Source: Pinterest
Living in a rental property doesn’t mean you can’t inject your own personal style or disguise parts of the home you don’t like. Avoiding decorating and ignoring your home’s aesthetic all together will make your interior dull and you’ll soon fall out of love.
There are plenty of temporary ways you can style your rental property without running the risk of losing your bond and upsetting your landlord. Here are a few of our favourites:
Upgrade the hardware
Source: decorpad.com
Have a tired kitchen or bathroom with ugly door knobs? By simply switching the old knobs for something in your style can dramatically change your space. Just remember to save the old hardware in a save spot to switch them back for when you move out.
Use removable wallpaper
Source: BohoWalls
The options for removable wallpaper are now a plenty, so if you plan on sticking around for a while this can be a great way to transform those beige walls. If you’re on a tight budget, a feature wall or covering the surfaces of a small room like a powder room or hall can make the world of difference.
Invest in versatile furniture
Urban Rhythm's Nellie sofa range in a 2.5 and 1.5 seat, with the Uovo marble coffee table
The upside of renting is you don’t have to commit to one home for the long haul. The downside of renting is that you may be moving a lot compared to those who own their home. That’s why choosing versatile furniture is much smarter than a piece that perfectly fits your current place. Choosing coffee tables that can offer storage, sofas that can easily be reorientated such as a 3 seat sofa coupled with an occasional chair or two, or dining chairs that work in a bedroom or office are all great ways to make your furniture versatile.
Upgrade the lighting
Swapping a dingy looking shade for one that suits your style isn’t too tricky and can make a big difference to the feel of your space. Instead of switching on all the overhead lights, invest in some table and floor lamps to add to your design aesthetic and enhance the atmosphere.
Replace the window coverings
Source: Sims Hilditch
Can’t paint? Switching up the window coverings could be an option to incorporate texture, colour or pattern into your space. Depressing metal venetians or stained curtains do nothing for your interior style. Simply play with fabric drapes or simple roller blinds to give a fresh look.
Lay down a rug or two
Rugs are a great way to disguise tired flooring or to add texture and colour to your space. Again, think about versatility and focus on finding a rug that works with your furniture rather than the rental interior so you can make it suit your next place too. Read more here for tips on choosing the right rug for your room.
Upcycle or go custom made
Can’t hang shelves? Upcycle an old ladder to house your book collection. Don’t have the right storage in your kid’s room for their toys? Make some from timber crates or old baskets. Upcycling furniture can be a great way to adding a unique touch to your home. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, chat to a supplier like us who can customise furniture to suit your needs and space.
Add colour with furnishings
Urban Rhythm's Thomas occasional chair in Mokum Vintage Copper velvet
Living in a plain white interior with commercial-grade grey carpet can be a bit dull. Adding colour with furnishings and artwork is a great way to distract from the lack-lustre interior and instil your personality. Find an occasional chair in a great fabric, incorporate prints and colours in cushions, or frame up some artwork to decorate your walls.
Utilise plants
Source: Dosombre.com
Adding a touch or greenery can be a great way to reinvigorate a tired rental property. Flowers on your coffee table, herb pots in your kitchen, indoor plants in the living area or an orchid in your bathroom will lift your space instantly.
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