Does your rental lack that warm, lived in vibe?
As a renter maybe you struggle with feeling like your house or apartment feels like your home. Often rentals are designed to appeal to everyone, decorated neutrally to appeal to all tastes.
With skyrocketing housing prices, more families are choosing to rent instead of buy. Renting lets you test out a neighbourhood, gives you freedom from maintenance and repair costs, real estate fees, and saving for a hefty down payment. The benefits of renting are endless. But just because you are renting doesn’t mean that you have to live in a home that lacks personality and style. Luckily, there are many ways to make your space your own without permanently changing anything.
Consider these budget-friendly swaps and updates for making your rental feel more like home:
Paint, paint, paint!
Paint is the first place you should go for a bang-for-your-buck upgrade. It’s the most effective way to change the look and feel of any space
Select a neutral colour to carry throughout and consider painting accent walls with a pop of colour to personalize your space
Talk to your landlord before you start rolling. Negotiate by agreeing to return it to the original colour at the end of your tenancy, or find a colour palette you can both agree on – who knows, maybe they’ll even pay for it!
Shed some light
Create ambience by swapping out basic builder light fixtures for ones that flatter your style. Remember to box up old lighting to switch back if you move!
Use soft lighting in bedrooms and bright lighting in kitchens
Layer your lighting to give your space a cozy feel by purchasing statement floor lamps and table lamps
Clean out fixtures, swap out light bulbs and install dimmer switches
Furniture and Décor
Since you aren’t doing permanent work on a rental, you can invest in pieces you can take with you when you leave
Splurge on items you want (and need) like a dining table or sofa
Save on off-the-rack drapery in a neutral shade to elevate the space
Introduce area rugs, throws, pillows, and artwork to add colour and texture
Create a focal point for rooms by hanging artwork, a photo gallery wall or mirror. It’s simple to patch and touch up walls if you move
Stylist Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your landlord to make upgrades to your home. Not only is it in your favour as a renter but for your landlord it’s an investment in their home. Use the savings to invest in pieces you can take with you if you move
For the renters out there, what do you think is the hardest part about making a rental feel like home?