4 Landlord-Friendly Hacks to Upgrade Your Rental

So you’ve moved into a rental, but you’re struggling to put your own stamp on it. You want the space to feel like home, but with so many no-go areas and design restrictions, you find yourself intimidated by styling and personalisation altogether. Whether it’s replenishing rugs, introducing mood-lighting, or discovering rustic storage solutions, there is something in here for everyone. Here are four inexpensive and landlord-friendly design tips and tricks that you can use to spice up your space and achieve the home of your dreams.

Nothing says comfort like a sumptuous, statement rug. Rugs or floor-mats are a perfect way to transform your space; as such large-scale items, they have a tremendous influence on how a room looks and feels. Smaller spaces confined by walls and doorways usually benefit from a single large rug, opening up the room while ensuring you and your guests aren’t teetering on its perimeter. For an area with cooler or darkened tones, consider an ivory rug with black or grey accents to harmonise with competing colours. For carpeted rentals that yearn a modernised and stylistic  touch, we suggest layering thick, textured, short-piled or looped mats and runners to add a sense of soft elegance. 

Lighting invites a world of difference to the ambience and tone of your space. When deciding on what kind of lighting you desire, consider each room’s function. Explore whether you need: ambient, task or accent lighting — all of which present very distinct shades. Modifying the brightness and temperature of your bulbs can radically change the character of a room.

From investigating the 'Marie Kondo Method' to examining tiny-house trends, no tip, trick or hack is invalid. Whether its boxes, crates, racks, or shelving, storage solutions are custom-built worlds that fashionably home your possessions. Incidental shelving, stylish baskets, or vintage trunks all contribute to ensuring a streamlined and comfortable home life. Consider every unsuspecting angle and nook of a room, but don’t feel discouraged by an awkwardly shaped area or sloping ceiling. There are no limits when it comes to what you can turn into storage spaces.

Plants are the easiest and most natural way to revitalise a space. Whether it’s a simple succulent, a dramatic fiddle-leaf or, if you don’t want to bother with up-keep, a baby cacti (those things would last through an apocalypse), greenery is sure to invite a lively and fresh feeling into any room. Pop your plants into chic pots, jars, or containers to decorate a dull or reserved area. Experimenting with textures, heights, and colours will make a world of difference.

We suggest reviewing your rental agreement for any grey areas and/or enquire about what you can, and cannot do before beginning any advanced modifications. Once you have confirmation, style your space as if you’ll be there forever and enjoy it! You'll never regret adding a little personal touch into your home.