However, before you get started, there are some rules you need to follow. Most important of these is to seek permission from your landlord. While you can’t renovate or make alterations/additions in rented premises without the prior written consent of the landlord, in most cases you’ll find landlords appreciate any maintenance or personal touches you add that present their property in a better light.
Once you have permission, it’s time to channel your inner design guru. Start by giving the place a good clean (there’s no point painting a lovely picture if the canvas is dirty, after all). With a clean palette to work on, now you can really go to town.
Working from the ground up, you can start by focussing on the floors. If you’re blessed with some vintage shag pile or scruffy floorboards, don’t despair. Throw down some large, neutral-coloured rugs to give your floors a lift and before you know it, your rooms will be transformed. Best of all, you can take the rugs with you if and when you leave.
Next, look at your furniture. If it’s seen better days, you might want to spruce up items such as chairs and coffee tables with a coat of bright paint, to add a real design ‘pop’. Alternatively, the addition of colourful throw cushions is also a great way to camouflage older furniture while providing some flair.
Extend this ‘colour refresh’ to your walls as well. Perhaps consider some new pieces of artwork, and add a splash of paint to any old mirrors and picture frames – just make sure you’ve checked with your property manager about the use of hooks and pins.
And while we’re on the subject of paint, if your landlord is agreeable, look at touching up your wall colours as well. If your landlord isn’t thrilled by this idea, perhaps you can reach a compromise with wallpaper or removable wall decals, which provide a much more temporary style solution.
Finally, try out some quirkier options that will give your home a sense of unique style. Colour coding your book collection is one way to make a real statement without even opening a paint can. The installation of decorative screens can help you hide some of the less desirable features in your home, including exposed pipes and old ventilation grates. Adding a few interesting and strategically placed pot plants can also bring a freshness to your home.
With all these great ideas to help, there really is no excuse not to go all out when it comes to styling your rental home.