Green scene: Rental-home decor that’s kind to the walls and the Earth

When furnishing rental homes, invest in high-quality, portable furniture and embrace minimalism. Here's how

It’s a strange kind of crossroads to be at. Environmental experts are worrying (rightly) that our cycle of buy-discard-buy is choking landfills and wasting resources. Financial experts are going on and on about how renting a home is better than sinking money into permanently owning one. Renting means eventually moving, discarding furniture that doesn’t fit, buying bulky new things that may not survive the next move. Don’t allow your dreams of eco-conscious living to crumble like yesterday’s cardboard boxes. Suren D’souza, principal architect at Deksha Design Studio, and Delhi-based interior designer Meghaa Bansall find a green way out.

• Stay light and loose.

  Young renters are largely nomads. They’ll move to a better part of town or a whole new city, before they settle into a career. Both experts recommend investing in high-quality loose furniture: Cupboards, chairs and tables that are portable and can be arranged in different ways to accommodate a new space, rather than be created to fit a specific corner or corridor. “These can also form statement pieces if positioned correctly,” says D’souza. A coffee table can feature favourite varnished-over posters, a slim bookcase can lie horizontal as a credenza in a new home, staying along for the ride.
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  Pick materials that last.

  Wood and metal outlast particle board and plastics. “With their timeless appeal and robust characteristics, they’re your allies in sustainability,” D’souza says. Look for second-hand or repurposed teak to save money. “Consider bamboo as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative,” D’souza adds. They travel well too.
• Stick it on.

  Removable wallpaper and self-adhesive panels can transform a rental home into a warm, personal space, with minimal disposal for when the time comes to move. “Consider using them for backsplashes or accent walls,” says Bansall. For kitchen and bathroom floors these panels are easier to install than actual tiles. Invest in densely woven high-quality rugs too, they can serve as a familiar object in a new home. Create separate zones in every temporary home using the same folding screen. Upholster it with fabrics from the new city.
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  Think long term.

  An expensive sofa that can be reupholstered over and over is still better than throwing away several cheap ones that age poorly. “Leather and artificial leather, especially those treated to be waterproof, offer durability and style,” says D’souza. “Additionally, consider fabrics with coatings that make them more resistant to stains and wear.” “For windows, opt for curtains hung with tension rods – a non-permanent solution that allows you to change your style with ease,” says Bansall. “For the floor, use removable, reusable carpet tiles, which can be swapped out effortlessly in a new space. For privacy and a touch of style, apply removable window films to your window panels.”
• Cut out clutter.

  “Minimalism is a design style that aligns perfectly with a nomadic lifestyle,” D’souza says. “Hold on to essentials and keep decor minimal. It streamlines your living space and makes packing and moving more manageable.” Indoor plants are a smarter buy than, say a chandelier. A trellis moves easier than a terrace fountain, keeping wastage low. “For flexible storage and displays, use open shelving and wall hangings,” Bansall says. “Layered lighting with floor and table lamps sets a cozy mood, and can be reconfigured for new spaces rather than being discarded.”