Design for Where You Are Today: How to Make Your Transitional Rental Space Work

What to do with empty rental house you never expected to be in? How do you make it your own when when it's just temporary?

Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the process of rebuilding after the recent Los Angeles wildfires—helping homeowners navigate the complexities of restoring their homes and lives. But here's the thing: while many of the ideas in those posts apply to those rebuilding after the fires, this one is for a different kind of journey.

If you’re in a transitional space—you could be renting in this competitive housing market while interest rates remain high. Or maybe you’re renting temporarily while you wait for your forever home to be (re)built OR still trying to figure out if rebuilding is even in the cards. You’ve found yourself renting again when you never thought you would—this article is for you. It’s for anyone who’s feeling like their space isn’t “home” right now but needs to make it work.

This isn’t about perfect design—it’s about finding what makes you and your family comfortable and happy. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is to go from a space you’ve poured years of love into, only to be thrown into a temporary rental that feels, well, like nothing you’d ever choose. But here’s the thing: temporary doesn't have to mean uncomfortable, and it doesn’t mean you’re stuck in an unlivable situation until your “dream home” arrives.

In my design philosophy, I talk about designing for the three "seasons" of life: your past, present, and future—or in simpler terms, where you’ve been, where you’re at, and where you’re going. If you find yourself in a transitional space, the most important thing is to focus on where you're at—embracing the present. While your dream home is still on the horizon, make today’s space work for you in a way that’s comfortable and functional. Perfection can wait.

The Transition: Focusing on Where You Are Today

When you're living in a temporary rental, especially an unfurnished one, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in limbo. You’re caught between your past home, where things were settled and familiar, and the idea of your future home, which may seem far off. But the truth is, this is the time to be in the moment.

It’s about creating a space that helps you feel comfortable and at ease in the here and now. It’s also about taking the time to build a space that supports you and your loved ones during this in-between period, allowing yourself the emotional bandwidth to focus on rebuilding your life and planning for the future, without getting bogged down by the pressure to make long-term decisions.

Right now, your space may not be ideal. It might not be the home you’ve dreamed of long-term, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a home that brings you peace in the present moment. Embrace what you need now—whether it’s comfort, a sense of order, or a little joy through small changes—and let go of the need for everything to be “perfect.” Focus on what makes you feel good today, and let the future unfold naturally in its own time.

Neutral, Modular, Flexible (and Dare I Say Gasp Cheap): The Core of Transitional Design

Here’s where I bring in the “adulting” part of design: neutral, flexible furniture. I know, I know—it sounds boring, right? But trust me, it’s a game-changer. When you're renting temporarily, having modular pieces that can adapt to different spaces will save you time, money, and stress. Plus, it makes life so much easier when you have to move again—because it's very possible that over the 2-3 years it takes to rebuild, you may need to move more than once in a rental situation.

Now, I know your temporary rental may not match the layout or aesthetic of your future home. The shapes of the rooms might be totally different, and whatever furniture you buy now will likely not fit in the future (and that’s okay!). So, it’s important to keep things in perspective and not blow your budget on furniture that’ll only work for a few years.

Choose furniture that can go with you wherever you end up. A neutral sofa? Classic. Modular storage units? Genius. These pieces are versatile, adaptable, and can work in a variety of spaces. And the best part? They don’t tie you to a particular look. Keep things minimal—just enough to make the space cozy and functional for now. This way, you’re not stuck with furniture that’s too specific to your temporary space while still creating an environment that feels like home in the moment.

By focusing on solid basics that can move with you, you’ll avoid over-spending on furniture that might not fit your long-term vision. Plus, these pieces give you the flexibility to create a space you love today, while you save your budget for those statement pieces you’ll want in your forever home down the line.

Living Slowly: The Art of Accumulating Over Time

If you’ve ever moved into a rental and rushed to fill the space with stuff just to feel “settled,” you know how that can backfire. That’s why I say: take your time. Design doesn’t need to be a one-time shopping spree.

The pieces that made your last home feel complete were accumulated over time, and your new space can develop the same way. Start with the basics—a comfortable sofa and beds, some warm rugs, a sturdy dining table and chairs. Then, build the rest of your collection gradually. The beauty of living temporarily is that you can try out different styles, see what works, and build your space around your changing needs and tastes.

Whether it’s a cozy area rug, a quirky lounge chair, or a vintage lamp, let each item be a reflection of you. It’s about living with intention, not perfection.

Create a Space That Moves With You: How to make Transitional Space Design Work For Your Rental

One of the best things about temporary living is the opportunity to design for flexibility. No, it doesn’t mean you need to live in a sterile, white box (unless that’s your vibe). But it does mean that your design choices should be adaptable as your needs evolve. As Tim Gunn says "Make it work people!" And that's really the key to make your transitional space work for your rental.

Consider furniture pieces that fit into your current rental space but can also fit in any future space – for example a modular sectional that can separate and become a sofa, chair and ottoman combo. While your temporary space will not have the same emotional pull as your old home (especially after the fires), this is still your home for now, and it’s okay to make it feel like yours. Whether that means mixing up furniture styles, even if they don't 100% match the architecture of your transitional space. Just make it feel comfortable, easy and pick things that make you happy. 

Embrace the Moment: Find Joy in Your Temporary Space

You’ve heard it before: home is where the heart is—and I’m going to add my own twist: home is where you make it, even if it’s temporary. Embrace where you are right now. Living in a rental doesn't need to feel like an endless waiting game. It’s not about creating a picture-perfect space—it’s about finding joy in the space you’re in today.

Whether you’re sitting on a temporary sofa or decorating a room that’s far from ideal, focus on the little things that make it feel like home to you. Never underestimate the life and power of a few big houseplants, or decorating with all the family photos you can dig up. These small touches don’t have to cost a lot, but they make all the difference in making a space feel like your own.

Even if your final dream home is months or even years away, start designing now with flexibility and intention. As you embrace this season of your life you may even realize your definition of "perfect" has changed.

And if you're ready to start designing your forever home that’s as unique as you are, reach out today to schedule a consultation.

Until next time,

XO

PE