As a young professional, I have not yet owned a house. I have been moving from cottages and flats to townhouses, and none of them have ever truly felt like “home”. While I love my current apartment (a spacious flat in a convenient location) I sometimes dream of a having place of my own so I can decorate it and make it feel like home. Rentals, which often have standard white walls and old light fixtures, are difficult to personalise. But since I have to wait a few more years before I buy my first home, I’ve found ways of tailoring my flat to suit my personal taste. And I am sharing all these realistic ways of making a rental feel like home with you, so you don’t have to wait either.
Unpack everything
Don’t get into the habit of carrying unpacked boxes and suitcases from one rental to the next. As soon as you move into a new place, unpack everything. If there are boxes full of stuff you have no space or use for anymore, donate or sell them.
New walls
If you’re planning on staying in your rental for a while, consider painting the walls. Paint is cheap and most landlords won’t mind you painting your walls as long as you paint it back to its original colour when you move out. If this seems like too much effort, only paint accent walls. And if your landlord won’t let you paint, liven up the walls with removable wallpaper. If you search online, you will find many brands that offer removable wallcoverings.
Wall shelving
If your rental is short on storage space, consider adding wall shelves. In addition to providing you with more space, the shelves will also add visual interest and will allow you to personalise your room.
Update the hardware
Purchasing new handles provides a quick and inexpensive way of turning the cupboards into high-end pieces. Most landlords don’t mind this small alteration, but as with all the suggestions listed here, run it past your landlord first.
Change the light fixtures
Speak to an electrician or lighting expert about whether it is possible for you to replace your light fixtures. Replacing standard light bulbs with LEDs, as well as dated light fixtures with a pendant or chandelier fitting will make your home feel warmer and give it that much-needed makeover. Also use lamps for mood lighting.
Cover up
If you hate the floors, cover them up with rugs. These also help anchor the room while adding personality. You can also cover up ugly blinds by hanging drapes over them. Regardless of what the window treatments look like, be sure to invest in beautiful floor-length curtains as well as creative pelmets and curtain rods to update the blinds.
Quality furniture
Don’t wait until you move into your dream home before you start investing in good quality furniture. Buying furniture you don’t like will make your space feel like a rental and not a home. Consider buying a few basic high-quality furniture pieces (a couch, bed or coffee table) that you can enjoy now, and will still need, use and love when you move into your ideal space.
Add life
Plants add life, freshness and personality to a space. Consider starting a container garden on your balcony or some planters for interiors and exteriors.
Hang some pictures
Art and photos are essential for personalising a space, so frame and hang up your favourite pieces. If you have a tight budget, consider visiting a budget store, or even one that specialises in second-hand items, for some beautiful quality prints and frames.
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