Make It Feel Like Home

A rental may not be your forever home, but that does not mean that it can’t feel homey. There are a variety of rental-friendly upgrades that tenants are generally allowed to make to their spaces, but double-check your lease agreement to determine exactly what you are allowed to do.

Decorative accents, such as pillows and lamps, are great for adding personality to a space without permanently altering it. Rugs and peel-and-stick flooring are simple and removable ways to upgrade a room. If your landlord allows it, painting is a quick and affordable way to drastically change the look of a space. Swap out light fixtures and showerheads for additional customization, but remember to store the originals in a safe place and reinstall them when you move.

One way to spruce up a space is to have a piece of furniture reupholstered to make it seem fresh and new. Search online for an upholstery specialist to quickly find a list of companies nearby to help. You can read reviews from other customers to get an idea of who provides the best service before inquiring about your project. Keep in mind that the price of reupholstery jobs tends to scale with the size of the furniture.

As with what an interior designer does, in addition to aesthetic changes, you can make a rental more functional. If you work remotely, a home office is a must. A designated space for work helps you stay organized and minimizes distractions, but many rentals do not have a spare room available. Use a room divider to section off a space. A freestanding whiteboard helps you stay organized without putting holes in the wall, and lamps allow you to customize lighting.

Lastly, sometimes the energy in your living space can feel off, affecting your mood and wellbeing. If you’ve noticed something’s not quite right, take action! The first thing you can do to free up positive energy is to clean and declutter your space. This can allow good energy to propagate and help you feel well.

Budget Accordingly

If you don’t plan on staying in your rental for many years, you may not want to spend much on decorating. Fortunately, there are numerous money-saving strategies that allow you to furnish your rental and stick to your budget. Shop discount and secondhand stores, and look for sales. Use paint to spruce up old furniture.

Don’t worry about completing a room in a specific timeframe. You can often save money by waiting for deals. This time also gives you the opportunity to consider all your options and not make rash decisions.

Show Off Your Styling

Throwing a party is the perfect occasion to showcase your newly redecorated space to friends and family. To make the event even more special, consider creating beautiful custom invitations using a free online tool. These platforms offer a variety of premade invitation templates that you can personalize to reflect the theme and elegance of your new décor. Customize your invitations with your own choice of fonts, images, and design elements to truly add your personal touch. This unique invitation will not only impress your guests but also set the tone for your stylish gathering.

Move to a New Place

If you are unable to make your rental work for your needs, moving may be the best option for you. US Census Bureau data show that renters move more often than those who own their homes. For this reason, it is important to choose furniture that is easy to move. Some individuals even choose to rent furniture to make the moving process easier. If you do have large pieces that require the help of professional movers, look out for red flags that indicate a scam company.

If you’re thinking about buying your own home instead of renting, research online to find a home in your desired area that better meets your needs. Many sites allow you to filter properties by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, and other features. Some sites provide neighborhood information about the home, including the name of the school district and nearby shopping and entertainment venues. Check out the housing market where you want to go to be sure you can afford it.

Renting offers flexibility and freedom that homeownership does not. The tradeoff, however, is that it can be difficult to make a temporary residence feel homey. Fortunately, as any interior designer will tell you, a little creativity and planning go a long way. Look for nonpermanent, budget-friendly solutions to decorating problems. Keep your next move in mind as you acquire furniture and decor so that you feel free to relocate when your situation changes.

Give Me Shelter Design is an interior design firm providing myriad interior and exterior design services for customers in the greater Los Angeles, CA, area. For over 35 years, we have helped countless customers achieve their dream homes with the help of professional interior design services. Visit our website to learn more!