Renting a house or apartment can be a great way to save money and live in a desirable location. But making your rental feel like home can also be challenging. After all, you’re living in someone else’s space, and you may not have the freedom to make significant changes. However, there are plenty of ways to personalize your rental and make it feel more like your own. With a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your rental into a cozy and inviting space that reflects your unique style.
So, whether you’re working with a limited budget or dealing with strict landlords, this article will dive deep into making your rental feel more like home. Hang tight and get ready to fall in love with your rental again!
How do I make my rental feel like home?
You just moved into your new rental, and it’s totally different from your old place. No matter how much you love your new digs, there’s always that nagging feeling that it’s not quite home yet. Whether the walls are bare, or the furniture is lackluster, or the whole place feels kind of sterile, don’t panic! There are many ways to make your rental feel more like home, no matter what space or design obstacles you may face.
Consider furniture placement
Anyone who’s ever rented an apartment knows that making it feel like home can be challenging. That being said, one of the biggest obstacles is furniture placement. Most rentals come with very little storage and generic furniture that isn’t particularly inspiring. But by utilizing the proper interior design techniques, you can transform even the drabbest rental into a stylish and welcoming home.
One of the best ways to make a rental feel more like home is to apply some basic principles of feng shui. This ancient Chinese philosophy stresses the importance of achieving balance and harmony in your environment. Regarding furniture arrangement, there are a few key things to remember.
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Create a clear path from the entryway to the main living area. This will help promote the flow of positive energy throughout the space.
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Position your furniture so you can see the door from any seat in the room. This will help you feel more secure and connected to your surroundings.
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Be sure to leave plenty of open space for movement. Overcrowding can create a sense of stagnation and make the area feel smaller than it actually is.
Replace old blinds with curtains
Anyone who’s ever lived in a rental knows that making it feel like your own can become a major headache. But one of the easiest ways to put your own stamp on a rental is to switch out those sad, outdated blinds for some new and stylish window treatments. Not only will this instantly brighten up the space, but it will also allow you to control the light levels in your home.
Whether you want to let in a gentle glow in the morning or block out the sun during naptime, curtains give you the power to create the perfect light environment for your home. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to make your rental feel more like your own, don’t forget about the power of selecting your own window treatments.
Out-of-sight storage solutions
Rentals can be a great way to save money on your housing costs, but they often lack the storage space needed to feel at home. Fortunately, there are some simple storage solutions that you can use to transform your rental into a more functional and stylish living space.
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Purchase a storage ottoman or coffee table with integrated storage. This type of furniture is perfect for small spaces because it provides extra seating and hidden storage for items like blankets, pillows, and extra throws.
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Add floating shelves to unused wall space. This is a great way to store items like books, dishes, or even holiday decor.
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Under-the-bed storage. This is a great place to keep seasonal clothing or out-of-season shoes.
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Hooks, hooks, and more hooks. One of the best ways to make a rental feel like home is to add your own personal touches. And one of the easiest ways to do that is by hanging things up. Maybe you need extra space for coats, towels, kitchen utensils, and cookware? Hooks are a simple and effective way to make any rental feel more like home, especially if you’re limited on storage.
All in all, you can quickly turn your rental into a more stylish and functional living space using simple storage solutions.
Create dedicated spaces with room dividers
Rentals can sometimes feel a bit cold and impersonal. But you can make your rental feel more like a home by utilizing room dividers to create more intentional spaces. For example, if you’re living in a loft or studio, setting up a screen or partition can help to delineate the sleeping area from the living room.
Room dividers can also help create storage space or hide unsightly areas like a laundry unit or air conditioner. So, if you’re longing for a space that feels like home but are currently renting, using room dividers is just one way to give the property a personal feel without making any major modifications.
How can I personalize my apartment?
Personalizing an apartment can be a daunting task. After all, there’s only so much you can do with rental furniture and white walls. However, there are plenty of ways to add personal style to your space without breaking the lease.
Try temporary wallpaper or faux tile
If you love to change up your space often, or you’re just looking for a way to make your rental feel more like home, then wallpaper and faux tile are two great options! Wallpaper comes in many different colors and patterns nowadays, so it’s easy to find something that fits your style. It can be used to add a pop of color or pattern to a room, and it’s also a great way to cover up imperfections in the walls. Plus, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to impact a small space significantly.
Faux tile is another excellent option for renters who want to add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. It can be used in small spaces like backsplashes, accent walls, or even large areas like floors or showers. And the best part is that it’s easily removable, so you won’t have trouble getting your security deposit back when it’s time to move out!
Paint the walls
Painting your walls is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to make a rental property feel like home. And, with landlords often being open to painting (within reason, of course), it’s a great way to put your personal touch on your space without breaking the bank. But when painting your walls, there are a few things to remember so you don’t go overboard.
First, consider the overall vibe you want for your space. Are you going for a cozy and inviting feel? Or a more modern and minimalist look? Once you have an idea of the general aesthetic you’re going for, choose paint colors that will complement that vibe.
When choosing a paint color, go for something that will make the space feel bigger and brighter. If you’re unsure what color to choose, consider painting an accent wall in a bolder hue. This will add a pop of color and personality without being too over-the-top or having to paint all the room walls.
Another thing to remember is the amount of natural light your space gets. If your rental gets a lot of bright sunlight, you might want to steer clear of dark paint colors as they can make the room feel smaller and more closed in. Either way, painting your rental space is a great way to make it feel like your own without breaking any lease agreements.
Rugs are your best friend
One of the easiest ways to add warmth and personality to a space is with rugs. Rugs can be used to define different areas within a room, and they can also help to absorb sound and add insulation. A rug can make all the difference in creating a space that feels comfortable and inviting.
When choosing rugs for your rental, it’s essential to consider both functionality and style. If you have pets or small children, you’ll want to select a stain-resistant rug that is easy to clean. For example, a low-pile rug is ideal for areas with a lot of foot traffic, while a shaggy rug can add texture and interest to a room.
Pick furniture that fits your unique style
One of the most essential tips for making your rental feel more like your home is purchasing furniture that fits your own unique style. Furniture has the power to transform a space, so incorporating some high-quality furniture that fits your budget and style is essential. That being said, before you go to Target and buy everything in their home goods section, consider some alternative ways to source stylish and high-quality items for your rental. Before you buy anything, though, here are a few things to remember when shopping for furniture for your rental.
First, consider the size of the space you have to work with. You don’t want to overcrowd your rental with too much furniture, so be sure to measure before you shop. Second, think about your personal style. Do you prefer a more traditional look, or are you more drawn to modern pieces? Once you know what you’re looking for and plan out your space accordingly, it’s time to start shopping around!
At Kaiyo, we offer a wide selection of the highest quality secondhand furniture and decor items from reputable brands at up to 90% off retail prices. Whether you’re looking for a new sofa, a kitchen table, or some artwork to cover those bland walls, Kaiyo has what you need to transform your rental property into the oasis of your dreams. And because we only carry items from top-rated brands, you can be confident that you’re getting quality furniture that will last. Whether you’re furnishing your first college apartment or finally investing in grown-up furniture for a more permanent rental situation, Kaiyo has everything you need to make your space feel like yours.
