Putting your own personal stamp on a rented home can be quite tedious or awkward depending on what your agreement or landlord allows. I have quite a few clients who are currently renting while saving to purchase their first home and nearly all of them have expressed their frustration and lack of love for their current rentals as they never feel ‘at home’ as they feel they cannot put their own spin on the property. One of my close friends has rented a house for a number of years now, so with her advice and knowledge and some research of my own – I have put together some tips for your current renters on how to decorate your home without going outside your contract or potentially losing your deposit.
1. Talk to your landlord or letting agency
If your rental is need of a lick of paint, it’s definitely worth asking your landlord if they would mind if you repainted the space themselves. My friend mentioned to me that when she was renting her first home, she was quite apprehensive to ask her landlord if she could simply refresh the white paint within the apartment as it had seen its day. But one day when the landlord was round at the property for a repair, she mentioned this to him and he was more than happy for her to do this. So, it’s definitely worth an ask! A simple lick of paint can really brighten and open up a small space and add more of a fresh look to any room.
2. Invest in signature lighting
Lighting is key in any home, and can often overlooked in rental homes. Investing in statement floor lamps, and small signature lamps can add both luxury and atmosphere to your room. You can also search for unique lampshades to add more character to a basic lamp, Rock Lighting have a beautiful collection to choose from.
Image source:https://www.rockcollection.online/
Image source:https://www.rockcollection.online/3. Cover ugly flooring
A lot of renters face the problem of being unable to replace ugly/old carpets or flooring due to their rent agreement, and let’s face it – there’s nothing worse than trying to decorate a room with flooring that just doesn’t step up to the mark. A way this can be disguised is by placing large rugs over areas were the flooring is most noticeable. Another way is by purchasing self adhesive floor tiles that can be easily removed if you ever decide to move. My friend used this in her bathroom to disguise the stained lino that had been mistreated by the previous tenant, (see below) she found the floor tiles in B&M bargains for just £8.99 per pack of 1m squared. This is a great and inexpensive way to transform your flooring.
Image source:https://www.blackedition.com/collections/prints-weaves/inachiNot allowed to paint your walls anything apart from neutrals? Why not add in some curtains with a bold pop of colour or print? This will brighten up your space straight away and add personality to your windows. As for your window sills, accessorise them with some of your favourite framed photographs? and add in some window plants – faux or real this is the perfect place for them to breathe!
If you would like to add a vintage feel to your furniture, this can be done easily by distressing your pieces. You can also reuse spare wallpaper to transform dresser drawer panels etc by adding a a funky wallpaper to create a unique piece. There are so many tutorials online if you are a newbie to DIYing furniture!
When my friend moved into her new house, she struggled to find a TV stand to suit her new living room at the right price. Instead she transformed her old stand by sanding down any lumps & bumps and painted it a light grey with furniture paint she got in a local paint shop. (see below)
If you would like to add a vintage feel to your furniture, this can be done easily by distressing your pieces. There are so many tutorials online if you are a newbie to upcycling!
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/811140582871601770/
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/540432024037205792/Do the kitchen or bathroom units look old and in need of some tlc? If you can’t paint them, change the handles! These are a super easy DIY project that can be done super quick and add a big difference to boring cabinets. Plus you can find plenty of funky styles and styles in just about any home store. TK Maxx is one of your best bets for unique fixtures!
Image source:https://www.wayfair.co.uk/home-decor/pdp/east-urban-home-surges-in-blue-i-225m-x-336m-textured-matt-peel-stick-wall-mural-u000228733.htmlBelieve it or not, there are temporary wallpapers out there! With a simple peel and stick method, this is such a handy way to transform your walls, and furniture yourself without having to hire someone to do this for you and it can be removed easily when you decide to move home or change your mind. Wayfair has a great selection of prints & colours, you can also check your local painting & decor store.
Image source:https://www.wayfair.co.uk/home-decor/pdp/zipcode-design-suzette-120cm-x-180cm-self-adhesive-panel-hvo70321.html?piid=38785654
Image source:https://www.blackedition.com/collections/prints-weaves/inachiInvesting in textured cushions, rugs and throws can add so much more depth to a space, it also adds the illusion that a lot more thought was put in when friends or family come round to visit! Texture can also create more of a homely and cosy vibe for you and your visitors.
Image source:https://www.blackedition.com/collections/prints-weaves/inachi
4. Dress your windows
Image source:https://www.blackedition.com/collections/prints-weaves/inachiNot allowed to paint your walls anything apart from neutrals? Why not add in some curtains with a bold pop of colour or print? This will brighten up your space straight away and add personality to your windows. As for your window sills, accessorise them with some of your favourite framed photographs? and add in some window plants – faux or real this is the perfect place for them to breathe!
5. DIY your old furniture
A great way to add a pop of colour is by painting or upcycling your old furniture, or you could even buy super inexpensive pieces from charity shops that have great potential. When my moved into her new house, she struggled to find a TV stand to suit her new living room at the right price. Instead she transformed her old stand by sanding down any lumps & bumps and painted it a light grey with furniture paint she got in a local paint shop. (see below)If you would like to add a vintage feel to your furniture, this can be done easily by distressing your pieces. You can also reuse spare wallpaper to transform dresser drawer panels etc by adding a a funky wallpaper to create a unique piece. There are so many tutorials online if you are a newbie to DIYing furniture!
When my friend moved into her new house, she struggled to find a TV stand to suit her new living room at the right price. Instead she transformed her old stand by sanding down any lumps & bumps and painted it a light grey with furniture paint she got in a local paint shop. (see below)If you would like to add a vintage feel to your furniture, this can be done easily by distressing your pieces. There are so many tutorials online if you are a newbie to upcycling!
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/811140582871601770/
6. Change up fixtures
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/540432024037205792/Do the kitchen or bathroom units look old and in need of some tlc? If you can’t paint them, change the handles! These are a super easy DIY project that can be done super quick and add a big difference to boring cabinets. Plus you can find plenty of funky styles and styles in just about any home store. TK Maxx is one of your best bets for unique fixtures!
7. Create focal points with temporary wallpapers
Image source:https://www.wayfair.co.uk/home-decor/pdp/east-urban-home-surges-in-blue-i-225m-x-336m-textured-matt-peel-stick-wall-mural-u000228733.htmlBelieve it or not, there are temporary wallpapers out there! With a simple peel and stick method, this is such a handy way to transform your walls, and furniture yourself without having to hire someone to do this for you and it can be removed easily when you decide to move home or change your mind. Wayfair has a great selection of prints & colours, you can also check your local painting & decor store.Image source:https://www.wayfair.co.uk/home-decor/pdp/zipcode-design-suzette-120cm-x-180cm-self-adhesive-panel-hvo70321.html?piid=38785654
8. Add more texture
Image source:https://www.blackedition.com/collections/prints-weaves/inachiInvesting in textured cushions, rugs and throws can add so much more depth to a space, it also adds the illusion that a lot more thought was put in when friends or family come round to visit! Texture can also create more of a homely and cosy vibe for you and your visitors.Image source:https://www.blackedition.com/collections/prints-weaves/inachi
9. Add in more greenery
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/854628466773315426/
Placing flowers, succulents or large plants here and there can add so much life to a bland rental. You can also add in flowers or plants that pair well with the colour scheme you want to create without having to make any permanent changes.
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/389279961538148835/Hanging your favourite family photos, pieces of art or quotes can really add so much depth to a blank and boring wall. It also can make you feel more at home as you are surrounded by your favourite pictures and art. You can easily hang your pieces up without having to drill any holes, using command strips, tape or hook can solve all your problems without compromising getting back your deposit and wrecking a wall that isn’t yours!There are so many more other ways to update your rental (I could go on for days!) but I personally think these ten are the perfect starting point and will completely transform your rented space without having to worry about your landlord not approving, or spending a lot of money! What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments if you have any ideas!!
10. Add your favourite prints, paintings & photographs to your walls
Image source:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/389279961538148835/Hanging your favourite family photos, pieces of art or quotes can really add so much depth to a blank and boring wall. It also can make you feel more at home as you are surrounded by your favourite pictures and art. You can easily hang your pieces up without having to drill any holes, using command strips, tape or hook can solve all your problems without compromising getting back your deposit and wrecking a wall that isn’t yours!There are so many more other ways to update your rental (I could go on for days!) but I personally think these ten are the perfect starting point and will completely transform your rented space without having to worry about your landlord not approving, or spending a lot of money! What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments if you have any ideas!!
Until next time,
Lauren x