Rental Refresh

Vintage fall décor and creative DIY touches turn this Chicago military house into a cozy autumn haven.

- LAURA SHIMKO

Rental homes present a unique set of challenges when it comes to creating spaces that feel custom. Luckily, Instagrammer Christina Cooney of This Not So Average Farmhouse has a few tricks up her sleeve. Her social media handle refers to her unique living situation as a stay-at-home mom of four and wife of an active-duty Navy sailor living in military housing. To create a cozy, personalized feel in her home, Christina mixes old and new pieces, DIY touches and lots of lovely seasonal layers.

BUILDING OFF THE BASICS

For many service members and their families, a single military housing placement is home for anywhere from a few months to several years. Christina's family has been stationed at the Great Lakes Naval base for four of their 14 years of active duty. Their 2,200 square-foot home came standard issue, with no bells or whistles. "Military housing has been a tough canvas to work with," Christina says. "They give you just what you need, and it's about as basic as it comes."

To make the house feel more like a home, Christina has worked hard to come up with creative ways to customize each space while remaining rental friendly. "You really have to think outside the box," she says.

EASY TIPS FOR RENTAL DÉCOR

Renting can limit your abilities to customize your living spaces. Here are some of Christina's tips on how to add simple farmhouse charm to a rental home.

• GO THRIFTING. Check out your local thrift stores, garage sales and other similar places for secondhand and vintage pieces. This is a great way to completely change any space without construction work. "It allows me to switch up my décor regularly, which allows me to always keep my home interesting and unique, Christina says.