Photo by Emre Can Acer from Pexels
Owning a home isn’t for everyone, and not just because of the financial burden. Did you know that one in every five people in the UK rent a property?
It’s a good idea to consider the pros and cons of renting before you move in.
Pros:
- You can move on quickly – renting is normally quite flexible, which is especially important if you’re freelance or have a short-term contract
- The repairs and maintenance aren’t your responsibility
- Lower costs – there’s no doubt that while your monthly payment may look higher, you avoid all the long-term costs associated with owning a house.
Cons:
- A rented home is not an asset, you can’t build equity
- Landlords that don’t do a good job – some don’t operate by the rules, although there are regulations in place to prevent this.
- You can be given notice to leave, and it may be difficult to find somewhere else
As many students, young professionals and even middle-aged people rent, let’s look at ways to make your place a home.
Ways to make your space feel more like home
There may be boundaries set by your landlord, but there are many ways that you can spruce up your rental.
- Furniture
Even if your room comes with a bed, why not check out the Divan Beds Centre for a new one? You’ll have extra storage and total comfort, and a good night’s sleep is so important.
Add some custom pieces, like a comfy armchair from your grandparents house, or a funky lamp found online.
- Artwork
You can really add some personality and colour to a room with artwork. Why not create a photo wall with your own work or find one big print to make a statement.
You don’t need to spend a fortune – lots of local artists show their work at markets. Maybe you can invest in a future name while adding a talking point to your house?
Rather than using nails to hang pictures, try command strips which don’t leave a mark.
- Accessorize
A patterned throw or hanging lamp changes the way a space looks with just one item. The trick is to choose a few pieces rather than clutter the whole house.
If you don’t like the carpet, get a big rug to cover it. Check out eBay and Gumtree, or even a local car boot sale to see what you can find.
Mirrors are another popular way to jazz up a room. You can find wonderful second-hand and vintage mirrors in charity shops, and they work in hallways, bedrooms and living rooms.
- Plants
Portable, living and varied, plants add so much to a living space. You can try growing your own herbs or simply add some cacti if you need something easy.
Rubber plants and succulents are easy to keep and inexpensive. Snake plants are more distinctive, or you could add your own herb garden to the kitchen or balcony.
Ask the landlord
Before you make any changes to the rental house or flat, you should ask your landlord. At the very least, review your tenancy agreement fully to make sure that it is allowed.
A rug or lamp shouldn’t be a problem, and most landlords will be pleased you’re making the place more attractive. It’s easier if they have long term tenants that respect the place.
Finishing touches
Adding your own items to a rental place makes it feel like your home. When you make it feel more like your space, it will be more comfortable and inviting.
Don’t be content to live in a drab flat with white walls and grey furniture. Make your space somewhere that feels great to live, work and entertain with a few simple flourishes.
