Sometimes a rented accommodation can feel like a 12-month contract – a place you can cook, sleep and socialise in, but not really feel at home. That’s because many tenants, in the pursuit of buying their own homes, stop from spending on decorating their rented flats. However, dressing up a rented home doesn’t have to be a Herculean task, or one that breaks the bank. A few simple solutions can perk up the place and make it look cheery, welcoming and spirited.

Play with colours
When doing up your rented home, I recommend using pastel hues on the walls as this gives the bare walls a fresh look and the house a lively vibe.

Use DIY art
This is an interesting hack – instead of putting up expensive art on walls, consider creating your own. This doesn’t mean you have to be an artist. Just collect small objects like dry leaves, pebbles and put them together inside simple white or black box frames to give the artworks some definition.

Consider vinyl flooring
In most rented apartments, re-flooring can be tricky. If your landlord agrees to it, consider laying printed vinyls on the floor to create some patterns or even a seamless plain colour. Add lots of pretty rugs on top.

Repurpose furniture
For furniture, I am not a big fan of thrifting – that is, buying things cheap from thrift shops. Instead, look at repurposing your good-quality old furniture. Give the pieces a new coat of paint for a fresh look.

Use printed upholstery
Consider reupholstering furniture with printed fabrics to lift up the drab-looking pieces you might have received from the landlord.

Keep it clean
Lastly, go minimal. Get rid of the stuff you don’t need. Keep the corners clean and green with plants kept in baskets or holders. Add lots of accent lights through side lamps, floor lamps and so on.

Read More: Designer Tips to Make Over Rented Flats Into Luxury Homes