Homework: Apartment fixes

If you live in a rental with strict rules about painting, it's not the end of the world. Here are some easy ways to spruce up your space without changing the wall color.

1. Install new light fixtures.

Swap out the rental ceiling fixtures for your own vintage or modern finds. Keep the originals so you can reinstall them before you move out.

2. Hang temporary wallpaper.

Easy to hang and easy to remove, this is the perfect solution for drab white walls. Two good sources: tempaperdesigns.com and swdecorating.com.

3. Make temporary wall murals.

Create large, easy-to-remove murals from your own digital photos. Or you can use a poster-making service to enlarge a photo of a vintage postcard to decorate an entire wall.

4. Layer rugs.

If you can't add color on the walls, put it on the floor. Layer a colorful patterned area rug over boring beige wall-to-wall for an instant pick-me-up. Cover cold tile flooring with FLOR carpet tiles.

5. Add textiles.

Fabric is the easiest way to add color, pattern and personality. Use it for pillows, throws, bed coverings, shower curtains and table skirts. Frame it or stretch it over a canvas for wall art.

6. Hang mirrors.

As an alternative to art, large mirrors work wonders in small spaces, making them appear bigger than they are. Hang a mirror directly across from a window to get a double dose of the outdoors.

7. Paint furniture.

Paint mismatched furniture the same color for a more cohesive look. Find inexpensive dining chairs, lacquer them and re-cover the seats yourself.

8. Dress the windows.

Replace metal blinds with inexpensive (and much more stylish) natural woven styles found at home improvement stores