EXCLUSIVE: Influencer Rachel Martino Reveals How to Bring Color Into Your Home—even if You’re Renting

October 31, 2026 - 00:24

The home guru has found a way to give a hallway washer and dryer their own colorful moment, and conceal the appliances.

Rachel Martino shared her approach to adding personality to a space without making permanent changes that could put a security deposit at risk. For the laundry area, she built a surround that hides the machines while turning an awkward hallway into a deliberate design feature. The unit uses a bold color that draws the eye and makes the appliances feel intentional rather than tucked away.

Martino said renters often assume color has to wait until they own a home. She disagrees. Removable wallpaper, freestanding furniture, slipcovers, and painted panels that can be taken down are all options that travel well. The key is to treat color as something layered rather than fixed.

She also recommends starting small. A single accent wall, a bright cabinet, or a painted frame can shift the mood of a room without a major commitment. Lighting and textiles do similar work, and both are easy to swap out.

For the laundry setup, the concealment was as important as the color. Hiding the washer and dryer cut down on visual clutter in a high traffic part of the home. Martino noted that practical spaces deserve the same attention as living rooms, and that a little planning can make them feel like part of the design rather than an afterthought.