At Girlings we’re certainly seeing a rise in demand for properties in popular retirement developments. But how can you make a rental property feel more like home?
According to Hampton’s International ‘silver renters’ are becoming a larger part of the rental market and across Britain, people above the age of 50 make up 15% of rented households, which is up from 11% in 2012. There are many benefits to renting in later life that more people are discovering.
Freeing up capital in your home, no longer having to worry about upkeep and maintenance and always knowing where you are budget wise, are just a few that are making renting an attractive option.
But for many that have always owned a home it can be a big change. Not least because many have moved to a smaller property, plus there are rules to what you can and can’t do with a rented property decoration wise.
Putting your own stamp on your rental home and making it feel like home is the first step to settling in. Most rental properties come as an empty shell so there is so much scope for making it your own! So, whether you are a newbie renters or just still haven’t put your mark on your home yet, we’ve put together some tips for making your rental home your own.
- Decorate your walls with family pictures
You can buy damage free picture hooks or hanging strips that are perfect for rental properties where you want to limit damage to walls. Adding some family pictures is a great way to personalise your home. Alternatively add some artwork or paintings, either new or some from your previous home. However, do check with the landlord or your tenancy agreement to ensure you can stick, paste or put up frames with nails on the wall.
2. Scent your rooms
The smell of a home is often what is unique and is what makes your home yours. Use scented candles or choose your favourite plug in or automatic air fresheners. Perfumed reed diffusers are very popular too and look pretty displayed in a room. Think about each room and have matching scents to keep your home smelling sweet and fresh.
3. Change curtains and blinds
If you don’t like the window coverings in your new home these are usually pretty straight forward to change. Buying new blinds or curtains can instantly change the look of a room and make it feel like your home. (Remember to ask permission if you need to add new fixings and store the original window coverings somewhere safe as these should be put back up if you decide to move out.)
4. Add some stylish storage or furniture
Why not add some interesting storage options? Shelving, boxes and baskets could be added to rooms. Or if you have a lot of ornaments or books why not add a sideboard or book case to display these on. You can buy clever furniture with hidden storage like footstools or tables and chairs that fit inside each other. If its just about style a statement armchair or new coffee table can add character and really lift a room.
5. Accessorise your home
One of the easiest and quickest ways to transform a home is to add your own personal accessories. Throws for the bed and sofa, a funky living room rug or a bathroom mat, new cushions, family photos and a few pot plants can make a world of difference and bring a personal touch to your home.
Flowers can brighten up your living room and bring a smile to your face. Look how happy one of our customers Mr. Bill Pender looks in his apartment in Brampton, Cumbria, where he has been living for the past 20 years!
6, Get a new shower curtain
There are some really fun and bright shower curtains available so changing this can instantly refresh your bathroom. It could be the start of a theme too, adding towels and a bath mats to match.
7. Mix it up in the kitchen
The kitchen is one place where there are usually a lot of accessories such as kettle, toaster, coffee maker, scales, utensil holder and paper towel holder, as well as jars for your tea, coffee, biscuits and pasta. Why not colour coordinate or choose a theme such as a chrome or copper? Match in your tea towels and hey presto you’ve changed the look of your whole kitchen.
These are just a few ideas to get you going. Rather than doing it all at once why not plan each room at a time and think about what will and won’t work. Soon you could give your new home a complete makeover without needing to pick up a paintbrush!
Disclaimer: Remember to check your rental agreement first to find out what is and isn’t allowed before going ahead with any of these ideas. At Girlings, we encourage our tenants to get written permission from the landlord to carry out painting/ decorating or new flooring in your home. Also, seek approval if you wish to put up shelves, curtain poles etc.
