10 ways to make your rental your own

Low-cost and easy to implement, these ideas will make any rental feel like your own.

Invest in a statement rug

This seems obvious, but it's one of the best things you can do to cover up or help disguise dull, ugly, aged, or cheap flooring. Flooring is literally the aesthetic foundation of any space, so buy a bold rug to change the atmosphere while keeping the original flooring intact.
 

The size of your room and the arrangement of your furniture are the two main factors to consider when choosing a rug size. The most common mistake most people make when choosing a new rug is buying one that's too small for the space, rendering the effect useless. When in doubt, the bigger the better! You can also layer your rugs for extra texture and personality.
 

Lighting is everything!

Corner lamps can compensate for a lack of natural light and add a lot to the atmosphere. Make the lamp more of a focal point than an accessory by selecting one that makes a statement.

Consider the purpose of the lighting in various rooms of the house. Table lamps in the bedroom create focused lights for reading, while floor and table lamps in the living room create an ambient glow during the evenings and help to anchor the overall scheme.

Choose LED bulbs for your light fixtures; they are more durable and have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Paint

A great way to make your rental house feel a little more like home is to add some colour. Of course, before doing so, confirm with your landlord that it is okay to paint the walls.

Adding colour to your home adds style and personality and gives you that homey feeling instead of having boring plain walls. Don't forget to note the original colour of the walls should you need to restore it to that colour when you leave.

Recover tiles with stickers

There's no longer a need to remove the existing backsplash! Get hold of some high-quality tile stickers to completely redecorate a hum-drum bathroom or kitchen. These come in all kinds of colours and patterns to suit and can be easily removed when and if the time comes.

Indoor plants

Indoor plants can really make a huge impact to the aesthetic as well as the atmosphere of any space. They add brightness, life, and can also improve your health and wellbeing in general. Among our favourites are the Strelitzia (of course), Peace Lily, Rubber Plant or the Kentia Palm.

Try a Ficus or Rubber tree because they can add height to empty corners and they look great placed behind a sofa. If you want a flowering plant, consider a Hoya - even if you occasionally forget to water this plant, it will still thrive and continue to bear fragrant pink flowers.

Grow a small herb garden, too. A little splash of fragrant herbs like a pretty basil or rosemary plant means you'll always have something fresh and organic to add to your meals!

Create layers

Consider your space as having layers, and add warmth and character to it by layering on colour, textiles, patterns, surface treatments, lighting, pictures, plants, and books.

Layers make a house appear inhabited and comfortable and is our favourite tip for quickly turning a rental property into a home by simply placing soft furnishings in corners of the house, such as cushions, curtains, rugs, and throws. If you're unsure what to choose, focus on a single prominent fabric that draws your attention, such as the curtains or the rug. Add smaller-scale fabrics, such as cushions and lampshades, and then begin layering. Remember to remain true to your overall mood and colour scheme. Have fun with it!

Employ hard-working furniture

Especially for compact spaces, furniture with multiple uses can help a room serve a variety of purposes while saving money and space. Invest in functional, attractive furniture that can be customized to your needs. For example, a dining table which can be your work corner during the day and dining area at night. If you have limited space, consider furniture that can be folded away, stacked, or stored simply, such as nesting tables or stackable chairs.

Hang artworks, wall hangings or photographs

Personal photos, your favourite artwork, and distinctive wall decor will immediately personalize a space and drastically alter the atmosphere to make you feel cosy and at home. To hang your frames without damaging the paintwork, use damage-free picture hanging strips, which you can purchase from places such as Builders Express or Mica.
 

Choose storage that's stylish

Storage baskets are among the best and most fashionable storage solutions, but they also look great in bathrooms and bedrooms. They have a wonderful organic quality that gives any room some life and personality and makes them a great way to conceal clutter in a living space, too!

Belly baskets are particularly in style right now, and the variety of patterns and shapes they come in make them easy to incorporate into any design. They can be used to store things like plants, blankets, and magazines.
 

Utilise small spaces well

Make the most of your outdoor space with a few easy additions, regardless of whether you have a balcony, a small terrace, or a tiny back garden. Outdoor rugs are a fantastic way to improve the comfort, colour, and invitingness of the outdoors. For extra seating, spend money on folding chairs or outdoor floor cushions. Those with green thumbs can also begin container gardening by using just pots, hanging baskets, troughs, or window boxes.
 

At Harcourts, our qualified rental specialists are here to give you the best advice. Whether you're serious about renting, letting, or just have a question or two, all you have to do is ask - that's what we're here for!