Whilst still keeping your deposit…
Let’s put things mildly; Generation Rent are certainly facing their fair share of pitfalls in 2022. Chiefly, the structural obstacles in place to buying a property, with house prices rising and greedy landlords hoarding.
But on a more micro-level, the quality of rental properties, in terms of aesthetics and comfort, also leaves much to be desired, with strict contract terms preventing renters injecting any kind of personality into their places
More specifically, tenants might find themselves having to contend with a range of harsh restrictions on what they can and can’t do when it comes to decorating a rental property.
This is a problem that millions of renters have had to contend with, but with such prevalence comes resourcefulness, and there are plenty of tried-and-tested ways that you might inject a little bit of personality into your interior without breaking the spirit of your rental agreement. Yep, we’re referring to all those pesky pockmarks you try in vain to fill in during your end-of-tenancy clean up.
Indeed, rental homes have a reputation for lacking in personality. The walls tend to be painted magnolia and the furniture beige. This is largely because rental properties need to appeal to the broadest possible cross-section of would-be tenants. This leads to landlords making safe choices wherever possible.
It also means that if you’re going to be staying in rented accommodation, you’ll need to restore it to the state it was in when you first moved in. This rules out painting the walls for most tenants – since doing it twice is understandably seen as burdensome.
That said, there’s no shortage of ways to temporarily change your home so that it better reflects your tastes and style, without defaulting on your deposit in the process. Here’s how to make your rented home décor come to life whilst still keeping your deposit.
Bring In Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings, like cushions, pillows, rugs and throws, can act as visual accents and tactile flourishes of comfort, equally. Those neutral-shaded items of furniture we mentioned? Well, these can work as the perfect foil for a more colourful, vibrant item of soft furnishing, helping you lift the aesthetic mood of your rental property without having to make any massive investments.
Add Additional Lighting
It’s easy to underestimate the extent to which lighting can alter the look of a room. A statement floor lamp can completely change the character of an entire room, bringing light into dark corners and creating a sense of spaciousness where none existed before.
When paired with other smaller efforts at task lighting, you can create separate zones within a single room which help add depth and distance.
Change Blinds Or Add Curtains
Even the way you dress your windows can make a big difference. The colour of your blinds or curtains is something that you’re free to choose – and when the time comes to move out, you can simply bring your curtains with you to the next property. As well as this, heavy curtains can act as insulators, saving you energy and bringing down your living costs.
Read: 5 ways to dress your windows this spring
Invest In A Quality Rug
A well-placed rug can bring a whole room together, especially if it’s in the middle of a hallway or living room. If you have a hardwood floor, or a tiled one, then the right rug can add a much-needed sense of homeliness. Again, though purchasing a rug might feel like an investment, you can take it to your next property to inject new life there, too.
Add House Plants
It’s fairly well established now that houseplants have a positive effect on your mental well-being, which is critical in living spaces, and in-home offices. The best house plants are low-maintenance and can be easily accessed.
Some of the easiest house plants to take care of include a snake plant, spider plant, pothos, coffee arabica, monstera, peperomia and of course, all types of succulents.
That said, be mindful not to place your plants behind electronics equipment; there’s always the possibility of a spillage causing a problem when you go to water them. And we speak from painful experience on that one…
Freestanding Artwork
Whilst you may be forbidden from hammering a hook or nail into the wall to hang your artwork, there are myriad other ways you can create aesthetic, ornamental intrigue at home.
If you have traditional prints that you would usually hang on the wall, instead consider an easel or freestanding frame with legs to display your artwork. Alternatively, there’s something rather chic about larger artwork, framed and leaning against the wall, giving the impression of an artist at work or a studio in motion.
Or, if you want to include art suggestive of something innovative, paint by numbers custom photos can add a personalized and creative touch. These pieces stand out, tell a story, and make your space more expressive.
Finally, and whilst a few small pieces of standalone sculpture won’t make any mark on the walls, if you don’t own any you can even make artistic statements from your hobbies. That guitar leant against a wall? Your old school lacrosse stick? The pestle and mortar you faithfully lugged back from Thailand? They can all look great as ornaments, too.
Read: How to frame, hang and display your artwork to catch the attention of your guests
Ask Your Landlord
Most landlords prefer that tenants don’t paint or make home improvements. However, you can ask your landlord’s permission; what’s the worst that could happen?
To enhance your chances of success, err on the side of reasonable in your request. For example, instead of painting the whole flat, ask if you can make a feature wallpaper wall and promise to strip and repaint the wall its original colour when you leave.
Also, if you’re renting a flat or home which has come ‘furnished’ with some hideous furniture (think cream leather sofas, cheap IKEA furniture and other items synonymous with the “beigeification” of rented interiors), then see if they will remove it and consider investing in your own furniture. Again, what’s the worst they could say?
If you’re keen to break free of the rental cycle and take a tentative step onto the property ladder, then here’s some genuine advice on how to save for a deposit that doesn’t involve cancelling your Netflix subscription or cutting out the avocados.
