Renting? Make It Feel Like Home Simple, Rental-Friendly Ways To Give Your Space A Fresh New Look

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Renting doesn’t mean you have to live with a space that feels completely not you.

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While you may not be able to knock down walls or repaint the kitchen, there are plenty of simple ways to give a rental home more personality, comfort and style — without putting your bond at risk.

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Start with soft furnishings

One of the easiest ways to transform a room is with things you can take with you.

Think cushions, throws, bedding, rugs and curtains. Changing colours and textures can completely alter the feel of a bedroom or living room, while a large rug can help define a space and make it feel more finished.

And when your lease is up? Pack it all into the car and take it with you.

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Create a gallery wall — without the holes

You don’t necessarily need a hammer and nails to display your favourite photographs and artwork.

Removable adhesive hooks and picture-hanging strips can be useful for lightweight items, provided they are suitable for the surface and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, lean framed prints against a wall, style them on shelves or create a gallery arrangement on a bookshelf.

Just remember to check your tenancy agreement and make sure any changes comply with your rental conditions.

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Make lighting work for you

If your rental has harsh overhead lighting, you don’t have to rely on it.

Table lamps, floor lamps and decorative lighting can add warmth and create different moods throughout a room. A small lamp beside the sofa or on a bedside table can make a space feel instantly more inviting.

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Bring in some greenery

Plants are an easy way to inject colour and life into a rental — and you don’t need a garden to enjoy them.

Use pots and plant stands to create little green corners, or opt for low-maintenance varieties if you’re not blessed with a green thumb. Even a beautiful vase of fresh flowers can brighten a room.

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Give your furniture a rethink

Before buying anything new, try moving what you already own.

Repositioning the sofa, changing the direction of your bed or moving a desk closer to natural light can make a surprisingly big difference to how a room functions.

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Style the little things

A coffee table book, favourite artwork, decorative bowl, colourful vase or collection of treasured photographs can make a rental feel personal.

The secret is to focus on things you love that can come with you.

Because your rental might not have been designed specifically for you — but with a little creativity, it can still feel like home.

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