When you buy a home, you can give it a total makeover if you don’t like the décor – out goes the old carpet and the walls can get a fresh coat of paint – but you don’t have that freedom as a tenant.
However, there are plenty of easy ways you can change the look of your rental and make it a home. You don’t have to spend a lot – hit up stores like Kmart, Target, Ikea and even Bunnings for some fantastic affordable homewares. And best of all you can take them with you when you move on.
Rugs
Don’t underestimate the transformative power of a rug – they add colour and texture and can be very affordable. So, if you’re not feeling the flooring in your rental, cover it up and add your own style with rugs.
Photos and artwork
Photos and artwork add a personal touch and can lift and brighten a home. If there are already hooks on the walls you can get hanging, but if you want to add new hooks you will need to ask your property manager to get permission from the owner.
Don’t let a lack of hooks stop you though. Photos and artwork can also be displayed on ledges, window sills and mantles. You can even buy an easel to showcase large pieces. There are also a large range of adhesive strips and magnetic hooks you can use. Be aware that you may have to rectify any damage to walls or paintwork when you leave.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a fantastic way to create an illusion of more space. If you live in a smaller residence, consider placing some mirrors in your living areas and walkways to enhance the dimensions. You can lean them against walls or buy freestanding mirrors.
Lighting
Lighting can be an issue; maybe you’re renting an older property that’s a bit dark or a newer one where downlights make it feel a bit sterile. While you can’t replace the fittings without permission, you can add light and create ambience with lamps – bedside lamps, table lamps and freestanding lamps can all add style and brighten dark corners.
You don’t have to limit the lights to the indoors either. Fairy lights strung around an outdoor area add sparkle while portable solar garden lights can illuminate dark corners and highlight paths and driveways.
Plants
Merging nature with interiors is a great way to breathe life and vitality into your living spaces. Place indoor plants throughout the residence and get creative with the colours of the plants and their pots to complement your decor.
Take the same approach outside. Use potted plants to add colour and your style to gardens – a barren courtyard can quickly become a lush oasis – or you can use planter boxes to create a vegie patch.
