From House to Home

One of the easiest ways to add character to any home is by decorating the walls. Since painting the walls in a rental property is often not allowed (or requires special permission), focus on removable wall decor options that allow you to make a statement without leaving a permanent mark. Such as:

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Available in an array of patterns and colours, peel-and-stick wallpaper is an excellent way to inject personality into your walls. You can use it to create an accent wall or cover an entire room.
• Framed prints and art: Personalise your space with artwork that speaks to you — like this eclectic collection. Framing your favourite posters, photographs or prints creates a curated look that makes any room feel more like home.
• Wall decals and stickers: Another great temporary option for renters, wall decals come in various shapes and designs — from geometric patterns to floral motifs. They're easy to apply and remove without damaging the walls and are a great way of adding oomph to a child’s room.

Furniture is a key element of home decor, but renters often face restrictions in terms of customising larger pieces. However, you can still infuse personality into your space with colour through furniture covers and soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and rugs.

• Furniture covers: If your rental property comes with outdated or unappealing furniture, use slipcovers to instantly update sofas and chairs. They’re available in a wide range of colours and fabrics to suit your style — such as this example in candyfloss pink.
• Throws and cushions: Adding throws, pillows and blankets to your couch or bed can change the entire mood of a room. Use them to incorporate bold colours, patterns and textures.
• Rugs: A large area rug is another great way to add colour and warmth to a space, especially in rental homes with neutral or cold flooring like tile or hardwood. Best of all there are a number of options for renting area rugs if you don’t own or want to buy one of your own.

Renters often shy away from permanent renovations, but there are many DIY home decor projects that can transform a space without causing any long-term changes. These projects let you add a personal touch while keeping things temporary and non-invasive and are an ideal way of getting children to personalise their own spaces to make it feel even more like home.

• Upcycled furniture: Revamp old or mismatched furniture by giving it a fresh coat of paint or reupholstering it with a fabric that complements your home’s decor. Even small pieces like side tables or storage units can be transformed with a little effort.
• Custom lighting: Add personality to your space by creating your own lighting solutions — such as these light boxes. For example, try DIY pendant lights, or add string lights and fairy lights to create a cosy, whimsical atmosphere.
• Wall-mounted shelves: Install floating shelves to display your favourite books, plants, or decor items. These are simple to put up (using removable brackets or adhesive hooks) and they add both style and function.

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to add personality and character to any room is by bringing in some greenery — as evidenced in this modernist home. Plants add life to a space, improve air quality and give your home a fresh, organic feel.

• Easy-to-care-for plants: If you’re not a green thumb, don’t worry! There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that thrive in almost any environment, such as snake plants, pothos and succulents.
• Creative planters: Personalise your plant display by using unique or DIY planters. From hand-painted mason jars — again, another project for the kids to undertake — to colourful baskets, the right planters can help bring your home decor ideas for renters to life.

Effective storage solutions not only help keep your space organised but can also serve as decorative features in your home. Look for storage pieces that align with your personal style, whether they’re sleek and modern or vintage and rustic.

• Vintage crates or boxes: Stack vintage crates or storage boxes for a stylish, functional storage option that doubles as decor.
• Decorative baskets: Use woven or fabric baskets to store anything from blankets to magazines, adding texture and warmth to your space.
• Open shelving: For a more modern look, consider open shelving to display your favourite items like books, plants or decorative objects.

If you’re looking to make a statement, temporary wallpaper and wall murals are great options. With an endless variety of designs — such as this bold floral design — you can completely transform a room's atmosphere without committing to a permanent change.

These easy-to-remove options offer the visual impact of paint or permanent wallpaper, but can be peeled off when you move out, ensuring you get your bond back.