This is a collaborative post: This year may have been like no other, but 2021 looks set to be no less crazy here with a lot of changes afoot. One change will be selling the house, and moving into rented accommodation for the first time in 11 years.
This is obviously a big thing; going from somewhere that we have been able to change from the colour of the walls to the internal structure to somewhere that I won’t be able to hang pictures without permission.
Obviously, rental agreements differ enormously and the first task is to find out what your landlord will allow in terms of painting and decorating.
Although landlords are legally responsible for most repairs they don’t usually have to make improvements unless they’re related to health and safety; so if the place is perfect but the decor is a bit drab, they aren’t obligated to do anything. With the rental market extremely slow at the moment there is little choice out there so it is likely that wherever we end up won’t be to my taste.
However there are ways to make a rented place more like home.
House plants
A boring, magnolia-painted house can be instantly made so much more interesting and lively with colourful plant pots filled with different house plants, flowers and even herbs. Plants are relaxing and grounding too.
Colourful furnishings
Most rented accommodation is neutral and – in a word – dull. If the house is unfurnished then you can cheer it up by adding colourful soft furnishings like sofas and curtains.
If you have to put up with the furniture that’s there already, then throws and jazzy cushions can brighten up a room instantly.
Cover up the flooring
Whatever kind of flooring you have in rented accommodation, you’re basically stuck with.
Carpets in rented houses are usually pretty boring, and often darker than you’d choose in your own home so that stains made by tenants won’t be so obvious. Large made-to-measure rugs, from a boutique brand like Designer Carpet, can cover up the grimmest of flooring.
Add a butcher’s block
Kitchens are very tricky to change but if you have a larger or open plan kitchen, a butcher’s block can create a small kitchen island which will give you you more storage space and more surfaces without having to do any internal remodelling.
Display art and photos
Hanging pictures is one way to make a space really your own.
If there isn’t a picture rail, ask your landlord if you can hang pictures or prints in frames; many will agree as long as the walls are repaired before you leave the property.
If they are adamant they do not want holes in the walls, command strips are an option but be aware that they might take the paint off if they’ve been up for some time.
Alternatively, you can display photographs, prints or artwork on shelving; ladder shelving is less enclosing in small spaces and can also be used to display books, ornaments or plants.
Add more lighting
If the space is a little dingy, or maybe the lighting is a little strong giving the space a clinical feel, then add a lamp or two in the corner of the room for additional soft lighting and a bit of personality.
A console table underneath is a nice touch too for a book or two, maybe some pictures or a bowl of fruit you can leave to slowly rot when everyone decides they hate fruit.
Change up the fixtures and fittings
Fixtures and fittings aren’t necessarily permanent.
If you don’t like the bedroom wardrobes or kitchen then changing the handles on the cupboards could make a huge difference; and you can swap them back and take them with you when you leave.
You could even consider wrapping the kitchen units if the colour is really not to your own taste, although this is an expensive and labour intensive job so only something to undertake if you’re sure you’re going to be staying put for a while.