A MAJOR challenge when it comes to renting is the obstacle of not being able to decorate and put your stamp on the place.
When it comes to sprucing up a rental property, there are usually limitations on how much you can modify without jeopardising your deposit at the end of your tenancy.
Unless you have obtained permission from your landlord, any alterations you undertake must be temporary and should not result in any damage to the property.
Nick Woodward, Lettings Director at property company Essential Living, has shared some easy and affordable ways you can make your rented house a home without risking your deposit.
From large leafy Monstera to beautiful Peace Lilies, house plants, whether real or faux, are a quick and easy way to liven up a dull space making your home more visually appealing and more inviting.
House plants are also a great way to introduce nature into your home creating a sense of tranquillity.
If your space is lacking natural light then spider plants are a brilliant option, thriving in low light as well as removing carbon monoxide from the air.
Another great option is a snake plant, especially if you worry about plant care responsibilities. Snake plants are widely known as one of the lowest maintenance, almost impossible-to-kill plants.
As a tenant, you are not able to alter the flooring in your rented space. If you haven’t been lucky enough to secure a property with neutral flooring throughout, the type of flooring and colour used can significantly affect the overall aesthetics you are striving for.
Large rugs are a great way to add your own style into your living area, whilst also hiding any flooring that may not be up to your liking. Rugs come in a variety of styles and colours, allowing you to express your taste to customise your space.
Rugs will also provide an extra layer of protection for your existing flooring, guarding against scratches, wear and tear or stains, helping keep your deposit.
Consider investing in soft furnishings like cushions, bed linen and artwork.
These are the elements that can make the biggest impact on your living space, helping to showcase your personal style and taste, and making your space feel more like your own. They are also a quick and easy way to add texture, colour and patterns to what might otherwise be a blank canvas.
Depending on where you shop, soft furnishings are often much more affordable than larger furniture pieces, making them a cost-effective way to refresh the look of a room.
Fixtures and fittings aren’t necessarily permanent. For instance, if you’re not fond of the handles on your kitchen cabinets or bedroom wardrobes, replacing them with ones that suit your taste and style can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of the space.
The advantage is that you can easily switch them back to their original state when you move out and take the handles with you.
Putting out personal photographs as soon as you move in is one of the easiest and fastest ways to make your house feel like a home.
If you have moved far away from family or it’s the first time you have moved out, having photos of your loved ones can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity especially if you feel homesick.
As well as the photos themselves, the frames you choose will help add your aesthetic touch to the space.
The scents in our homes play a significant role in creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
When you move into a new home, the scents might not be familiar or to your liking.
Choose a scent that resonates with you and your preferences, this could be a scent you used in your previous place or a scent that reminds you of a certain time in your life. This can provide a comforting touch, creating a sense of familiarity and homeliness.
After living in your rented property for a while, you may decide that the position of the furniture does not align with your ideal vision for the space.
Perhaps the bed is against a wall rather than in the middle of the room, you prefer a desk by the window, or the sofa obstructs access to your balcony doors.
Rearranging rooms in the home is an affordable way to change the look of a room entirely and freshen up your space.
