Magnolia walls, biscuit coloured carpets and cheap blinds; very often a rental home won?t be the kind of Pinterest-worthy house you always dreamed of. It?s never a lost cause though – there are plenty of handy hacks for transforming and disguising parts of a rental that you don?t love. Let?s talk through some of the easiest and cheapest together with CIA Landlord Insurance?
Go mad with greenery
Plants are such a great way to breathe a bit of life into any room. Plants have always been popular in interiors but they?ve definitely had their moment within the last few years. It?s a really cheap and easy way of updating a space and instantly giving it an on-trend feel. Experiment with different colours and textures, combining structured succulents with hanging plants, and have fun with quirky vases and pots, clashing patterns and styles.
Create a cozy space
Nothing says home like a comfortable corner of the sofa to snuggle into after a hard days work, or a nice cosy bed to look forward to getting into. It?s easy to create the ultimate comfy spot by upgrading your basic furniture with soft, fluffy throws and big, plush cushions. You can put your own twist of style into a room whilst creating a homely environment and, not forgetting, all those soft fabrics will save you pennies on your heating bill when winter rolls around.
Paint the walls white
If your walls aren?t already white, it?s worth asking your landlord if they?d allow you to paint them. Most landlords should be ok with this – white is about as neutral as you can get and you?d probably be doing them a favour in freshening up the property. White is the best colour for achieving that clean, airy feel to a house and it?s a great way to create a blank canvas for you to work with as it goes with just about everything. Contrast with black accessories for a cool, contemporary feel or soften it with plenty of neutrals for a relaxed, boho-inspired vibe.
Lighting is key
It?s pretty common for a rental to be poorly lit. One ceiling light doesn?t really create that homely atmosphere that you?re going to want to wake up to and come home to. It?s really important to focus on lighting, and have fun with it too. Create a statement with a big floor lamp and a few quirky table lamps to inject your personal style into a room. And don?t forget, for that cosy and warm evening glow, incorporate a few lower wattage bulbs in your lounge and bedroom lamps.
Invest in a rug or two
Chances are, the flooring in your rental might not be something you?d have picked out yourself. Landlords often opt for a darker colour to hide any marks and stains and is likely to be fairly low quality – a great excuse to invest in a few rugs. Rugs are amongst the best ways to make a house feel like home. They effortlessly transform a room, creating warmth and interest. Opt for colourful patterns to elevate and brighten up your space, or plush luxurious textures to introduce some much needed comfort and warmth.