How To Make A Rental House Feel Like Home
Living in a rental can sometimes feel like living in someone else’s history. But even without permanent ownership, you can still create a cosy haven that reflects your unique personality and brings you joy. Here are 9 tips to turn your rental into a true home:
1. Cultivate a relationship with your landlord:
Remember, your landlord holds the keys to major transformations. Instead of fearing a ‘no’, build a friendly relationship. Show initiative, such as offering to repaint the walls to their original colour after you leave. This genuine concern and respect could open up possibilities you never imagined.
2. Unleash the layout alchemist:
Don’t let the existing furniture dictate your flow. Rearrange it! Create a reading nook in a sunny corner, or swap the dining table for a comfortable workspace. Bonus points for using furniture risers to add unexpected height and dimension.
3. Layer your own comfort:
You may not be able to completely ditch the landlord’s sofa, but you can layer your personality on top of it. Invest in throws, cushions and vibrant rugs to mask outdated elements and inject your style.
4. Light up your mood:
Ditch harsh overhead lighting for strategically placed lamps and floor lights. Warm amber tones invite relaxation, while cooler blues can energise a workspace. String lights and candles add a touch of whimsy and instant mood.
5. Tell your story through decor:
Surround yourself with objects that bring joy and tell your story. Travel souvenirs, framed photos and artwork you love (abstract shapes art) create a visual narrative that makes your space uniquely yours.
6. Embrace the power of plants:
Greenery isn’t just for homeowners. Breathe life into your rental with air-purifying plants like spider plants or snake plants. Low-maintenance succulents and cacti are perfect for forgetful plant parents.
7. Make the walls whisper (without whispering to your landlord):
Wall decals and removable wallpaper offer a temporary yet transformative way to add colour, pattern or even murals to your space. Choose designs that complement your existing decor and peel them off seamlessly when it’s time to move.
8. Smell your sanctuary:
Aromatherapy candles and diffusers can instantly change the mood of a room. Lavender is relaxing, citrus is invigorating and vanilla adds a touch of comforting sweetness. Choose scents that appeal to your individual preferences and create a welcoming olfactory signature for your home.
9. Embrace the outdoors:
You don’t need a sprawling backyard to create a mini oasis. Invest in a balcony herb garden, turn a sunny windowsill into a succulent sanctuary or hang cascading plants to create a lush green curtain. Bringing the outdoors indoors is a powerful way to lift your spirits and connect with nature.
Remember, your home is a reflection of you, regardless of who owns it. By incorporating these tips and using your creativity, you can transform your rental property into a haven that feeds your soul and truly feels like home, sweet home.