One of the most exciting things about moving into a new home is the opportunity to add your personal touch.
Many of us love heading down to the hardware store to look at paint colours and shelving systems, embracing rare bank holidays as designated DIY time.
However, if you’re renting a property, this is not always possible. Most landlords will not allow tenants to redecorate their home or make any permanent changes to the space – that means no paint and no shelves.
The following blog posts offers some ideas on how to personalise your rental property without redecorating – or upsetting your landlord.
Soft Furnishings
Above all, the easiest way to change the look and feel of a property without making any permanent changes is to introduce a good selection of soft furnishings.
You might want to start by changing any curtains or blinds that are already in the property – but make sure to carefully store whatever you take down so that you can reinstate it when you leave. Rugs are also a good option if you’re not particularly keen on the flooring in your rental property; a large rug in the living room can make your space feel much cosier.
If you’re looking for smaller tweaks, focus on adding cushions and throws to your property that reflect your personal style. These needn’t cost much and can make a big impact on your overall comfort.
Wall Decoration
While you’re not usually able to paint a rental property, you might be able to ask permission from your landlord to hand a few paintings or prints. If they’re not keen on nails in the walls, you could also suggest using adhesive stickers – these will allow you to hang frames and will peel off when you leave the property, causing no damage to the walls.
If your landlord won’t agree to any wall fixtures, you could invest in a large piece of artwork or a print that you can simply lean against the wall. This is ideal for a spacious property, but an over-sized mirror could be used in the same way in a smaller property to make the space seem bigger.
Plants
A small collection of plants can make a huge difference to a rental property and there are options to suit everyone, whether you’re green-fingered or not. If you’ve got the space, try a False Castor or a Yucca, as these will both add a vibrant green colour to your room. Trailing plants will look great on shelving units, and for the most low-maintenance options, build a collection of succulents and cacti.
Get Creative With Accessories
One of the best ways to add a touch of personality to your home is to make the most of what you already have. Turn your favourite items into focal points – for example, you might want to draw attention to a coffee table or a favourite lamp. You could also stack a collection of your books into a makeshift unit – this could then be used to showcase an ornament or one of the plants you bought.
The key to making a rental property feel like home is to make sure it’s perfectly balanced – not to bare but not too cluttered. While too little decoration can make the space feel anonymous, too much stuff can actually hide the creative details you’ve added.
If you’ve got furniture or other items that don’t quite work in your current property but are too precious to sell, you might want to put them in storage. We’ve got a whole range of storage solutions, from short-term to long-term. Get in touch to find out more.
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