INTERIOR STYLE - 5 Favourite Ways to Upstyle in a Rented House
Living in a rented house doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style and personalisation. With a little creativity and some clever tricks, you can transform your temporary living space into a stylish and inviting home. We have been renting our house for the past six years, since we moved back home to Ireland. In fact, we are experts, as we lived in rented houses in all the other countries that we called home! So I thought that I would share my five favourite ways to upstyle your rented house, adding a touch of personality and flair without breaking any lease agreements.
How to make your rented house a true reflection of your unique style!
Play with Colors and Patterns in your soft furnishngs
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to upstyle your rented house is through the use of colour and patterns in your soft furnishings. Since painting walls may not be an option, you may also embrace the power of removable wallpaper or wall decals. These versatile options allow you to add pops of colour, interesting patterns, and even create an accent wall without the fear of losing your security deposit. Additionally, consider incorporating colourful rugs, vibrant throw pillows, and patterned curtains to infuse personality and warmth into your space.
2. Focus on Furniture and Accessories
When it comes to upstyling a rented house, furniture and accessories can make a world of difference. Start by selecting statement pieces that reflect your personal style and can be easily moved to your next home. Follow your sense of style to look for unique vintage finds, invest in versatile furniture with multiple functions, or consider DIY projects to transform existing pieces. Don't forget to add character with accessories like artwork, plants, and decorative items that speak to your interests and passions. Artowrk is such an easy way to transform and personalise a rented space as you can cover the holes simply when you leave. There are also an array of peel and stick hanging devices, become a regular at your local hardware store to find out more. Plants too, can create a lovely home vibe. Add some pretty blooms that catch your fancy, as they are easy to transport to your next abode also.
3. Lighting - Your Way
Rented houses notoriously have central ugly ceiling lamps. But you don’t have to be stuck with these. You can put a pretty lampshade on them and then simply install lamps and use them only to light the rooms. Lighting has the ability to completely transform the ambiance and style of a space. Take advantage of this by using different lighting fixtures to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Floor and table lamps can add a warm glow and provide task lighting, while string lights or fairy lights can create a magical ambiance. Consider using smart lighting options that allow you to adjust the brightness and colour temperature to suit your mood and style. I also love the new LED lights that don’t need to be plugged in, so you can install them anywhere without worry of unsightly cables or even a lack of nearby sockets.
4. Surround yourself with your personal experiences
Bring all the unique pieces from your journey through life so far. We have this amazing juicer, above, from Israel. Have you seen the pin board maps that you can hang on the wall and pin all the places you have travelled to? What a great way to personalise a rented home and make it your own. Arrange collected pieces on a window shelf or sideboard in threes and fives. Another idea if you have lots of little pieces is to source a printers tray and hang it on the wall with pieces in the little compartments. If you are crafty you can add a glass cover to protect them from falling out.
5. Get Creative with Storage
Storage is often a challenge in rented houses, but with a little creativity, you can maximise space and add style at the same time. Opt for multifunctional furniture with hidden storage compartments, such as ottomans or coffee tables with built-in drawers. Use decorative baskets, bins, and boxes to organise and hide clutter. And don't forget about vertical storage options like wall-mounted shelves or hanging organizers that make use of empty wall space.
Living in a rented house doesn't mean you have to settle for a lackluster space. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and make your rented house the envy of all your friends!
All images Jennie Ritchie, Ireland