We found this interesting article about how to make your rental home truly feel like home. With the help of PPG Pittsburgh Paints, we tweaked the article to make it more ad-hoc to Cabo San Lucas & La Paz.
Painting Walls or Not? (originally published by Coldwell Banker http://goo.gl/ZIQUqF)
When on the hunt for your Baja rental apartment or home, keep in mind that once you find a space, you’re going to have to work to make it your own if you really want it to feel like home sweet home. One of the most dramatic (and yet one of the easiest) ways to change the look of a new space is by painting walls. A coat of paint can transform a dark, cave-like space into a bright, energetic one.
But what if you’re not allowed to paint the walls in your new place?
Many landlords and rental management companies allow renters to paint the walls however they wish, as long as they paint them back to their original color when they leave. But, believe it or not, some landlords don’t allow tenants to paint their apartments. Here are some suggestions for spicing up your walls — whether you’re allowed to paint or not.
Check Before You Sign the Lease
For some people, the wrong paint color can provoke a visceral negative reaction that can only be cured by repainting the offending room’s walls. If you’re one of these sensitive souls, and yet you’ve fallen in love with an apartment that has everything going for it except its paint color, find out if you’ll be allowed to paint. Even if painting is prohibited, all is not lost: There are some amazing temporary fixes that you might want to try instead.
If You Can’t Paint Your Walls …
You love your space, but you hate the walls. Don’t despair; there are amazing temporary fixes that can help change the look of the room without requiring you to crack open a paint can.
- Make use of temporary wallpaper, an absolute godsend for people unable (or unwilling) to paint their apartment walls. And if you think we’re talking about chintzy cabbage rose patterns, we’re not. We’re talking about modern wallpaper styles that can give your walls chic, contemporary flair. You can go with a simple pure-white paper to mask an undesirable paint job, or you can choose papers with bold patterns.
- Go global with large exotic printed fabrics, stay true to your roots by hanging pictures from your family, friends or favorite places… or take the best of local artist and display them proudly. Los Cabos, La Paz and all the small coastal villages along the Pacific & Sea of Cortez shores are home to incredible artists that play and transform local materials into incredible art.
- Hang wall art that speaks to and celebrates your personality. For instance, steampunk enthusiasts can put up giant metallic timepieces.
If You Can Paint Your Walls …
So you’re one of the lucky ones, and your lease says painting walls is A-OK.
- Think about what mood and vibe you’re trying to create in the space. Paint your walls a stunning white if you want to create a gallery-like backdrop for your art and furnishings. Or experiment with dark grays or even blacks if you’re trying to create a contemporary look and feel in your rooms.
- Experiment with different types of paint. Metallic paint can be used in small doses to bring a sleepy room to life.
- Use paint to enhance architectural elements you’d like to show off and to camouflage elements you’d like to draw attention away from.
- PPG Pittsburgh Paints has over 20 years of experience in helping you create your personal space and shape the feel of your office. Their expertise is at your disposition with two locations in Cabo & La Paz.
It doesn’t matter if you rent or own, your home at the end of the day should be what makes you smile confidently, a place to relax and unwind, why not make it truly yours?