For most people, their twenties are characterised by time spent living in rented accommodation. Whether you live in a five-bedroom house at university or downsize to a one bedroom with your other half, chances are you’ll be growing tired of the beige walls and uninspiring furnishings.
While you might be dreaming of owning your dream home and customising every room to your every whim, those days might be in the distant future. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with the dingy decor and uninspiring furniture. Try these simple and reversible hacks to make your rented house feel more like a home.
Refresh the paint
If you return the walls to the original colour when you leave, you can probably get away with adding a fresh lick of paint. If the walls are particularly dingy, you might even be able to ask the landlord to repaint before you move in. A new coat of paint will refresh the walls and give you a blank canvas on which to build your dream rental home.
Hang a few mirrors
Small spaces benefit from well-placed mirrors by reflecting the light and giving the feeling of a more open space. If your hallways are lacking in natural light, a large mirror will brighten the space and give you the chance to check your hair before you head out. Hang a giant mirror in your living room and it’ll look like the area is twice as big.
Try temporary wallpaper and wall art
If you want to refresh your home in a radical way, you can try temporary wallpaper and wall art to inject some personality into your space. Removable wallpaper can be used to create a statement wall or dress up horrible kitchen cabinets. Use removable wall decals to liven up your walls and express your personality. These wall stickers can be taken down as quickly as they are put up, so you won’t have to worry about damaging the walls.
Choose a bold rug
You can pick up a cheap rug from IKEA that will instantly brighten up your home or add a touch of luxury to a worn carpet. Rugs can easily be taken with you when you move house, so it’s a wise investment for your future. They’re also brilliant for covering cold laminate or tile floors in winter, so you’ll probably save on your heating bill, too.
Make a statement with your storage
Storage doesn’t have to be boring; you can quickly make it a feature of the decor providing you find the right accessories. If you want to brighten up your space find brightly colour storage boxes or repurpose vintage tins and boxes. For a luxury feel, look for straw baskets, glossy Perspex or update plastic boxes with a spray of metallic paint. A giant vintage trunk is a perfect way to hide away your junk in a stylish way. Pop a cushion on top and you’ve got a functional bench!
