7 Simple Ways to Transform Your Rental Space with Style
We’ve all been there! Renting a lacklustre space that doesn’t feel like home, which drives us all crazy. Infusing personality into your rented space without ruffling any landlord feathers shouldn’t feel like the impossible ! Here at Hollings Haus, we'll explore creative ways to elevate your space through textiles, vibrant greenery, and personal touches that reflect your unique style. Whether you're looking to add warmth with cozy fabrics, bring life with luscious foliage, or simply sprinkle in your own zest, you'll find plenty of tips to make your rental feel like a true sanctuary while staying within your landlord's good graces.
First, think textiles
One of the best ways to make your rented space feel more homely is by incorporating textiles and fabrics, which can add warmth and reduce the cold echoes often found in bare rooms. Consider using cushions, throws, curtains, and upholstered furniture to absorb sound while infusing comfort and colour into your space. The added benefit is that these items are portable, allowing you to take them with you when you move—a key factor to keep in mind as you decorate. Consider retailers such as Dunelm who offer a wide range of textiles in various colours
Cover the floor
As a renter, you have the perfect opportunity to personalise your space while also protecting the landlord's property! One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by investing in surface rugs. These versatile decor items can effortlessly cover up outdated or less-than-attractive flooring, shielding the landlord's investment from spills, chips, and general wear and tear. In addition, rugs introduce a delightful layer of colour, texture, and dimension to an otherwise bland room. By choosing styles that reflect your personality, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels distinctly like home, all while safeguarding your security deposit. So, go ahead and explore different rug designs to elevate your rental decor! Our recommendation is this simple large rug from Ikea that comes in two variations and doesn’t break the bank
Going Green
An effective and straightforward way to breathe some life into your living space is to incorporate plants, either through outdoor arrangements if you're fortunate enough to have access to private/shared outdoor space, or through an indoor garden if that's not available. Even in a rental without a garden (which is very common in London), you can create a lush atmosphere by choosing houseplants that suit your lifestyle. You don't require a vast amount of space; a small corner of your kitchen countertop or a sunny windowsill in your living room can serve as the perfect setting for your green oasis. Not only anaesthetic appeal, but there are numerous benefits that plants offer for your well-being and indoor air quality. Check out local flower markets such as Columbia Road Flower market to get some weekend bargains, or online retailer such as Patch - who offer a great tool to select plants for ease of maintenance or being pet-friendly
Let there be light
After acoustics, lighting significantly influences the atmosphere of a home, particularly at night when the right ambiance can transform a space into a cozy retreat. To effectively enhance the mood, making small, affordable changes can create a remarkable impact. Opting for warm, low-energy bulbs not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption, making it a win-win for both the environment and your wallet. Additionally, intentionally leaving certain areas in semi-darkness can add depth to a room; the shadows allow the space to recede visually, giving the illusion of a larger environment by obscuring the edges. Using table and floor lamps is a strategic way to foster intimacy, as their soft glow invites relaxation. These portable lighting options are particularly advantageous for renters, easily adaptable to various spaces and personal styles, allowing you to infuse your home with your desired nighttime ambiance effortlessly. A simple origami light is always a classic and adds warmth, without being too harsh -and easy flat-packed when on the move. We recommend this cheap, chic floor lamp from Habitat
Sticky solutions, for tricky problems
Transforming your rental space into a personalised haven can be done effectively and without permanent alterations, even if your landlord has restrictions on painting walls. One unique approach is to introduce extendable MDF radiator covers, which can be customised in your preferred colour, allowing you to infuse some vibrancy into the area. Additionally, creating a corkboard wall using self-adhesive cork tiles not only offers a stylish backdrop but also serves as a functional display area for your pictures, while providing some insulation benefits. Don't overlook the potential of hardware upgrades; swapping out standard knobs and handles on furniture, built-in cabinets, and doors can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Just remember to keep the original knobs safe for later replacements when you move out. Kitchens and bathrooms, often challenging areas to revamp in a rental, can be easily updated using temporary vinyl stickers. These adhesive sheets, available in various patterns, can be applied to cover existing tiles and surfaces, providing a fresh look without damaging what's underneath. Best of all, they can be effortlessly removed when your contract comes to an end, making them a practical and budget-friendly option for renters looking to refresh their living spaces. Quotemywall offer a huge selection on vinyl wraps that can bring a fresh lease of life to your temporary home.
Go alt for Art
If your landlord prohibits wall holes for hanging art, Command Strips (such as these from B&Q) are perfect for lighter pieces, or you can creatively lean larger artworks against walls or furniture. Additionally, using large fabric pieces or tapestries can stylishly fill a blank space at a lower cost than traditional art. Consider framing sets of postcards for a mini gallery, or showcase personal memories by framing old cinema tickets and menus alongside photos for a unique and meaningful display.
Secondhand Chic
Finding statement pieces at a fraction of the cost is achievable through secondhand shopping, which not only offers lower prices but also allows for a unique style. To maximise your savings on secondhand interior items, establish a budget, research market prices, remain flexible in your style choices, negotiate with sellers, inspect items carefully for condition, prioritise quality over quantity, and explore upcycling or restoration to enhance value. Keep an eye out for sales at antique shops, online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay, and local thrift stores, and don’t hesitate to inquire about the history or provenance of distinctive pieces.
