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Interior Design

Soulful Homes: How To Turn A Rental Into A Home

5 Affordable decorating tips to turn a soulless space into your home

I’ve moved home more times than I care to remember. Like most people who go to university, it can mark the start of a year-on-year pattern of packing up what little furniture you have and housing for your next temporary home. Fast forward 20 years later and I’m still renting.

Moving into a new house or flat, is an exciting adventure, but it does come with the challenge of making another white-washed space feel like yours. But, with a bit of creativity, you can transform your rental into your cosy sanctuary without breaking the bank. I want to give you some tips on affordable decorating that will help you add character and charm to your rental, making it a place you’ll love coming back to every day.

bright pink painted wall in a modern apartment

1. Embrace the Power of Colors

Don’t be afraid of colour. There are a lot of homes out there that fit into a particular aesthetic driven by the quiet luxury movement. As lovely as that is, where is the personality? Colours have the remarkable ability to influence our emotions and individuality. The colours in your home should reflect you.

Take inspiration from your wardrobe, it may surprise you when you look at the colours that you love to wear. Buy tester pots of your favourite colours and go for it. Even if your rental doesn’t allow painting the walls, you can still add colour and texture. Companies like Dulux have a huge range of colours on their website.

Use removable wallpaper or temporary wall decals in your favourite colours and patterns. Adding colourful throw pillows, rugs, and curtains can also elevate rooms without a hefty price tag. Mix and match shades that resonate with your personality and style, and watch your rental become yours.

2. Always accessorise and hang art

Nothing says “this is mine” quite like sticking photos of your most treasured memories up on your wall. Displaying your favourite photographs, art pieces, and mementoes can instantly make a rental feel more familiar and special. I always collect postcards from art galleries I visit and now display them in frames.

Create a gallery wall using second-hand frames to showcase your cherished memories. Visit charity shops or car boots to find unique and affordable decor items that speak to your taste.

Adding your unique touch to your home will allow you to feel more settled and embrace this new reality, however long you’ll be there. Companies like Over The Rainbow on Etsy sell lots of vintage frames.

Wall prints on a light plaster pink wall
wearenomads

3. Introduce soft textures

Soft textures can transform cold and sterile buy to let into a cosy retreat from the city. Incorporate plush blankets, cosy throws, and soft cushions to add warmth and comfort. I would advise investing in these pieces, no matter where you move to in the future, textiles can always travel with you and last a lifetime.

Layering textures through rugs, curtains, and cushions can instantly transform your home. Don’t fall for cheap fabrics too. After a while, they can lose their shape and you’ll spend more replacing those pieces. Don’t underestimate the power of soft, tactile fabrics to embrace you in comfort when you come home for the evening.

4. Plants are always a win

Bringing a bit of nature indoors is an excellent way to get life and tranquillity into your rental. If you have a local garden centre pick up some houseplants and succulents, yes they might die, and if you’re anything like me, they definitely will. I’ve had many a casualty along the way, but god loves a trier. They improve air quality and also add greenery that enhances the overall aesthetic.

If you lack a green finger then opt for fake plants. Plastic can be unsightly, but they are perfect in places where real plants won’t grow i.e. a windowless bathroom.

Bunches of flowers always feel like such a lovely treat in my home. I never wait for anybody to buy me flowers. It’s become something of a Sunday ritual for me to go and buy a big bunch of greenery with really vibrant flowers scattered in the bunch.

tamegroute small vase we are nomads 3
wearenomads

5. Be creative with storage

A clutter-free space is like having a clear mind and will make a world of difference to your head space. I’m not saying it’s not okay to have intentional clutter, but when it’s not that, it can overwhelm a small room.

Look for budget-friendly storage solutions and use unexpected items such as ceramic pots and plates to keep your belongings organized. Ceramic dishes can work particularly well for jewellery storage and display.

If you can fix the wall, wall-mounted shelves are perfect for clearing space on the floor and keeping your bits accessible and neat. Investing in big multi-functional furniture like ottomans with hidden storage or beds with drawers can seem daunting, but they are your secret weapon when it comes to hidden storage. Choose something that can be recovered at a later date if you want to have it reupholstered.

All it takes to transform your home is a re-arrangement of your furniture. Play around with the layout until you fone something that fits how you naturally flow around your home. Rearranging your furniture will breathe new life into your home. Don’t feel that you have to go with the landlord’s layout. As mentioned, throws and blanets can give the furniture that comes with the rental a refresh and make it feel like yours. Rearranging decor such as switching up your cushion covers or changing the arrangement of artwork, can make a big impact on the overall feel.

Turning your rental into a home doesn’t have to be something that eats away at your budget. Don’t rush into shopping, take time collecting accessories that speak to you. With a little creativity and thoughtful touches, you can make a change from something that lacks any soul to somewhere that tells your story.

Embrace colours and display your photos or art, introduce soft textures, add greenery, and utilise clever storage solutions. By weaving in these affordable decorating tips, you’ll be able to transform your rental into a warm and inviting sanctuary where memories are made and cherished.

If you need help, get in drop me an email at [email protected] and I can help with more tips and advice.