When it comes to decorating rented accommodations, there are several caveats to keep in mind. Generally, landlords do not permit permanent changes to their properties. Even the plainest space can be made to feel like home by adding personal touches. We hope these decorating ideas inspire you to add style and personality to your home.
- Read the lease agreement and Speak to your Letting Agent: Before you reach for your hammer and nails or paintbrush, read your contract to see what changes are permitted. Most will state that you cannot redecorate without the written permission of your landlord/letting agent. If you are permitted to put up a shelf or hang a mirror, it is reasonable to expect you to remove the shelf and make good the walls before you move out. If you do not, money from your deposit may be taken to restore things to their previous state and you may lose at least a portion of your deposit if you decorate the property without first obtaining permission.
- Furniture: If the property is unfurnished and you have limited space, choosing multi-functional furniture might be worth considering, saving both money AND space. A good example would be a quality sofa bed which will be comfortable and practical. Furniture that is stackable or can be folded such as a nest of tables or dining chairs can also be considered a wise investment. You can invest in smart, aesthetically pleasing furniture that can be adjusted to meet your needs.
- Be creative with Storage: Storage units are one of the most effective, and stylish ways to maximise space. It could be an open design, an ottoman, or a storage basket; whatever it is, it will always add style and colour to different areas of the home. Baskets have a wonderful tactile quality which adds character to an arrangement and is an excellent way to conceal clutter in a living room. An open design allows you to display all your prized possessions, adding personality to your home.
- Soft Furnishing: Consider your space in sections, and fill it with colour, textiles, patterns, lighting, pictures, and books to add character and cosiness. Invest in statement throws, cushions, rugs, bean bags, curtains, and bedding to give your home an instant feeling of cosiness and exclusivity. Pretty, bright colours will never go out of style and will bring springtime sunshine into your home all year. Spend a little more money on a higher-quality set of furnishing and you’ll feel the difference on cold winter mornings.
- Light Fixtures: You could select a lamp that stands out to make it a focal point rather than just an accessory. When you’re limited in what you can do, small changes can make a big difference. Consider the attribute of light fixtures in various areas of the home. In the bedroom, table lamps provide focused lighting for reading, whereas in the living room, floor and table lamps provide an ambient radiance during the evenings.
- Artwork/Photograph/Ornaments: Personal pictures, preferred art, and distinctive decorations will surely make a space feel more like yours, completely changing the ambience to make you feel nice and comfortable at home. You can use picture hooks, or even lean them against the wall, to avoid the stress of refilling and painting the walls at the end of the tenancy. Please never use blu tack, Sellotape or drawing pins.
- House Plants/ Outdoor Plants: Indoor plants are an inexpensive way to enhance a room, bring an area to life, and improve your overall health and well-being. You could set up a small organic garden; you’ll always have something fresh and healthy to enhance any meal. Larger indoor plants can refresh boring corners and hide a multitude of sins including TV and other cables.
- DIY (Do it Yourself) Designs: There are many DIY projects you can take advantage of, such as painting plant pots, and recycling bottles and cans. Adding wallpaper to plywood panels and leaning them against walls. It is not only a cheap way to add colour and pattern to a room, but you can also change your colour scheme whenever you want. You could also add some indoor art to your plant pots by painting them with paint tester pots and a paintbrush.
Most importantly always check with your landlord/letting agent before making any changes to the property and get any permission given in writing. Hope these tips help.