While there are many perks to renting a place, such as the freedom to pack up and move wherever you want when your lease is up, you get to be on the doorstep right where all the action is in city centres, plus there is just something chic and early 2000s about renting out a flat that is cosy, aesthetically pleasing and almost all yours.
Some little cons come with renting out spaces that don’t belong to you, like you can’t just paint and start drilling holes in the wall. A lot of renters want their walls white, carpets unstaid and mark-free everywhere, so you are essentially supposed to live there and then leave like you hadn’t been there all this time, or you get a huge chunk of your deposit taken off you.
It’s important for myself and a whole range of people that when you move into a space, you want it to feel like home so through my range of experience renting, I have put together a range of renter-friendly design hacks that allowed me to express myself, my sense of style, and also a way to keep my deposit.
Remove The Blinds Or Lamps
Some apartments don’t have the luxury of having wide windows or beaming with natural light so I would recommend that you remove any blinds or black-out curtains that you might have. There is no reason why you should block out any potential light that could come into the space. If you still value your privacy, you can consider sheer or even lace curtains that still allow light because not all of us have the luxury of being at the top of an apartment block.
If by chance you aren’t lucky enough to get many hours of natural light, then a good hack that made my spaces just feel like they were full of ambience was lights and warm tones all around my space. Ditch the big lights and start collecting little lamps to pop in areas that create a flattering and relaxed atmosphere.
Command Strips
Just because it was in your rental agreement that they don’t want you to create any damage to the walls, you should be deterred from putting anything up. Thanks to the wonderful creations that I believe were specifically made for us in the renting community! Command strips are a godsend because they allow you to hang everything up, from potted plants with hooks to pictures and mirrors. You have so much more freedom to hang whatever you want around your space so you should take full advantage of that.
Rugs Everywhere
Whether you are trying to hide hideous carpet or you don’t like how cold the wooden floors are in the morning, I would most definitely recommend you recommend some rugs. Not only that, they add that extra bit of colour and comfort to your space, as we all know apartments for rent tend to come plain and have no character; it’s essentially offering you a ready-to-go blank slate for you to accessorise and add your own flare.
Read: Thrift Shopping: How To Master The Art Of Shopping Sustainablely
Ecosystem
Small spaces could always benefit from some greenery; these elements of wildlife can help you forget the fact you have no garden and just add some extra dimensions to your space. Plants are linked to better air quality and a better mood overall. This doesn’t mean that you have to fill your entire space with little plant babies but it’s nice to have one here and there if you are new to the plant-raising game.
Something that always put me off was that I couldn’t keep them healthy and alive but with social media nowadays, there is information on how to care for every single plant. If you are still struggling, why not consider getting some cacti? They will last not only forever but they are quirky plants that you don’t tend to see often.
Accessorise
Adding character, texture and personality doesn’t always come from wallpaper or a couple of rugs on the floor, but little accents here and there are essential for bringing your sense of style and personality alive, whether you are adding luxury cushion covers, ornaments, candles or other pieces that scream ‘this is so me’ from small time businesses like Camden and Co or your larger stores like M&S home there are options everywhere you go. You need to be able to feel safe and comfortable in your space so finding the balance between clutter and decor is essential, especially when you only have a small space to yourself or to share with roommates.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding little ways to turn your temporary space into a home, there are so many renter-friendly options to bring your sense of style and personality to life, whether through luxury cushion covers dotted around the place, lace curtains, or building your own little ecosystem. We hope that you found some inspiration from us, are ready to get your deposit back and can now enjoy living in your flat.
