STYLING A RENTED PROPERTY

Styling a rented property

There is a great framework in place to ensure tenants feel at home in their rented property but allowances stop short in respect of one element – decorating. Many tenancy agreements stipulate that renters can’t make physical changes to the property, which rules out painting, wallpapering and even as much as using Blu Tack on the walls.

It’s highly likely that renters will move into an homage to magnolia – neutral, but oh so bland. If tenants really want to personalise the property by applying their own shade of paint, they can approach the landlord for permission to redecorate.

If agreed, concessions may come in the form of the landlord stipulating the paint brand or colour used, or even insisting the tenant pay for a professional decorator to undertake the work. More liberal landlords may merely request the property’s walls are repainted in the original colour at the end of the tenancy.

If a lick of paint is off the menu, all is not lost. The manufacturer Command™ has an amazing range of self-adhesive strips and hooks that are damage free, and can be removed cleanly without leaving holes, marks or sticky residue. Use the products to hang pictures, create wall-mounted photo galleries and support strings of fairy lights.

Even if you can’t pep up wishy-washy walls with something more uplifting, there are other ways to style a rented property and create a luxury interior design. Accessories are your best friend and you can upgrade any interior in London by choosing the boldest, brightest items. 

Start with soft furnishings, such as cushions, throws and lampshades. A statement kilim rug, for example, will inject colour into a living room and hide a multitude of sins if the carpet isn’t in tip-top condition. Soft furnishings also have the added bonus of being portable – simply pack them up and take them to your next property. 

Don’t discount the art of ‘propping’ either. Leaning an oversized, decorative mirror against a wall can be very effective, especially if you craft a pretty vignette using a cluster of other objects, such as an antique stool and a decorative lantern. If you have a mantlepiece, propping with a collection of framed photos and artworks is a quick way to add that high end interior design feel.

Finally, lush house plants in vibrant pots instantly add colour and shape. Ensure you include some tall plants for an interesting backdrop - add uplighting and you’ll create a dramatic contrast at night. Houseplant varieties to consider include monstera, banana leaf, snake plant, calathea and fiddle leaf fig.