Photography by Auto Focus
As a tenant, it can be hard to make a rental property feel like your own, but with a bit of creativity, it is possible. Here are some rental-friendly ways to add character, personality and style to your space, all while keeping your deposit safe.
Photography by Bernard Dittrich
LIGHTING
Lighting goes a long way in changing the look and ambience of a property, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or permanent. Consider changing outdated shades and pendants for more modern ones to quickly transform a space but be sure to keep the original to put back on when you move out. Floor and table lamps, wall scones and fairy lights with warm lighting can also create a cosy atmosphere and help to detract from less appealing characteristics in a room. Try to make a real statement by choosing shades and materials in unique styles, colours and textures.
Photography by Gabriel Cattaruzzi
FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS
Highlight areas around your home with furniture that draws the eye, such as unique chairs, stylish bookcases and modern coffee tables. Look for spaces that you can accentuate and bring to life with smart styling and decor, such as obvious design and structural features, fireplaces, windows, walls, corners, and nooks. Give living areas new life with colourful cushions, textured throws, vibrant statement rugs and bright vases. Add personality to bedrooms with new bedding and decorative accessories and lighting, and don’t be afraid to layer and mix different patterns and textures. Incorporate personal touches like photos, candles and books to make the home feel personal and lived in. Use freestanding shelves, ladder shelves, storage ottomans or cube units to add storage without drilling into walls.
Photography by Anna Keibalo
WALLS
Add character and personality to bare walls by hanging interesting artwork, paintings, prints, canvases, or even create a photo gallery with a selection of frames. Hang mirrors or lean them against walls to make rooms look brighter and more spacious. Removable applications like wallpaper, decals and tiles are great ways to add your own stamp to a room, so choose designs with a pattern or a touch of colour. Remember to protect the walls with damage-free hooks and adhesives so you leave things as they were when you vacate.
PLANTS AND FLOWERS
Greenery and flowers are an effective way to give a rental a facelift for little cost as they instantly make an interior feel brighter and more colourful. Be bold with large statement greenery near your home’s entry and in living areas and then add pops of colour and contrast with smaller plants scattered around bedrooms and bathrooms. Choose pots and plants in colours and styles that suit your style and show off your personality.
Photography by Cemrecan Yurtman
KNOW THE LAW
Photography by Scott Graham
Photography by Miles Chang
As a tenant, it’s important to know the rules before making any modifications to your rental property. Tenants are given a variety of freedoms to make basic changes to properties to make them more homely and comfortable to live in. For example, tenants in the ACT can seek approval to make minor and special alterations that the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. This means modifications that can be removed or undone at the end of the tenancy so that, except for fair wear and tear, the property is returned to substantially the same condition as when the tenancy commenced. This could include putting up picture hooks, fixing blinds to a window, or planting vegetables in the garden. Tenants should always contact their property manager first before making any modifications to discuss the scope of changes and the approvals process.
Enjoy this complimentary magazine, and continue to feel inspired to find endless possibilities to enhance your own living.
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