How to: Make a rental feel like home

Renting instead of buying is becoming more and more common with the rising prices of houses. How can you make a rental property your own?

1. Check with your landlord

Before you undergo any re-decorating, its important to check with your landlord so you don’t unintentionally violate any tenancy agreements. Often you’d be surprised what creative freedom is allowed- many landlords are open to tenants doing their own home improvements, such as painting walls or changing up furnishings.

2. Greenfingers

Plants can serve as an excellent non-permanent decorative addition to a rental property, adding a touch of natural appeal and warmth to the space without the need for major alterations. You could looking for flowering plants such as anthurium, or use patterned pots to add some colour if you’re unable to paint the walls. Taller plants like Fiddle Leaf fig trees can add some interest to bare corners, and create layers that make a room feel fuller and more furnished.your story online can make all the difference.

3. Statement rug

Hate the floors of your new place? No problem.

Investing in a good quality rug can completely transform any room, but it has a double advantage in rental properties as it allows you to cover up any flooring in your house that you’re unable to replace.

Some places we love are The Rug Company & Nordic Knots, or if you’re shopping on a budget, try IKEA, Next and H&M for some gorgeous rugs that won’t break the bank.

4. Good lighting

If you think you’re stuck with whatever lighting existed in the rental before you moved in, think again. Use lamps to create a cozy ambience in your home, or you could even change out the bulbs in existing lighting for those with a softer glow.

Feature lighting like neon writing or LED strips are great for making children’s bedrooms feel more like their own.

MKDL recommends: Bella Figura, Porta Romana

5. Personalise

The most important rule of design is that your home should reflect you. In a rental property where you may have limited decorative freedom, adding personal touches through accessories is a great way to put yourself into a room.

Do you have a collection of old vinyls or vintage champagne glasses? Show them off! Make the most of shelves, cupboards and bedside tables to personalise with books, photos and trinkets that make you feel like you.