switchplates, especially in the bedrooms, is an easy fix to bring in a style of your own.

Try: Decorative switchplates will add style to a bedroom ($7.99 to $11.99 each) at lifesaswitchplate.com, hardware stores and home-improvement centers.

5. Florals

Creating an artistic floral arrangement can liven up any room in your rental home. Paper flowers are long-lasting, and they won't wilt or die.

Try: Paper flowers, (24 inches high, about $17.50) at craft stores. Available in many colors.

6. Wall decals, stickers, fabric and letters

You can customize any room in your rental home with removable wall art decals. Decal stickers give a hand-painted look to your walls, windows, glass or mirrors. Plus it's a short-term fix. Fabric is another option for home decorating. You could create a lovely wall collage using swatches of fabric hung with push pins. Self adhesive and magnetic letters are becoming a popular trend in wall décor. Most are so lightweight they can be hung with push pins. Others can be hung with self-adhesive magnetic strips.

Try: Wall décor prices vary depending on type and style. Look for wall panels, hangings and decals at home-improvement centers, décor shops and Seattle's Velocity Art and Design (www.velocityartanddesign.com/wallpaper-wall-decor-c-297.html). Another Web site to try is www.whatisblik.com.

Seattle Times staff contributed to this feature.