Without a doubt, the landlord has the most flexibility regarding the interior décor of your home, but that doesn’t mean you have no freedom whatsoever. With a few smart purchases, you can personalise your space to match your preferences in style, but it’s wise to keep versatility, space efficiency, and storage in mind.
However, some interior designers with experience in sprucing up rentals on behalf of tenants rather than landlords would argue that cost isn’t a detrimental factor unless you’re shopping on a budget. After all, provided you purchase stand-alone furnishings, they’re yours for the taking when you vacate the premises.
If you’re looking for expert interior designers to make the most of your rental home, you can call our professionals at Furniture Fitouts. We can source, purchase, deliver, and install high-quality furnishings on your behalf, and we can often complete the entire process in less than three days if time is of the essence.
Below, we detail some tip tops from experienced interior designers to help you learn how to make a rental property your own.
Freestanding, Versatile Furniture
According to Scott Weston, a Sydney-based architect, being a tenant in a rental home is no reason to stick to cheap furnishings. He also says it’s best to stick to furniture that’s easy to rearrange and can accommodate a smaller room should you choose to downsize when you vacate the property.
Weston says: “Whether owning or renting, my philosophy is to buy good-quality furniture pieces that become part of your life. If they’re loose or free-standing, you can take them with you when you move.”
Leo Terrando, an award-winning architect, agrees that versatility must be a key consideration. Speaking of multifunctional furnishings, Terrando says: “An open-shelving unit is usually a safe buy because it can be used for storage, displaying accessories and screening. The way we place accessories on it can create a new look, too.”
Intelligent Investments
Interior designer, James Dawson, thinks that focusing on the focal points of a room is the best way to allow for flexibility when revamping a home in the future, be it your current rental property or not.
Dawson says: “Always invest in a good bedhead, sofa and rug. That way you can mix it up with new side tables, accessories and art from home to home to keep things interesting. Have some fun and don’t be governed by rules.”
Weston concurs with Dawson’s advice, as he explains: “A bed is top of the list – and buy a commercial-grade or memory foam mattress as they’re vacuum-packed, so easy to install. A sofa comes close behind, then comfortable side chairs.”
Finishing Touches
As a renter, you may be limited regarding how much you can change permanent fixtures, but there are clever ways to mask the things you don’t like and make small changes that will have a significant effect.
Alexandra Gordon, the editor at Vogue Living, explains: “If you have ugly lighting, pepper the home with beautiful floor and table lamps and try to avoid using the ceiling lights.”
“A cheap and easy way to update a tired kitchen or bathroom is changing over the cabinet pulls, as long as you keep the originals somewhere safe for the landlord.”
We Can Help
At Furniture Fitouts, we know how to find high-quality, versatile furnishings that will make your rental home perfect for you, and we can complete the installation promptly at a time that suits you. Contact us today to speak to interior designers you can trust.