Just because you don’t own the place doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel like home sweet home. From the home decor experts at Fashion Furniture, here are some tips on making your rental feel like a home:
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Warm lighting
The light fixtures in most rentals are very basic–usually a ceiling light with or without a fan. This type of standard lighting does little to diffuse light, which can make it seem harsh and overly bright in one area. Accent lighting throughout your home is the perfect solution; it creates a noticeable warmth and coziness as soon as you walk into the room. Try incorporating accent lighting throughout your home decor, such as on bookshelves, table lamps, and tall, free-standing lamps. A statement light fixture in the dining room, like an elaborate chandelier, can also add diffused light that covers more area. To make the space look bigger, look for a large design that can be hung from the ceiling for maximum visual impact.
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Decorate With Art and Photos
If you’re looking for ideas that to make your place feel comfortable and stylish, use wall art to add some color and personal touches. If your rental home doesn’t allow holes in the wall, grab some Command Strips for easy hanging and damage-free removal. If you’re still not sure about hanging anything on the wall, lean an extra-large photo frame decorated with small pics, such as Polaroids or prints from your smartphone camera, against the wall on top of a dresser or table. These images can be a cherished keepsakes that will remind you of fond memories. As a bonus, you’ll be able to easily move the frame from room to room and change the art.
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Area Rugs
Large rugs provide soundproofing for the floor, a must-have for second-story or higher rental home apartments. It also adds depth and texture to the overall design, another way to give your home a warm and cozy vibe. Place one in the living room, hallway, and other areas with heavy foot traffic.
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Window Treatments
Curtains add extra style and privacy, which are needed in a rental home. While many apartments come with the dreaded vertical blinds, adding window treatments is an easy and inexpensive way to dress up a drab space. Simply add a curtain rod above the already installed blinds and hang your favorite flowy curtains. Choose black-out curtains if you want total darkness while you sleep, or opt for thin, gauzy fabric if you want privacy but lots of light. Window treatments should hang four to six inches above the window and kiss the floor to elongate the room.
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Use layered textures for home decor
Bring warmth and character to a room with deep-hued accents and luscious textiles like velvet throw pillows and drapes. For a stylish and inviting living room, lifestyle guru Martha Stewart recommends choosing understated neutral shades for large pieces of furniture like couches and chairs. That way, the home decor accents can add an attractive, personal touch with bright, eye-catching colors and soft fabrics.
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Add Wall storage in the kitchen
Most rentals don’t allow for adding more kitchen cupboards, but you can make the most of your wall space by using a pegboard to hang pots and cooking tools. The cooks in the household will be very pleased with the elegant display of beautiful and shiny cookware. If you collect china, mugs, or any other kitchen knick-knacks, this is a great way to display your collection while adding personal style.
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Indoor herb garden
If you’re living in a rental apartment, there’s a good chance that you have limited space. An easy way to bring greenery into your home is with potted herbs, which also give you access to fresh flavors for all your recipes. Design editor Kai Ethier likes to repurpose vintage tea tins and use them as herb planters in the kitchen. For the best results, keep them near the window for just the right amount of indirect sunlight and water frequently to keep the soil moist.
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Add color to the bathroom
Most bathrooms in rental homes are designed in basic white, which can appear bland and impersonal. Make the bathroom more personalized with a few additional designs that can be easily incorporated into your space. Brighten up the bathroom with Roman blinds and a shower curtain in bold colors and patterns. It doesn’t have to match; in fact, a little contrast will give the bathroom even more energy. You can also place a small vase of fresh flowers on the sink and vibrant artwork on the wall.
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Decorate your balcony or terrace
Rental homes, especially apartments, are limited in square footage, so make the most of every inch of your home by decorating and furnishing your balcony or terrace. Easily create a personal oasis with inexpensive seating table and chairs, hardy plants, and privacy screens. For a magical evening outside, you can also string up sparkling lights to add a warm, diffused light.
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Plants & Fresh Cut Flowers
According to the latest research, indoor plants can absorb everyday household toxins like dust, pollen, and electromagnetic radiation from common electronics. They can also add a lush and verdant accent to your home decor. Look for plants that are easy to care for such as the peace lily or spider plant. Succulents and cacti are also tough plants that need little watering or attention, so if you have a windowsill with lots of light, they can be a lovely, personalized addition to your home. It might seem like a no-brainer, but fresh-cut flowers in a vase are still worth mentioning, especially since it’s one of the easiest ways to freshen up your home and make it feel like your very own sanctuary.
Try these easy upgrades and get ready to transform your rental into a special, personalized home that reflects your lifestyle.
For all of your interior design needs, contact the experts at Fashion Furniture today!
