The rental market is crazy right now. In a recent survey, 72% of renters who haven't moved in the last 18 months decided to stay in their current place despite wanting to move. If you’re staying put, maybe it’s time to give your home a refresh for spring!
Renting doesn’t always give you the control to make decisions like what colour you’d like your carpets, walls, or even what furniture you end up with. But there are so many other ways you can revamp your space on a budget (and without losing your deposit when you can move!).
Making your house feel more like a home doesn’t have to be a hassle. You’ll be surprised how easily you can revamp your space with minimal effort and maximum payoff!
1. Cover it up
Are your carpets somewhere between a shade of grey and brown? While we can’t disguise them completely, they can be easily covered by a rug. Choosing a bright colour over more subdued tones can help pull focus and transform the overall look of the room. You can find some great second-hand options on online marketplaces. You may even be able to find items being given away for free, to kit out your house without paying a penny.
2. Get green-fingered
As well as being known for reducing stress levels and boosting your mood, plants are also a great (and inexpensive) way to add some colour to your home. If you're worried about remembering to water real plants, alternatives like cacti and succulents require very little maintenance to keep alive and artificial ones can work equally well! Why not also invest in some plant pots, or even make it a project and paint your own?
3. Shine a light
Lighting is key for setting the ambience of a room. Using a lamp in the evenings instead of the overhead light creates a more relaxed mood. Adding a string of fairy lights is also a great option for alternative lighting that won’t break the bank. Drape over a mirror, hang from your wall, or fix to your picture rail to make any room feel instantly cosier! Who says fairy lights are just for Christmas?
4. Add comfort
There’s not much that a good throw can’t fix. If your sofa’s a bit drab, simply drape a throw over it for an instant refresh. Take it one step further and elevate your seating space with some cushions (there's no such thing as too many), to add some style and comfort.
5. Frame it
Adding some personal touches to your space will make your house feel more homely. Print off and frame some of your favourite pictures of you and your housemates, or buy some funky prints to hang on your wall. It can instantly add character to your home.
6. Accessorize
Simple additions like vases, tablecloths, or candle holders help to add character to a room. Charity shops can be an absolute treasure trove for unique trinkets to accessorise your space. They’re inexpensive and, with the money going towards a great cause, it sounds like a win-win to us.