Want to Create a Dream Home in a Temporary Space? Here’s How

Want to Create a Dream Home in a Temporary Space? Here’s How

I am big on planning — almost to a fault. I tend to always be looking forward and strategizing next steps in family life, business, or our next move. We move every few years thanks to my husband’s job. There is a trap to be avoided here, though. While it is admirable to be prepared, being over-prepared (yes it is a thing) can lead to a lack of appreciation for the present.

I have to catch myself to be sure I am fully taking in the moments that are happening right now. I need to remember to genuinely recognize and appreciate the temper tantrums and wonder that come with the toddler years. Because if I daydream about the future too long, I might just miss these precious moments.

The same holds true for your home.  Whether you are looking to buy or rent in this sparse market, and are not finding your dream home, or are a serial mover like myself, we usually find ourselves in non-permanent homes. In actuality, very few of us have achieved what we consider to be our dream home.

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But this is where I want you to stop letting that limit you. Instead, let’s reframe our thinking to look at these rentals and non dream homes as opportunities. Maybe consider them as “practice” homes full of opportunity to hone your individual style. You can try colors and textures and materials that you might be too afraid to try on your “dream” home for fear of messing up. Never let the fear of losing keep you from playing the game, right?  I promise you don’t need to own your home or be rooted somewhere forever to curate a space that feels great to you.

Without further adieu, let’s dive into my top non-permanent dream home design ideas to try today (tomorrow is okay too… I guess).

1. Peel and stick wallpaper.

Who would have ever thought that wallpaper would be back in fashion? Do you remember the days of scoring and stripping the old tacky wallpaper left over from the seventies? Anyone here lucky enough to keep it up long enough that it’s back in style?

Peel and stick wallpaper has come onto the scene in a major way because of its ability to be put up and taken down without causing any damage to the wall. This makes it ideal for renters or those of us with a fear of commitment. It comes in all patterns, prints, styles and at all price points. You can check your favorite designer or find some cute rolls on Amazon or at Target.

Be warned not to apply peel and stick wallpaper to freshly painted walls. If you have textured walls, try this hack: Create a tight grid on your wall with blue painters tape. Then, follow on top of the blue painters tape with double stick tape. You can now attach the paper to the grid. *Bonus* This also works with regular wallpaper. Don’t let your fun stop at wallpaper- check out peel and stick tiles for your floors and backsplashes and marble contact paper for your counters as well!

2. Paint and art

Another great way to change the feel of your space is to paint the walls or add oversized art. I love a good bold piece of dramatic art. If your space is dreary, go for bright and light. If you want a more moody vibe, opt for darker. You can find tons of tutorials on Pinterest or YouTube on how to create your own large pieces if you don’t have the budget for the real deal. Plus, this is way more fun.

I also love thrifting for art. I can usually find cute originals by regional artists for amazing prices. I would like to note, while it can be tempting to get mass produced art from HomeGoods or Target, I suggest digging around town a bit to find some original, one-of-a-kind art pieces. These will really up the sophistication level of your decor and start you on your way to a truly unique space-plus you’re supporting locals.

3. Light Fixtures

This is something that many renters may not think of that is actually a very simple way to infuse some style. If you are handy, you can swap out an existing light fixture with just a YouTube tutorial and extra pair of hands to help you hold it up. Trust me, I’ve been the holder in this equation a LOT. You can certainly hire a professional to do this for you as well. Simply store away the existing fixture for the owner so you can switch it back upon leaving. Light fixtures are another super fun item to thrift. There are so many solid metal antique chandeliers out there just waiting to be brought back to life. 

4. Rugs

Add rugs everywhere! Seriously. Layer them on carpet, on top of each other, even in the bathroom. Nothing allows you to add some personality as quickly and easily as an area rug. These also run the gamut of prices so consider less expensive options when you are trying something trendy and then splurge on a nice Turkish or Persian rug when you have honed your style a bit better.

5. Freestanding Built-in Cabinets

How’s that for an oxymoron? If you are going for a built-in look around your TV or in your home office, consider buying a freestanding cabinet or pair. What is so great about this is you can bring these pieces with you to your next place while still achieving the same look!

6. Have a general color scheme for your whole house

By keeping your home generally cohesive in style and color, you are much more able to mix and match the pieces in each room every time you move. For instance, I have this one french country sideboard that I have used as a sofa table, in my kitchen and as a storage cabinet in my office in different houses. When you go to move the next time, think about your furniture and art as a whole house inventory and mix and match as each house dictates. 

A part of achieving a more peaceful life is investing your energy into what you enjoy. If styling your dream home stresses you out, hire it out. Let me be your home guru, and help to take this off your shoulders, and provide you with the love-filled, peaceful home you have always envisioned.  

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JENNIFER ROSE

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, Virginia Tech

HSR Certified Home Stager & Stylist

I help clients curate beautiful, functional, and aspirational spaces in their homes. I love giving them the confidence and peace of mind to relax or entertain at the drop of a hat. I can’t get enough. I eat, sleep and breathe home design. At night, you’ll often find me with a glass of bubbly in hand perusing and studying homes on Zillow and Realtor or binging design shows on Netflix. I’m fascinated by the real estate market and the psychology behind what makes someone fall in love with home. 

I grew up not only designing and rearranging my own room but also my friends’ rooms. I remember late-night sleepovers pushing furniture around their rooms and raiding their attics for fun art. Looking back, I can only imagine what their parents thought. My creative aspirations led me to Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture & Design where I was awarded my Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Design with a minor in Art History. After school, I worked in graphic design and, being the child of 2 strong entrepreneurs, opened my own firm where I was on track to becoming one of the top graphic designers for the wedding industry in Hampton Roads, VA. It was then that I met my husband who took me into the exciting world of military moves. I put my professional design career on hold to raise my 3 beautiful daughters while flexing my creative muscles completely remodeling and redesigning our own 5 homes. I am so happy being back in my element and absolutely love helping my clients love their spaces.

When not designing, you’ll find me swimming, crafting or dreaming up my next home.

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