As a tenant you’ll be limited in terms of what, if anything, you can do to the property itself but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your rental feel like home.

When we give advice to landlords on how to decorate, we invariably suggest they steer clear of wallpaper – love it or loathe it – and stick to a neutral colour palette. Easy on the eye, it provides a blank canvas, ideal for setting off accessories.

So where to begin?

The best place to start is with your tenancy agreement so you know exactly what your options are. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to add that personal touch:

SOFT FURNISHINGS

This is easily the simplest way to make your mark. Cushions, throws, rugs and bedding may seem obvious, but don’t just think of them as essentials or cover ups. Experiment with layering to create texture, depth and colour, as well as comfort. When it comes to rugs, the bigger the better, especially if you aren’t a fan of the flooring. This will add warmth, another texture, and ties the space together.

LIGHTING

Different levels of lighting will add atmosphere to your home and can help zone a space; this could be through statement lamps, feature floor lamps or side lamps with bold print lampshades. Even changing the lampshade on an existing light fitting could make a real difference.

ART & ACCESSORIES

Artwork adds a splash of personality and while you may not be able to use picture hooks there are now many smart solutions on the market that won’t damage the walls. Shelves, coffee tables, mantle pieces and window sills all cry out to be accessorised. If you have a favourite piece, try using that as the starting point, pick out the colours and build the rest of the scheme around it. Remember functional items can be decorative too: everything from books to mugs, plates, pretty glasses and cookware is part of the mix.

PLANTS

Not only are they bang on-trend, houseplants also inject life and colour, and can help to clean the air, boost productivity and bring the outside in.

OUTSIDE SPACE

In some cases a landlord will provide gardening services. If not, any tenant obligations will be confirmed in your agreement. Treating a garden, balcony or terrace as part of your living space not only gives you an extra ‘room’ for relaxing and entertaining, but tending plants and connecting with nature can be great for your wellbeing, too. It’s not by accident that biophilic design, the process of bringing the natural world into the built environment, is a theme that’s becoming increasingly important to today’s developers and architects.

Further information

Contact Charlotte Hodges-Peck or Charlotte Whitmarsh

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