Liven up the walls with artwork

Removable, self-adhesive hooks to hang your favourite photos or artwork isa great way to get around putting holesin the walls, and it keepsyour landlord happy.However, make sure you check the weight they can hold, as it does vary.

If you can’t hang anything on the walls, consider decorating from the floor up.A large mirror works well leaning against the wall, as do large canvas prints.Another unique way to display artwork and add intrigue to your rental space is by using an old ladder adorned with colourful scarves, bags and rugs –looks great and provides another handy storage solution!

Personalise the flooring

If your rental’s flooring is not to your tastes and your landlord isn’t keen to replace it, a good way to improve the look is to add a large neutral rug to cover the space and then add some colour and texture with layered rugs on top.Arunner in a hallway can change the whole feel of an entryway and isrelatively inexpensive.Some other temporary floor optionsfor rentersinclude:

• Peel and stick carpet tiles

• Vinyl sheets/rolls (these come in wood-look, stone-look, ceramic-look and decorative sheets so you can have a cost-effective, renter-friendly floor solution in no time at all!)

• Waterproof vinyl planks.These can be laid over carpet regardless of the pile height.Simply snap and lock together.

• Laminate planks

• Foam tiles.These are a great solution for highly-trafficked wooden floors and can also be laid over the carpet or hard surface floors to add extra padding in a workout room/home gym or yoga studio

• Composite decking.You might have an outdoor patio space that hasseen better days.This temporary outdoor flooring option is great for refreshing an outdoor space whether it’s a patio, deck or balcony

Add a vignette

Awhat?!I hear you say.Avignette is a grouping of objects.It is usually made up of homewares such as a vase or bowl, some flowersand other natural elements, mementos and arts& crafts.They help to add personality to a space and bring it to life.So find your favourite things that you have collected over the yearsand group them together to create a little display.These work well in the living room, on a dining table, in a bathroom and in your bedroom.

Some tipsfor creating a vignette:

• Create a theme.If you live in a beachy area, for example, create a little beachy display on your shelf or mantlepiece with objectssuch assea shells, bottles filled with sand and beachy-themed figurines.

• Build your vignette around a light source such ason a windowsill or beneath a lamp.Otherwise, you won’t be able to see your display clearly.

• Use colour and different heights for a temporary art display.For example, a bright orange vase grouped with a stack of old books and a potted plant.

• Place your vignette in a display tray and use it asa table centrepiece.

Upgrade the light fixtures

Rentals often come with some very regular lighting!And while it is probably not practical to change all the light fittings, spending some time and money upgrading those light fixtures in high-traffic rooms can make a big difference.If you have bare bulbs or ugly pendants, an easy way to refresh these is to replace the shades.Don’t throw anything away, asupon leaving, you might be asked to “make good” and restore the property back to the same condition aswhen you moved in.

Table lamps positioned in a hall or on a side table can create a homely feel and add some character and personality to your space.Large floor lamps can also make a statement while adding sufficient lighting to a dark space.You might even opt for a bold lampshade that ties into the colour of artwork in the room.In bedrooms or outdoor patio areas, hanging string lights or fairy lights is another effective lighting solution that beautifiesa room on a budget.

A word or warning

Before you go crazy with home improvements, remember that a standard tenancy agreement usually preventsany renovations, alterations or additions to the premises without the landlord'swritten consent.If you are wanting to do something drastic like paint a wall or change the flooring, make sure to contact your property manager to find out what your options are here before you do anything.