6 top tricks for decorating your rental home

Living in a rented property, whether an apartment or a house, can mean you often have to forgo dreams of redecorating to put your stamp on the place. Some landlords are happy to let tenants do a bit of DIY, but others don't want you to so much as hang a picture on the wall! And, you might not want to put time, money nor effort into redecorating a place that ultimately wont be your forever home. 
So to help you out, we've put together 6 key tips and tricks that will help transform your rented property into a home you love!

1. Get a statement rug 

image via via redohomeanddesign.com

Oftentimes in rental homes, the carpets might be a bit worn or grubby, the wooden floors may need a sand and varnish or the tiles are out-dated. A statement rug will not only hide a myriad of imperfections, but it will reflect your personal style, add some softness to your space and (the best bit!) you don't have to feel guilty about splashing out on a good one because you can take it with you when you leave!

2. Hang your art... on the floor

Gallery walls were a big trend throughout 2017, but unless your landlord is cool with you hammering 15 nails into their wall, it's not a trend you can easily keep up with while living in a rented house. 
You can put your own twist on the trend though, by framing some large prints and laying them along a feature wall. It's both very cool and landlord-friendly! 

3. Light it up with a killer floor lamp

image via polyvore.com

Instead of spending a fortune on an on-trend ceiling pendant, choose a statement floor lamp to bring some personality to your room. Similar to the benefit of the rug above, it's a piece you can afford to invest in, because you can take it with you when you move out! 
Alternatively, invest in a showstopper of a light-shade for a ceiling fitting that's already in place.   

4. Throws and throw pillows will be a saviour

image via zendom.net

Unlike the States and the UK, many rental houses in Ireland come fully furnished, which means you just need to move in and add your few bits and pieces to bring your home to life. However, unless the furniture is relatively new, it may need a little help in the comfort and style stakes. Throws and throw pillows can transform an old couch or chair, and they act as the perfect cover-up for dubious stains, rips or general wear and tear. Mix and match your colours and textures to add vibrancy to any old three-piece-suite. 

5. Accessories galore! 

image via decorpad.com

Even drab shelving can be transformed with some cool accessories; whether that's a curated collection of your favourite books, artifacts you've collected from your travels or cool and quirky decorations you've picked up on the high-street. Little additions like picture frames, candles, vases, bowls and flowers will instantly lift a dull room, turning it into a bright livable space.

6. Get yourself some house plants

There's something inherently welcoming about a house filled with greenery and fresh plants. They don't need to be big in size to make a big impact; they can bring a sense of calm to any room and the injection of colour lifts the plainest of spaces. Set taller plants on the floor, or place potted plants with tumbling foliage on a top shelf and let the leaves cascade down. Alternatively, invest in some cool planters and make a statement like the trio above.