Living in a rented apartment can be totally beneficial for many people over the idea of owning a home. For some it can be a temporary thing while they save to buy a place of their own, and for others it’s a permanent solution for when buying just doesn’t suit their lifestyle. Whatever your situation is doesn’t really matter; what matters is that your rented apartment feels like home. It can be tough to make your rented apartment feel like home, as sometimes, there are rules and regulations in place that stop you from doing things that you could do to a building that actually belonged to you.
In this guide, you’ll find some great advice for making your rented apartment feel like home. Enjoy!
Talk To Your Landlord
The first thing you need to do is talk to your landlord about any changes you want to make. Of course it helps if you have a nice landlord, but each landlord will have their own reasons for not wanting a tenant to do something to the apartment they are living in. Different landlords will allow different things, so it’s essential to speak with them in person to get an idea of what they will actually allow and are comfortable with. You may have something that you are not allowed to do according to your contract, only to find that if you speak to your landlord, they will be happy for you to make a change. It will help if you have a list of things that you’d like to do to the apartment. If you go behind your landlords back, don’t be surprised if you have to change everything back when you move out, or if you lose your deposit. If you actually speak with your landlord and get a good idea of what you can and can’t do, they might even agree to pay for things like paint if you agree to do the painting. This way, everybody wins!
Get Things In Writing
It could be a good idea to get what your landlord has told you you are allowed to do in writing so that there are no disagreements when you move out of the apartment. This stops there from being any crossed wires either, so that everybody is on the same page and you can make changes with confidence. This is the only real way to protect yourself in the long run, so make sure you do it!
Accessories Are Everything
Because you probably won’t be able to make any big or permanent changes to the apartment, you need to start investing in accessories. Buying the right accessories can help you to make the most of evn an industrial style space. All you need to do is buy cozy accessories to contrast with the cold feeling of the industrial walls, and you’ll have a really trendy living space! Make sure you buy things you can take with you easily if you go, and remember that sometimes buying one larger accessory can be far more impactful than buying a lot of smaller accessories, which also tend to clutter spaces up.
Use Smart Storage
Apartments don’t always have a ton of space, so look at smart storage so you can keep it clean and tidy and looking great. Can you find storage that doubles up, such as an ottoman with space inside? Can you keep floor space free by investing in hanging/wall mounted storage space in the bathroom? You can even buy beds these days with room underneath them to keep things, so you don’t have to feel like your apartment is being taken over by all of your stuff.
Fake Architectural Detail
Your apartment may lack definition without moldings and trim, but that doesn’t mean that all is lost. You can easily find ways to fake it! If you’re permitted to changing the wall color, you could make changes with paint that help to trick the eye. Real architectural detail can be created by professional companies – you can see more at schemel-tarrillion.com. However, it will usually be up to your landlord to make that decision. You can fake a lot of things in a rented apartment, so don’t worry about not being able to achieve the look that you want!
Find Ways To Incorporate Pattern And Color
If your apartment is pretty much neutral and you need to find ways to incorporate pattern and color without upsetting the landlord, you do have lots of options. You could add colorful shower curtains in the bathroom, lots of patterned and vibrant cushions, rugs, and you could even wallpaper a large piece of cardboard and prop it up against a wall to give the feel of a wallpapered room without actually going the whole hog! You don’t have to live in a boring space just because it’s rented.
Create A DIY Photo Board
You want people to know that you live in this apartment, and it should feel like home every time you return. Creating a DIY photo board full of all of your favorite people and memories will make you smile. You can make it as big as you like and even use it to decorate a feature wall within the apartment. Source
Know How To Create An Atmosphere
Make sure you can create the type of atmosphere you have your heart set on in your apartment. Dimmer switches, lamps, and plenty of cozy materials and textiles will help you to come home and relax after a long day. It makes it better if these accessories are paired with unfinished brickwork, as it’s a very modern look that checks all the right style boxes right now.
Use Plenty Of Plants
Plants are a must. Scientists say that they make us happier, they purify the air, and they add texture and vibrancy. Just make sure you choose plants that you’re confident maintaining, as you don’t want them to all die within a week. It could be better if you purchase fake plants instead!
How will you make your apartment feel like home?