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.

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.

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.”

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