The rental market has certainly been changing a lot in recent years. As of the beginning of 2024, elevated inflation rates persist which can impact the rental market too.
Even though mortgage rates have been on a steady decline since Q3 2023, they are still much higher than most people have become accustomed to over the past 15 years, making affordability challenging. Are you a renter, putting home ownership on hold for the moment? Perhaps it is time to give your current rented home a refresh for spring!
Decorating a rental accommodation can be a challenging task. Often, you are limited in what you can do to personalise your space, with restrictions from your landlord on permanent changes. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, it is possible to transform your rental into a cosy and inviting sanctuary that reflects your style and personality. In this blog post, we will explore some quick, inexpensive and temporary decorating tips to help you make your space feel like a ‘home’.
1. Embrace Temporary Wall Decor
One of the easiest ways to add personality to your rental without making permanent changes is by using temporary wall decor. Invest in removable wallpaper (peel and stick) or wall decals to create an accent wall or add visual interest to plain walls. These options are easy to apply and remove without damaging the paint or leaving residue behind, making them ideal for renters. You can improve bathrooms and kitchens with the same technique, applying self-adhesive vynil tiles on existing tiled walls, backsplashes or floors.
2. Use Command Hooks and Strips
Command hooks and adhesive strips are a renter's best friend when it comes to hanging artwork, mirrors, and other decorative items. These versatile tools allow you to create gallery walls and display your favorite pieces without putting holes in the walls. Plus, they come in various sizes and weight capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of decor items.
3. Make Use of the Back of Your Doors
To maximise the use of the back of your doors for storage solutions without causing damage, consider utilising over-the-door organisers and hooks. These versatile storage solutions typically come with hooks or brackets that can be hung over the top of the door, allowing you to easily create additional space for storing a variety of items such as shoes, hats, scarves, bags, and cleaning supplies.
Hanging a full-length mirror behind the door is also another great way to avoid drilling into the wall.
4. No-drill Blinds
No-drill blinds offer an invaluable advantage in rental accommodations by providing a hassle-free solution for adding a pattern or colour you like as well as privacy and light control without causing damage to the property. Unlike traditional blinds that require drilling holes into walls or window frames, these innovative blinds utilise adhesive or tension mechanisms to securely attach to the window frame or glass. This means you can easily install and remove them without leaving behind unsightly holes or marks, making them an ideal choice for maintaining the integrity of the rental property while still enjoying the benefits of prettier and functional window treatments.
5. Play with Textiles
Textiles can instantly add warmth and cosiness to any space. Invest in throw blankets, area rugs, and decorative pillows in colours and patterns that resonate with your style. These items can be easily swapped out or layered to change the look and feel of your space without breaking the bank.
6. DIY Furniture Makeovers
Instead of investing in new furniture, give second-hand pieces a fresh look with DIY makeovers. Paint old or pre-loved furniture in a fresh coat of paint, swap out hardware for updated knobs and handles, or add removable contact paper to surfaces for a quick and affordable transformation. These simple changes can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank.
7. Lighting Solutions
Good lighting can completely transform the ambiance of a room. Since most rentals come with standard overhead lighting, consider adding temporary lighting solutions such as floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights to create a cosy atmosphere. Opt for battery-operated or plug-in options to avoid the need for electrical work.
8. Accessorise
Incorporating items such as vases, tablecloths, or candle holders can enhance the personality of a room. Charity shops offer a wealth of unique trinkets to adorn your space, often at affordable prices. Plus, knowing that your purchase supports a worthy cause makes it a win-win situation.
9. Bring the Outdoors In
Plants are an excellent way to add colour, texture, and life to your rental. Consider incorporating indoor plants such as succulents, ferns, and snake plants to freshen up your space and improve air quality. Opt for low-maintenance varieties that require minimal care, making them perfect for busy renters.
With these quick, inexpensive, and temporary decorating tips, you can transform your rented accommodation into your dream home without breaking the bank or violating your lease agreement. Remember to get creative, think outside the box, and have fun personalizing your space to reflect your unique style and personality.
DISCLAIMER:
1. Always check your lease before doing anything to your rental. While most of these suggestions will not be prohibited or even included in your lease, you want to be 100% sure anything you do not violate the terms.
2. If you choose to take things down or temporarily remove existing items that belong to your landlord, you must have a clean, safe space to store them until you are ready to put them back. While all of these ideas are temporary, you will risk losing your security deposit and/or angering your landlord/management company if you do not put the home back exactly as you found it!
ABOUT MIKA DESIGN STUDIO
Mika Design Studio is an interior design studio on a mission to make a positive and meaningful impact on our clients’ lives; inspire them on the use of creativity and sustainable materials to create authentic interiors that organically evolve with them.
We are based in Royal Leamington Spa (Warwickshire, UK) but also operate online nationwide. We provide Consultation and Home Staging services for properties to sell, Re-design & Styling services for serviced accommodation/buy-to-let properties, and Online Interior Design for single bespoke rooms.
Visit our website to find out more about us.
