Tips to make a rental property feel like home

There’s no greater joy than making a home feel like yours, but if you’re renting, you might need to work around a few constraints first. Renting a property doesn't mean you have to settle for a space that feels impersonal or temporary. With a little creativity and a few thoughtful touches, you can turn your rental into a warm and inviting home.

Create a colour scheme with furniture

The best way to make a home feel like yours is to develop a well-thought-out colour scheme. Colour coding your furniture and accessories is also a great way to implement your favourite colours, without having to paint the walls. Set your base colour with larger items like rugs, blankets, and curtains, then work in your accent shades with throw pillows, accessories, and tableware.

Use removable adhesive strips

In many rental properties, landlords may request permission before knocking nails into walls. However, if you can't get permission from your landlord and love hanging artwork and family photographs, you can now do so with no nails, no hammer and no mess! Invest in some damage-free adhesive strips for all your wall décor and artwork.

Go green

Bring a touch of nature indoors by incorporating houseplants. Not only do plants add a fresh and vibrant element to your space, but they also contribute to improved air quality and a sense of tranquility.

Upcycle and paint

Just because you can’t paint your walls, doesn’t mean you can’t take a brush to your own furniture for a personal touch! Get creative with second-hand pieces that could use some TLC. To prep your chosen item, use a mild detergent to wash and abrade the surface, then coat with an appropriate primer. Once it’s dry, choose a paint colour and get to work on transforming – you might even find some of your favourite furniture pieces this way. Just don't forget to cover the floor before you get to work to avoid droplets of paint, or even better, if you have outdoor space, paint outdoors.

Design with lighting

Good lighting can have a transformative effect on your space. Choose rooms which have limited natural lighting and make use of quirky lamps, candles, and fairy lights. You could even use stick-on battery lights in shoe cupboards and wardrobes for optimised task lighting in the areas that need it.

Invest in multifunctional furniture

Maximise your space by incorporating multifunctional furniture pieces. Consider a pull-out sofa bed for guests, a coffee table with storage, or a folding dining table. These additions not only enhance functionality and create more space but also contribute to a more personalised and comfortable environment.

Scent your space

Appeal to your senses by introducing your favourite cosy scents. Candles, essential oil diffusers, or room sprays can add an appealing touch and create a comforting atmosphere which feels like a warm hug.

Dress the windows

If the curtains aren’t your style, swap them out for a design that speaks to you – just make sure to safely store away any original window dressings. You can also incorporate your favourite seasonal patterns and colours this way. Tie the new look together with some seasonal foliage and fairy lights on the ledge, and you’ll be able to update your windows every time you need a seasonal pick-me-up.