When renting an apartment, more often than not, your creative freedom is limited and is up to the discretion of the owner. In some situations, you may encounter a landlord that is more flexible and allows for fun here and there. While other times you can have an owner that is an absolute stickler and insists on having the apartment rental look and feel the way they want it to.

In a situation where you have a stricter landlord, decorating your apartment might feel like an uphill battle. With all the limitations put in place, how in the world are you supposed to call this place home? Make it appeal to you and feel like your own? While renting an apartment does mean you have to abide by rules and regulations, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and bring some of your personality into the space. Here are five different ways to decorate your apartment rental, without compromising on the rules!

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1. Give Removable Wallpaper a Try: What once used to be something that struck fear and utter discomfort into people is not as bad as it once was. Yes, the once dreaded wallpaper is making a comeback in a few functional and helpful ways. Removable wallpaper is great for an apartment rental, as you can add different colors and patterns to the wall without damaging the paint or permanently altering how it looks, pleasing both you and your landlord! A blog post by Harborside Village suggests, “Look for high-quality removable wallpaper that can be removed without a trace when it’s time to move, or when you feel like trying a new color and pattern!”

2. Hang Some of Your Favorite Artwork: Perhaps one of the simplest ways to decorate your apartment rental is by hanging some of your favorite artwork and pictures! Whether it’s a colorful impressionist painting, a canvas portrait of your childhood dog, or a group photo of your beloved friends, artwork, and pictures give your apartment the impression that an actual person is living there, not some kind of robotic figure. You live a well-rounded, beautiful life, and what better way to show that than by showing it through decor! Side note, your landlord may or may not be a fan of putting nails in the walls, which in that case, there are a few alternatives to try! Hardik Patel of News For Public writes, “The good news is, you don’t have to hang these on the walls. Instead prop them on shelves, and even the floor. You will love how they add to the aesthetic of the space.”

3. Experiment with Mirrors: Generally speaking, I think a lot of us can be scared of decorating with mirrors because we don’t know how to. With mirrors, there are so many choices in terms of size, color, and style, that it can be overwhelming to pick one. Because of this, many people settle with just getting a plain, boring mirror that doesn’t necessarily fit their style or personality. Don’t lose sight of who you are while decorating your apartment! Adding a large, fun or funky mirror to your living area, bedroom, or bathroom can give your place a sprinkle of pizazz and even make it seem bigger.

4. Don’t Shy Away From Color: In most cases, landlords aren’t going to give you the freedom to paint the apartment a deep red or bright blue, if they allow painting at all. In some situations, landlords may be open to painting if the color is more on the neutral side and isn’t too harsh on the eyes. Don’t let this discourage you from incorporating color in your apartment, however! Try adding pops of color with accessories such as throw blankets, pillows, rugs, etc. Sarah Coffey of Apartment Therapy recommends, “Even the slightest hint of color can transform an apartment and freshen up the walls. If you can’t paint, bring color into your home through furnishings and artwork.”

5. Indulge in a Nice Rug: Like walls, floors are another aspect of our space that are often forgotten about. With frequent travel in and out of the home, floors can get scratched, worn, and scuffed, which can make your apartment look old and dingy. To liven up your flooring and add some flair to your space, you can get a rug that has a fun print, like zebra or leopard, lots of colors, and different textures. Additionally, experiment with sizes as well to add dimension to your apartment. Something like a rug is a great investment as it is completely removable and can be transported to your next home when you move out!

While renting an apartment has its limitations, there are several different ways to decorate without upsetting your landlord! Whether it’s by sticking some removable wallpaper on the walls or purchasing a giant rainbow area rug, giving your rental your own personal touch can be both simple and fun with the right resources!