It might not be your forever home, but that doesn't mean it can't reflect your style and personality!
If you've never stuck a 'SOLD' sticker on a real estate sign, then you probably already know that renting can make styling and decorating your home a little bit less flexible than you'd like. For most of us with rent to pay, structural changes are off the cards (no weekend demolition DIY over here!) In some countries like Australia, you also can't paint the walls or make any permanent changes – not even nailing in a picture hook! So, how to make your home feel like you?
The good news is that there are plenty of renter-friendly solutions with a big, bold impact. If you're a colour lover and a renter, or even just wary of making permanent changes to your interiors, here's where to start.
@our.home.le.fleur has used her own decals to add colour and personality to her kids spaces
decals + wallpaper
If you're itching to add colour to your walls but your rental is a white-on-white ode to minimalism, this is for you! You don't need to paint to add colour, removable decals are an easy fix for bare walls and they'll leave your paint damage-free. Best of all, they're reusable, so you can even move them to your next home when you go. Fun decal patterns brighten up a kids room, while peel-and-stick wallpapers can add a retro print or your favourite shade to a living space, bathroom or bedroom.
Image credit: @our.home.le.fleur
Mix + match colours and patterns to create your own bedroom oasis like @turmerichouse (left) and @sophie_elinor (right)
bed linen + textiles
If it's your bedroom that's feeling blah, our advice is simple: change your sheets! With the bed being the major focal point of most bedrooms, a change of linens can completely transform the look and feel of your space. We love a mismatched but complementary set, with patterns that clash in a similar colour family, and a pop of colour and texture thanks to finishing details like throws and pillows. You'll be ready for an early night before you know it!
Group art prints together like this Lilac pairing from @theposterclub or go for bold frames like @turmerichouse
art prints
Adding some art to your walls is one of the simplest ways to bring in the colour and the personality. Art prints are an affordable way to have your home reflect your style and interests. You can curate a gallery wall by nesting a collection of your favourite prints together, or choose a standout piece to take pride of place. Bonus points for painting your frames to add an extra pop of colour! Can't nail anything to the wall? Prints look lovely styled on top of a locker (hint, hint…) And of course, you can take them all with you when you move house – home is where the art is, after all.
The walls may be white, but your furniture can bring the pop of colour! Images from @miiostoreau (left) and @annieeveringham (right)
statement furniture
We've left the best for last! Even if you're working with blank walls and plain floors, you can load up the style by filling your home with colourful statement furniture. Lockers are an absolute must-have for renters: they're a perfect alternative to built-ins, so if you're short on storage (the eternal renting dilemma) a locker has you sorted! They're also a great way to add a pop of colour to your space. Mix and match your colour combos to express your personality, or choose your favourite colour for a bold feature moment. Since lockers are so versatile, you'll always find a new use for them. Use one as a wardrobe or a linen cupboard, and in your next home it doubles as your pantry, cleaning supplies storage or craft cupboard. The options really are endless!
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