A rented home is a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life. Maybe you haven’t chosen the style, the fixtures or the fittings, but that doesn’t mean that your home can’t be amazing. Follow our simple tips to make your rented home shine!

Invest in a statement rug

What’s one of the first things you do when you move into a new house? Unroll the rugs! Make sure that your rented home is never without one. To add life and colour to a bland room, choose a statement rug in a colourful design. Look for geometric patterns, or Berber style rugs with a soft, plush finish. Rugs don’t just add interest, they’re also very good at hiding things. Faded, stained carpets or tatty laminate floor? Cover them with a rug that you love and your home will be feeling more you in no time.

Add character with soft furnishings

Like rugs, cushions and curtains are crucial to making your rented place feel like home. Even if you're renting a furnished flat, you can still alter the entire feel of a room with new accessories. Work with what you already have: brighten up a characterless white room with pops of yellow and grey, or balance out lots of dark brown furniture with soft whites and blues. Buy inexpensive throws and faux sheepskins to put over the back of your sofa and armchair, and choose interesting lampshades. 

Colour pop your furniture

If you're buying furniture, choose items which will make an impact. Buy a set of bright plastic Eames-style dining chairs. Or invest in bright footstools to dot around the room. Whatever the constraints of renting, you can still invest in hero pieces that will instantly update your home. Add a quirky little side table by the sofa, or a single bright yellow chair.

Make a feature of transient living

No space for a wardrobe? Choose a simple free-standing clothes rack and make a feature of it. Not allowed to hang pictures? Lean large frames against the wall for laid-back cool.

Plants, plants and more plants

Every home needs a houseplant. They add colour, depth and interest to your interior – plus, they make you feel better too. That’s because each little houseplant you have works hard to clean the air – so they’re clever and beautiful! Invest in large ferns and palms to cover unsightly corners of a room, and dot smaller plants around to bring your space to life. If you’re worried about looking after plants, succulents and cacti are a great choice. They don’t need watering very often and look after themselves. Having something of your own to nurture and grow in your home is such an important way to connect with your space.

Colour bomb your kitchen

Kitchens in rented houses aren’t always chosen for their beauty. They’re usually practical, simple spaces, which may look a little tired around the edges. Again, see this as a positive opportunity to put your stamp on things. Ugly tiles? Lean a beautiful wooden chopping board against them. Or cover an old worktop with slate or marble boards. Add colour and personality with your kettle, toaster and accessories.  A few beautiful mugs or storage jars needn’t cost the earth, and can transform a tired space. Use food to bring colour to your space – a beautiful bowl of lemons is a perfect choice. 

Give your bathroom a touch of luxury

Even a tired, old bathroom, can be improved with a few touches of luxury. Invest in some matching fluffy towels and bath mats – and add some new accessories like soap dishes and storage jars. 

What are your top tips for adding character to a rented home? 

All of our tips are designed to work in a rented space. However, please always ensure you have the homeowner's permission before making any changes to a rented property.