Most landlords aim to create an attractive but neutral color design within their apartments or rental homes. This allows each tenant to visualize their own belongings in the space and to use decor to put their own stamp on the home. But this may leave the apartment feeling drab or boring.
How can you overcome the boring label while still keeping the rental unit open to all interpretations? Discover four tricks to use.
1. Look for Hues
Not all so-called neutral colors are the same. You might immediately think of basic options like white or beige, but modern neutrals come in a variety of shades and tones. You might use a gray neutral palette or whites and ivories with undertones of pinks, blues, or greens.
Because all neutral color families have become more flexible and offer more variations, property owners can add darker and lighter shades as much or as little as they want. Even a subtle change from a lighter color (such as cream) on all the walls in a room to a single darker related hue — sandy or very light chocolate — on an accent wall can be striking.
2. Include More Texture
Texture becomes important when you work with a limited color palette. Even with standard paint choices, you can usually choose between flat paints, mattes, semi-gloss paints, and full gloss paints.
These choices may seem small, but each texture adds something different. Glossy paints, for instance, reflect light better, bringing more visual interest and lightness to a living room or bedroom. They are also ideal for adding interest to architectural accessories like baseboards or window trim.
Landlords can also choose additional texture elements. With descriptive names like knockdown or orange peel, prepared mixtures and unique application techniques bring different feelings to each room. Bold slap brush techniques could make a room feel casual and fun, while the seemingly unfinished look of trowel methods give walls a retro or vintage look.
3. Add Architectural Interest
If your color scheme lacks interest, add it through the actual walls, doors, windows, and ceilings themselves. Crown molding is a simple addition that makes the entire room seem grander and more luxurious while drawing attention away from any lack of color in the surrounding walls. This is also an opportunity to add color variations to large, potentially boring walls.
What other architectural details might you use to liven up the surroundings? The possibilities are endless, and they are usually informed by the apartment itself. Change the shape of an entry point from a rectangle to an arch. Add larger sills or interesting frames to windows. Install a medallion around a pendant light base, or add some recessed elements to the ceiling.
4. Use Trim and Accessories
Do not overlook the value of accessorizing around neutral walls and doors. Trim features — including cabinet handles, drawer pulls, doorknobs or door handles, window coverings, and even door knockers — all constitute an opportunity to be creative without ruining the neutral palette. Have a little fun with these items by opting for interesting metals, slightly bolder neutral shades, or unique shapes and angles.
Clearly, you have more room for flair even in a neutral background than a property owner might expect. With some creativity and an understanding of all the fun choices modern design allows, you can spice up your rentals while still leaving them ready for any tenant's design style.
Learn more about paint options and accessorizing by speaking with the pros at Trend today. Our specialists will work with you to find the perfect solution for any unit and any budget. We look forward to hearing from you.