We all want our homes to reflect our personalities, but rented accommodation, tight budgets and sharing with others can make our spaces feel perfunctory rather than personal, leaving us uninspired. Sometimes in life, we’re forced by circumstance to live in less-than-ideal places, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of them.
Tired of starting at the same magnolia walls? Luckily, no matter your living situation, there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to bring your personal touch into any space. Here are five ideas to try today.
Accessorize
When accessorizing your home, look for eclectic, one-off items that speak to your style. Plants, handmade ornaments, and copper bowls can give a room a more personal feel, as can relics, photographs and items you’ve collected throughout your life. It’s perfectly acceptable to look at interior design blogs for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on those interior styles you covet.
Create a Feature Wall
Just because you live in a rental doesn’t mean you can’t have a feature wall. It’s worth asking your landlord if you can redecorate, as the rules about painting walls tend to vary – just make sure you get their permission in writing before you start! Otherwise, you risk losing your security deposit. If painting isn’t an option, you can use removable wallpaper, wall sticker or a collection of frames to create a wall that stands out. The best part, is that all of these options are easy and you can do it yourself while still adding a new look and personal touch to the room!
Upcycle
If your landlord won’t let you paint the walls, why not upcycle your old furniture instead? You will need to remove the doors, hinges, and latches of your furniture before cleaning, sanding and dusting the area. Once your furniture is clean and dry, it’s time to add the primer and leave it to dry overnight: this helps the paint to stick. Once you’ve done this, you can paint or varnish your furniture in your desired color, before reattaching the handles and ornaments.
Adjust the Lighting
Lighting plays a vital part in setting the atmosphere for your home, and the right lighting fixtures can really tie a room together. Work out which lighting methods you like best, for example, overhead, string lights, floor lamps, table lamps or all of the above, and set about achieving the right balance for your home. If you work at a desk, for instance, you will need a good overhead light or a desk lamp, whereas if you get ready in the bathroom every day, you might consider some more lighting over your mirror.
Collect Cast-Offs
Who says you need to have lots of money to furnish your home? You can find perfectly good donated furniture in thrift shops, at flea markets and even on the street. Keep your eyes peeled for old items you can do up, as well as homeware sales and second-hand treasures. It’s also worth asking friends and family members (especially those who are moving house) if there’s anything you can take off their hands. Being a bit more creative and frugal will mean you have an eclectic mix of items, all of which have an interesting backstory.
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