Tips From a Professional: Interior Designer Michael Herold on How to Personalize a Rental

As a designer, I pride myself on my ability to bring a bold, modern approach to classic design, but working in the tri-state area (my office is based in Lambertville, NJ), I’ve encountered many rental properties where I don’t have the option to make some of the permanent changes I normally would. Since this issue is more common in New York City than perhaps anywhere else, I’ve put together here some personal tips on how to dress up a rental.

Antique & Vintage ↑
Rentals often lack character. Antiques and vintage pieces are a great way to add instant style to a space, and they make a home feel like it’s been lived in for a very long time. Sculptural furnishings can be purposeful and add visual interest at the same time. See a great selection at 1stdibs, and check out my personal collection here.

Tufty-Time sofa via B&B Italia

Modular Seating ↑
Modular sofas offer flexible seating arrangements which can easily be rearranged to accommodate a larger group of guests. Many have pieces that can serve double duty as ottomans, and with a tray on top, you’ve got yourself another table. The Tufty-Time sofa by B&B Italia is a great option.

Graphic Area Rugs ↑
Don’t limit art to the walls. Graphic area rugs are a great way to visually excite a space. Layer them over existing carpet or unsightly flooring. There are plenty of nice options at Stark Carpet.

Create Interesting Vignettes ↑
Accessories grouped in interesting vignettes can instantly personalize a space. Collect pieces in your travels and let your collections evolve over time. It’s also fun to change out the groupings for the different seasons or as you rearrange the apartment.

Wall Sconces ↑
Mood lighting is essential to every space. Plug-in wall sconces are a great way to defuse light, but they don’t require professional installation. Cover unsightly wires inside a cord cover painted the same color as the wall. The Architect’s Swing Arm from Circa Lighting is one of my favorites; they have a huge selection of wall lights.

Removable Wall Murals ↑
A custom-printed wall mural can instantly add drama to a space without the permanence of wallpaper or paint. For a more finished look, add a substantial frame molding. In the room above, the mural looks like a framed piece of art. Get them at Murals Your Way.

Multifunctional Furniture ↑
When limited on space, multifunctional furniture is a great solution. In the space above, a partners’ desk not only provides great work space but can easily host dinner for two. Other options are futon-like couches that double as beds or benches with storage below.

Fresh Botanicals ↑
Fresh plants and botanicals instantly add life to a space. A large fig tree, fresh cut tropical leaves, or a simple potted orchid are all great options when access to a patio or outdoor garden space is limited or nonexistent.

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About Michael Herold

Michael is an accomplished interior designer whose work is published in many top shelter publications including House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Traditional Home, The New York Times, NY Cottage & Gardens and Hamptons Cottage & Gardens. His interiors have also been featured by NBC LXTV and Vogue. Regarded as one of America’s top interior designers, Michael Herold has designed residences for a range of notable clients including CNN and Wall Street executives as well as supermodel Joan Smalls. Michael was also named as one of the top young designers by House Beautiful.

Michael Herold has always been proud to support many charitable organizations through his work as an interior designer and recently designed a room at the prestigious 2015 Kips Bay Decorator Show House.

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