More and more people are renting properties as opposed to buying. This probably comes of little surprise when you consider how difficult it is to get a mortgage in the current day and age. However, just because you are renting a property does not mean it shouldn’t feel like your own home.  I rented 10 properties before I purchased my first home and it’s important to make it feel homely.  While you may not be able to make any large or permanent changes to the property, there are plenty of other ways to add a personal touch, as you will discover below.

• Create vignettes – Vignettes are curated little pockets of a home. They provide you with an amazing way of making a property feel like your own if you are not able to make any large-scale changes and you have a fussy landlord. You can still inject style, beauty, and personality with small changes. You can make a vignette up using a hall table, flower arrangement, book display, or a collection of vases. The options are endless; it is all about letting your taste and character shine through.
• Replace the lighting – Lighting is often underrated, but it is one of the most important elements in any home. The right lighting can set the mood. You can turn a harsh, white living room into a cosy and relaxing space with the right lighting. It is a good idea to incorporate different lighting options into every room. For example, in the bedroom, aside from the central light, ensure you have reading lights too. Of course, the level of the lighting is not the only factor to consider. You can also get some amazing pendants, chandeliers and other designs. This is another way for you to inject a little bit of your personality and taste into the home.
• Add photos of your family – The easiest and most effective way to make your rental property feel like your own is to place photographs of your family around the house. The likes of EzeFrame.co.uk picture frames are a good choice, as they are made to your exact requirements; you choose the size, frame, colour, mount, and glazing. This makes it easy for you to buy a frame that fits the current photographs you have, as well as the colour scheme in your rental accommodation. It is likely that there will already be holes in the wall that are suitable for hanging pictures if someone has already lived at the property before. If this is not the case, ask the landlord for permission. Most landlords will be more than happy for to do so, so long as you do it elegantly. They may ask that you fill the hole and repaint the surface before you move.
• Add art without adding holes – If your landlord refuses to allow you to hang anything on the walls, there are a number of other ways you can bring art into the house. Why not place a display of decorative pieces on top of a cabinet? You could also invest in a large mirror to add glamorous and make a room appear bigger and more welcoming, or a canvas to decorate your walls from the floor up. You won’t need to spend a lot. Companies like Wilko.com have cheap artwork for sale. Or, why not choose a striking and unusual sculpture?
• Throw in some textiles – Textiles has to be the quickest and easiest way to make a space yours. The options are endless. You can use colourful towels in an all-white bathroom. Or, why not cover a chair with sheepskin or place a chunky throw over your sofa? There are also gorgeous, plush cushions available on the market today in a wide range of styles and patterns. They are great for injecting personality into your living room or bedroom.
• Add rugs – Does your rental accommodation have horrible flooring? This can often be the case when landlords have purchased a carpet, and they don’t want to spend money on replacing it. But, there is no need to fret. In fact, this could even be a blessing in disguise, as adding a rug is an excellent way to conceal a floor that doesn’t look so great, and you will also add some colour and texture at the same time. If you want a modern look, opt for a bold rug placed on top of a neutral, large rug. Or, for more of a bohemian feel, choose rugs in a variety of materials, designs, colours, and sizes.
• Get creative with storage – One thing that rented homes tend to lack is storage, which can result in unsightly clutter. Clutter is the last thing anyone wants in his or her home! Not only does it look messy, but also it can leave you feeling stressed and irritated. Use this as an opportunity to get creative with storage. Add accessories or furniture that can hide your belongings while also making a statement. There are plenty of innovative suggestions, from bookcases to a stack of suitcases that acts as a side table. You don’t need to play by the rules!
• Pick up some plants – Flowers and plants are a no-fail tip to liven up any room within any home. Not only do they look amazing, but also they help to remove toxins and clear the air. This can make your home more comfortable and enjoyable to be in. Imagine how much more you will enjoy the property once the air has been purified and renewed.
• Put up some removable wallpaper – You can add elegance and personality to your home with removable wallpaper. This is available in a wide range of styles and colours, and it does not lead any mess. You can easily use it on walls, as well as the insides of bookcases, wardrobes, and other furniture pieces.

Hopefully, you now have some great suggestions that you can use to make a rental property feel like your own. It can be frustrating when you cannot paint the walls or add your own flooring, but this doesn’t mean you cannot manipulate the space to look how you want it to. It is all about thinking outside-of-the-box, adding family mementos, playing around with different textures, and looking for pieces of art that represent your personality.

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