Do you live in a rental property that feels like a place to live rather than a place that feels like home? We have some tips on how to make that space more homely and welcoming. As you’ll see, some of them are the ultimate in simplicity.
Accessorise
Small but personal touches are the first thing to consider when trying to give the property a homely makeover. Cushions, vases, ornaments and even books create a more intimate and inviting space, and they don’t have to be expensive. Op shops and second-hand stores are a good place to look for these little treasures.
Art without holes
While pieces of art are lovely ways to personalise a room, holes in the wall are not! Many landlords won’t allow paintings and photographs to be hung on the wall for this very reason but you can get around it by standing them on a cabinet, table or nightstand and propping them against a wall, while oversize pieces of art can even be put on the floor for you to prop against a bare wall.
Plenty of plants
Pot plants and flowers add life and colour to a room and make it feel lived in. As a bonus, they can help to purify the air and remove toxins. When it comes to pots, you can be colourful in your choice and create a quirky and eccentric atmosphere so often missing in rental properties.
Textiles are tops
Cushions, blankets, throws and towels may have practical purposes but they also serve to add personality and charm to whatever room they’re used in. Different colours and textures will help you stamp your personality throughout the property.
Paint a room – if it’s ok
You can paint a wall or a whole room, your favourite colour to better reflect your personal tastes. Of course, this is something you’ll require landlord approval for but if done properly, and not too garishly, most landlords will look favourably on your request. If painting the walls is out of the question, you can still get a fix of your favourite colour by painting furniture.
Light it up
Conventional ceiling lighting might illuminate but it doesn’t exactly inspire. On the other hand, floor lamps, table lamps and candles are a very different way to light up a room and can be even more interesting when you play around with the brightness of the bulbs. You can create a very intimate atmosphere by choosing bulbs that are a little below the wattage you’d normally use.
It’s not difficult to create a place that feels like home, and many of the best ways to do it don’t require permission from the landlord. So, go ahead and make that space more than a rented one – make it a place that looks and feels as if it belongs to you!
