Design Vogue

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

Imani Keal, 29-year-old content creator and interior stylist behind Imani At Home, has transformed her Washington, D.C. apartment into a space that truly reflects her bold and eclectic personality. Living in an 850 square foot, two bedroom apartment, she has embraced her love for maximalist design and unapologetically infused her home with vibrant colors and unique decor pieces.

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

Creating a Bold and Eclectic Space

When asked to describe her style, Keal says “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," Keal says. "I painted my childhood bedroom both hot pink and highlighter orange, so the fact that I like bold colors and maximalist interiors is not a surprise."

Keal's space is a reflection of her unique taste, from the brightly colored walls to the curated decor that fills each room. She draws inspiration from Pinterest, as well as everyday life. 

“I keep a very intense board filled with everything I love," she says. "But, I also get inspired by everyday things. I take pictures of homes while I walk my dog, and I pick paint colors based on things I see on the ground."

This mix of inspiration from both online and offline sources has helped Keal create a home that feels 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 her kitchen makeover. As a renter, she doesn't always have the opportunity to take on large-scale renovations, but she was still able to make a significant change.

“As a renter, we don’t get the opportunity to do large-scale makeover projects," Keal says. "My landlord paid for a portion of the project, so my cost was somewhere around $2,000. It was well 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 stylish. 

While some might see renting as limiting, Keal has found ways to personalize her space with DIY projects that don’t break the bank.

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

Navigating the Ephemerality of Renting

For many renters, the idea of investing time and energy into decorating a space that isn’t permanent can be a challenge. But Keal has found a balance between making her apartment feel like home while understanding that it’s a temporary space.

“I hate moving, so I tend to stay in my apartments for a long time—at least two years. I do the most in my spaces because spending 730 days in a place I hate is not the move,” 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 her space brings her in the meantime is worth the effort.

Keal's apartment is a work in progress, and she admits that living amongst a work-in-progress can be frustrating.

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

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

Splurging Where It Matters

While Keal is known for her savvy 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’s always serious when it comes to investing in a few key pieces. Her biggest splurge? 

“A sofa and a mattress,” she says. “I cannot stand the ‘mattress in a bag’ thing. I’m a grown 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 cozy sofa to lounge on after a long day or a quality mattress for restful nights, 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 paint.

“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 calming environment, paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a space. For those on a tighter budget, Keal recommends thinking outside the box.

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

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

In the end, Keal'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 showcases that—with a bit of creativity and patience—anyone can transform their apartment into a personal oasis, no matter how temporary it may be.