You hear it everywhere: new year, new me. Well, what about the place you spend most of your time in? Your home is a reflection of your personality, after all.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your space and make your place feel more like home—especially now that it’s time for the Christmas tree to go back in the bin. Your post-holiday home is already prepped like a fresh canvas. But how do you decorate your space the way you want if you live in a rental?
We’ve got you covered. Here are some simple, renter-friendly ways to personalize your living area and set a positive vibe for the year ahead. So grab some double-sided sticky tape and a few of your favorite lamps, and let’s go!
1. Add Removable Wall Décor
One of the easiest ways to make a statement in your rental without doing any permanent changes is by using wall-safe removable wallpaper or wall decals. These come in several prints and colors, allowing you to add style to your space while still easily able to be removed when it’s time to move out.
Wall decals come in shapes like polka dots and stars so you can give a plain wall a patterned look. And hey, if you’re a movie or tv show fan, they’ve got character decals too.
2. Upgrade to Cozy Lighting
Lighting can make a huge difference in the comfort of your home—adding ambience, warmth, and dimension. No matter where you live, investing in lamps and other portable lights can help brighten areas of your home and bring it to life.
Use smart light bulbs to create a soothing atmosphere with added convenience. Some allow you to set a light schedule, change the colors, and more. It’s a great way to set the mood for the evening without permanent indoor lighting.
3. Create Comforting Spaces
Want to improve your space with little effort? Never underestimate the power of a cozy throw, a few decorative pillows, or an area rug in the central rooms of your home. Even a few floor pillows in a well lit corner can instantly make any space feel more inviting.
Choose textures and colors that make you feel comfortable and add a personal touch. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and try different materials. And you don’t always need to spend money, either. That old knit throw your grandma made for you years ago can add instant coziness to any piece of furniture.
4. Hang Art Carefully
It can be a challenge to hang art without making nail holes, and your rental manager may have terms in your rental agreement about that. If this is the case for you, no worries.
Have you seen command strips these days? They can hold just about anything. Maybe not your tv (don’t try this at home), but things like picture frames and hooks will hold nicely. Use command strips or peel-and-stick hooks to hang art, photos, or light mirrors without damaging the walls. This adds personality while keeping your walls tidy (and your rental manager happy).
Just be sure to remove the adhesive correctly when it’s time to move out so you don’t damage the walls.
5. Bring in Nature
Houseplants are good for the air, your mental well being, and they’re a great way to bring life into your space. Some species can clean and improve air quality while making your home feel fresh and vibrant. Plants like ferns and ivys thrive indoors and add visual interest to any bookshelf or table. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider low-maintenance options like succulents, cacti, or snake plants.
If you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs, you might also want to consider a few potted herbs in your kitchen as long as it’s well lit.
6. Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes, simply rearranging your furniture can refresh the space and make it feel new. Look for layout inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram. Experiment with different layouts to maximize comfort and functionality. In just a few minutes, you can try out new styles by swapping out chairs and lamps in different rooms.
7. Give it a Good Tidying
Often, a home just needs a little bit of organization and cleaning to make it feel more inviting. Consider decluttering the chaotic areas of your home like countertops, closets, bedroom wardrobes, and shelves. When you have a space for everything you own, you’ll feel more at ease and will be able to enjoy your space, stress-free.
If you need extra advice in this area, we recommend the books The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and The Joy of Less by Francine Kay.
Conclusion
With these small, renter-friendly changes, you can start the new year feeling more comfortable and at home in your rental, all while respecting the rules stated in your rental lease. You have almost as much creative freedom as you would in your own property! It just takes a little bit of preparation ahead of time.
Final Tips
If you have any questions about whether or not a decoration option is allowed in your rental, make sure to read your lease agreement thoroughly and reach out to your rental manager with any questions.
And while you’re at it, make sure you download our TenantCloud app for tenants (iOS or Android) so you can stay in touch with your landlord, set up auto pay, and search for your next dream home to rent.
