The good thing about that back-to-school September feeling (that we never seem to grow out of) is what it symbolises: cosy season is truly upon us and it's another excuse to start anew. Cue comfies, snug living rooms and cheap-and-cheerful kitchen socials. But just because somewhere isn't your forever home doesn't mean you can't create the perfect sanctuary for yourself — and a hang-out hub for your friends.
There's a misconception that personal changes can't be made to rented accommodation (whether that's a small space or a house share); all it takes is a few tips and access to interior stores stocked full of all the latest trends, such as Home Essentials, to transform your pad. Here are some of our favourite ways to get started...
1. Expand your decorating options
Ultimately, decorating is all about colour and texture, and chances are that your landlord will be more than happy for you to spruce up the space with a lick of paint. Painting neutral colours is usually encouraged by landlords to breathe new life into walls, but if you're after something bolder and brighter, just ask how they feel about it — and offer to restore it back to its previous state before you move out if they're unsure.
Tester pots are great for those of us who are time-poor and on a tight budget, because a statement wall or paint project on a tatty piece of furniture can make all the difference. Our tip? Go for satin paint rather than matte, as it's easier to wipe clean. And if your landlord gives you a hard 'no', look into temporary wallpaper options, which you can eventually peel off.
2. Invest in soft furnishings
Textures and textiles are the easiest way to revamp a room. Think about adding a blanket to your desk chair, or practising your folding skills with one draped on the arm of your sofa. Sheepskin rugs are also a cosy way of adding warmth to plastic dining or office chairs, and are naturally breathable. Alternatively, keep one beside your bed to slip your feet onto on cold winter mornings. And, of course, cushions are the finishing touch to any bed or sofa setup – and the perfect way to cement a colour scheme.
3. Bring the outside in (literally)
Upgrade your greenery game with bundles of fresh herbs such as thyme, eucalyptus and rosemary for an extra sensory hit. And, next time you're on a park walk, look out for fallen branches that you can display in a heavy-bottomed vase or jar for a super-rustic look. Birch branches add a natural touch to any décor (but remember to fill the bases of any vase with glass pebbles to make them stable).
4. Unleash your inner art collector
Wall art is the chicest way to make your mark on a space, while also handily covering up any cracks, holes or stains. Thankfully, there are now multiple ways to display art without hacking into your walls.
Consider getting command strips and sticky hooks for lightweight artwork or leaning large pieces on furniture. Display unframed paper prints that you can just temporarily affix onto the wall using Washi Tape or Blu Tack.
Another handy tip: invest in some shadow box frames — they're a great alternative to hanging art and can be nestled onto shelves to elevate your bookshelf aesthetic (win-win!).
5. Zone your space
We bet your bedroom is working overtime right now: a den of zen for you to catch your zzz's, a corner for your WFH desk and a dress-up area for your wardrobe and makeup. Now is the time to help compartmentalise your space using tricks such as dividing screens and rugs — check out this woven piece from Home Essentials. Remember that a rug should be used to connect furniture, so a smaller one is perfect for bringing together your bed and bedside table. Plus, rugs are the perfect solution to hide any (hard or carpet) flooring you don't like, as well as any scratches or stains.
6. Rearrange your floor plan
Just because your estate agent told you that the room at the back of your flat is a bedroom doesn't mean you need to keep it that way. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to remapping rooms and what they're used for. Don't be afraid to talk to your flatmates about swapping over a living room for a bedroom or vice versa. Ensure you think about natural light, space for everything you might need and the best use of storage and room. Get ready to get imaginative!
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