Living in California, particularly in the uber-touristy coastal town that I live in, has made owning a house quite the challenge. However, I refuse to let that stop me from having a warm, cozy, inviting space to call my home. Interior decorating is one of my greatest passions, and I adore the charm that a little extra TLC can bring into a space. I have rounded up some of my best tips for rental-friendly ways to shift your space from house to home. Read below to start gettin’ down with the decor!
MAKE THE SPACE YOUR OWN
This may seem like a complete oversimplification but it really is my No. 1 tip. The home may be temporary, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t make it your own. Utilize the spaces how they best fit YOUR life. Hang all the art that makes you happy. Put up pictures in every room. Find fun, functional furniture and decorate like you will be living there forever. It will make a huge difference for you to be surrounded by things that make your heart sing, and everyone who enters your home will feel your personality.
TREAT YOUR WINDOWS
When we moved into our space, there were horrifying curtains on almost every window. I knew immediately that was going to be one of our initial upgrades. Fast-forward to now, and we have velvet drapes a-plenty and we removed so many little window treatments that were serving no other purpose than to block the natural light.
PRO TIP: Don’t hang your curtain rods right above the window frame, especially if you are in a small space. It will dwarf the room in an instant, which is never a good thing. Open up the space by hanging the rods around two-thirds of the distance between the window and the ceiling.
PLANTS, PLANTS, PLANTS!
Is a house ever a home without a few plants in it? Adding indoor plants to your home decor repertoire instantly adds color, texture and life into the room, making the space feel more vibrant. Plus, there is something special about caring for a plant and watching it grow and flourish.
Opt for plants that will thrive in the lighting conditions of your spaces and be sure to research non-toxic options if you have furry friends roaming about your home.
PRACTICE SHELF-CARE
That’s right, shelf it up! Poking holes in a wall that you don’t own can cause a bit of hesitancy, but holes can be patched up and shelves are a great way to define a space. We have a lot of art in our home, so we have a couple different places where we installed picture ledges to avoid the over-puncturing of a million gallery walls. Other types of shelving can be great for adding additional storage without the bulk of floor furniture.
EMBRACE THE RUG LIFE
Just because you are not able to customize the flooring itself in your rental home, doesn’t mean you can’t still funk those floors up. Add a pop of color or a bit of coziness throughout your home with all different types of rugs. They add an element of texture and comfort, especially if you live in an all-hardwood house like we do.
LIGHT IT UP
Another great way to make a massive difference in your home is by adding or upgrading your lighting. Our house was built in the 1930s, and with its high-pitched beamed ceilings, some rooms are left with nothing but a single, small wall sconce. The additional light of floor and table lamps can open up rooms that lack the luz, particularily in dark, forgotten corners.
Ultimately, it is so easy to get caught up in the idea that your rental space is just a temporary situation. Before you know it, three years have gone by and you are still living in a house or apartment that feels like anything but home. Decorating the space to make it your own will be worth the energy and there is no reason why you should drop the “home” part of “rental home”. At the end of the day, this is where you cook meals, snuggle loved ones, relax, indulge, and make memories. So make it yours.
xoA
Over To You
If you are a renter, what are your favorite ways to make your space feel like a home? Not a renter? There is still room here for your decorating ideas. Be sure to leave them in the comments below.
5 thoughts on “How to Make a Rental House Feel Like a Home”
Hey! I recognize that place!!
I love your idea for shelves to put more pictures up without making too many holes in the wall!! Such a simple, practical, and functional idea ?? I think after reading all of this, I want to go through every room and rid myself of things that don’t make our hearts sing… feeling a bit cluttered here, esp with the addition of our sweet babe and all the things that come with.
Yes! The picture ledges were a huge game changer for us, especially with all the art prints we have collected throughout the years. Love the idea of swapping out things that don’t make your heart sing, and I know your beautiful baby girl will adore the space that you create for her to grow up in. xoA
Great tips for home owners and renters. Make your home a home by adding your personal touch. Thanks for the tips.
Absolutely! Trends come and go, but the personal touches are what makes a home a cozy space to live in. xoA