Adding personality to your Rented Home

Being a renter doesn’t mean you can’t make the place your own, renting does have some boundaries. However there are things you can do to make sure you feel comfortable in your rented home.

My Husband and I have been renting since we got married two years ago and being interior design focused I researched ways that I could give my home that designer feel, all while turning it into ‘our place’ without losing our bond.

If you have restrictions with doing any renovations, here are some tips to help you transform your place into a comfortable, warm haven and still keep your landlord happy.

Always ask permission
Doesn’t matter how big the change, from nailing in a hook to hanging your favourite picture or re-painting a room it’s always best to talk to your real estate agent or if you’re lucky enough to have one on one contact with your landlord go straight to them.

Check your blind spot
I remember moving in and being horrified at these beautiful roman blinds that were not taken care of, I pulled them down and ordered new blinds, window furnishings will pick up your home and give it a personal touch – after all you did chose the fabric and design. Just remember to keep the old ones so when you leave you are ensuring the place is exactly as you found it.

We’ve got ideas to suit your taste, click on any of the below links:

Roller Blinds Roman Blinds Curtains Shutters Venetian Blinds

Change your knobs
You might have old doors which you wouldn’t want to pay ridiculous amounts of money to replace, give them a good wipe down and visit your local hardware store to pick up some new door handles or knobs or you can do a DIY door handle – it will make your cupboards and doors look new, the best find would be modern looking designs.

Freshen up
Fresh flowers and indoor plants will freshen up the place, and add colour to your room. Most renters don’t invest in that much furniture so why not fill an empty space with a big fern or plant? Another addition would be to purchase interesting vase pieces – depending on your style; you could pick up some very vintage looking statement vases, or alternatively nice modern simplistic pieces.

Invest in some art
Usually the most frequently asked question is… can I put up a picture? Utilise what you already have if you don’t have permission or invest in removable hooks. You can also try a design concept of leaning mirrors and art on the floor or a desk.

Swing from the Chandelier
We all get stuck with those rental lights, you know, the round frosted glass ones, well you don’t have to be, investing in light fixtures doesn’t have to be expensive, pick your favourite, most lived area and incorporate a beautiful lighting piece, it can be the wow factor in your home, you can also use lights as a display if you don’t want to invest in a lighting fixture.

Again, just remember to keep the old fixture in a safe place for when you intend to vacate the premises. Lights can be expensive, so you’ll want to be able to take your new asset with you when you move on.

Versatility is important
When you purchase your furniture don’t buy for the house, buy for you. Pick out statement furniture that will compliment your home, benefit you in the long run and fits!

Accessorize your place
You want to have small statement pieces, books, candles, throws etc. in your home to give it that personal touch; after all you want to make it as homely as you possibly can. You don’t want it to be a rental showroom, fill it with items you love and that mean something.

Wallpaper… because paint isn’t an option.
Lucky for us we were allowed to get rid of the suede burnt orange in our home and paint the walls, for those who are struggling to get rid of those unsightly colours, invest in easy to apply, easy to remove wallpaper. Create a feature wall or cover every wall the choice is yours.

Rug Up
Throw a colourful or statement rug on the floor; make sure the size compliments your living area. Adding a rug adds a sense of warmth, but too can cover up any impurities on the floor.