Renting Outside the Lines is a series that highlights beautiful rentals and how people make a rental feel more like a forever home, even if it’s a temporary space. You don’t have to own a house to have a home, you can easily make your rental feel like your dream space with just a little imagination and renter-friendly updates.

Imani Keal, 29 years old content creator and interior stylist behind Imani at hometransformed her Washington, DC apartment into a space that truly reflects her bold and eclectic personality. Living in an 850-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment, she embraced her love of maximalist design and unapologetically infused her home with vibrant colors and one-of-a-kind decor pieces.

In this interview, Keal shares insights about her decorating journey, DIY projects, and tips for other renters who want to make their space feel like home, even if it’s temporary.

Creating a bold and eclectic space

When asked to describe his style, Keal says that “bold and eclectic maximalist seems like a good fit.”

True to her words, her apartment is filled with personality, color and layers of interesting decor.

“My style has always been there,” says Keal. “I painted my childhood bedroom hot pink and highlighter orange, so the fact that I love bold colors and maximalist interiors is no surprise.”

Keala’s space is a reflection of her unique taste, from the brightly colored walls to the selected decor that fills each room. He draws inspiration from Pinterest, but also from everyday life.

“I keep a very intense board filled with everything I love,” she says. “But I also get inspiration from everyday things. I paint homes while walking the dog and choose colors based on things I see on the ground.”

This mix of inspiration from online and offline sources helped Keal create a home that felt uniquely hers.

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Tackling DIY projects as a renter

One of the most rewarding projects Keal has undertaken in her apartment is the kitchen remodel. As a renter, she doesn’t always have the opportunity to do major renovations, but she still managed to make a significant change.

“As a renter, we don’t have the opportunity to do big remodeling projects,” Keal says. “My landlord paid for part of the project, so my cost was somewhere around $2,000. It was worth it if you ask me.”

Keal has embraced the challenges of renting and is currently working on building an entertainment center and replacing the ceiling fan with something more modern.

While some might find renting restrictive, Keal has found ways to personalize her space with DIY projects that don’t cause damage.

“A fresh coat of paint will change your life,” she says. “Landlords often choose the ugliest, cheapest colors, so a fresh coat of paint will make your apartment feel brighter and better.”

Navigating through the transience of renting

For many renters, the idea of ​​investing time and energy in decorating a space that is not permanent can be a challenge. But Keal found a balance between making her apartment feel like home while realizing that it was a temporary space.

“I hate moving, so I tend to stay in my apartments for a long time – at least two years. “I work mostly in my own spaces because spending 730 days in a place I hate is not a movement,” she says.

This mindset allows her to fully embrace decorating, knowing that even if she has to undo her work when she moves, the comfort and joy the space brings her in the meantime is worth the effort.

Keala’s apartment is a work in progress, and she admits that living between works in progress can be frustrating.

“I’ve been living in a construction zone for over a year and it annoys me. But, I know that in the end I will be so happy that I brought only things into my space that really make me happy,” she says.

Her patient approach to decorating allows her to create pieces that truly resonate with her style and personality, rather than rushing to fill a space with things she doesn’t love.

Splurging where it counts

While Keal is known for her clever DIY projects and budget-friendly decorating tips, she also recognizes the importance of splurging on certain items that will enhance comfort and style.

“I’m cheap with expensive taste,” she jokes.

But she is always serious when it comes to investing in a few key pieces. Her biggest splurge?

“Couch and mattress,” she says. “I can’t stand that ‘mattress in a bag’ thing. I am an adult who prefers a spring mattress.”

Keal’s philosophy is to invest in items that will provide long-term value and comfort, especially in a home where you spend significant time. Whether it’s a comfortable sofa to rest on after a long day or a quality mattress for a restful night, she believes these pieces are worth the extra expense.

Final tips for renters

Keal’s biggest tip for apartment dwellers trying to make their home the oasis of their dreams is simple: don’t underestimate the power of color.

“A fresh coat of paint will change your life,” she emphasizes.

Whether you choose a bold color to make a statement or a more neutral tone to create a soothing environment, color is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a space. For those on a tight budget, Keal recommends thinking outside the box.

“One gallon of paint can be used for the decor and ceiling, which is a unique way to decorate your apartment without breaking the bank,” says Keal.

This creative approach can make even the smallest changes feel fresh and exciting.

Ultimately, Keala’s apartment is a testament to her bold, eclectic style and her ability to make any space feel like home. Her journey as a renter and stylist shows that – with a little creativity and patience – anyone can turn their apartment into a personal oasis, no matter how temporary.