Rental living doesn’t mean you should compromise your style. You deserve a cozy and relaxing place to live. However, many people are stymied by rentals because they don’t own the property and likely won’t live there over the long-term. However, touring the right location could well inspire you.
With a few smart decorating ideas, you can transform a temporary abode into a place that truly feels like home. Try these 5 tips to turn your townhouse into something that feels like home.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to personalize your rental home is with removable wallpaper or decals. Temporary wall coverings come in a wide range of patterns and designs, allowing you to add a pop of color or a touch of elegance wherever you like. Some walls will remain white, but others can be decorated without damaging the house itself.
While this is a great solution for renters, it’s also a good idea for kids. Yes, your kid wants to have the perfect room, but you can only do so much. Removable decals and wallpaper help you customize without compromising the unit and potentially losing your security deposit.
Introducing textiles to the space can instantly make it feel cozier and more welcoming. Townhomes are, by their very nature, more welcoming because they’re set up like traditional houses and not “flat” apartment. Even so, you want a few extra touches that will make a big difference.
Consider layering rugs to add warmth and texture to the floors (which also protects that very same flooring.) Go with throw blankets and cushions for your sofas and chairs, protecting the furniture, adding style, and allowing the family to bundle up in the winter. Plus, guests automatically gravitate to pillows and blankets.
Hang curtains or drapes to soften the look of your windows and added privacy. Don’t want to go too crazy with window coverings? Paper shades work really well, and they generally stand the test of time.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the ambiance of any space, and since you don’t have control over the fixtures in your rental townhome, you should get creative with alternative lighting options. Invest in floor and table lamps that you can set up anywhere you like. String lights can be hung to create a magical atmosphere. You can hang wall sconces with LED lights, or you might even change the bulbs in some of the existing fixtures to get the soft or bright light you need.
Additionally, using dimmer switches or smart bulbs helps you adjust the brightness and color of the light, enhancing the mood of the space. While this is great for hosting, it’s also helpful for those who get migraines easily, those who read quite often, or families that enjoy bringing the lights down for movie night.
Fill your townhouse with art and photographs that inspire and uplift the family. You might feel like you cannot install art, but remember, push pins are much easier on the walls, and you can easily plug those holes when you move out.
If you wish to hang larger art pieces, reach out to a handyman who can properly hang those items and reduce the impact that your art has on the walls (because again, you want to get your security deposit back.)
Bringing the outside insides will instantly breathe life into your rental. You can add potted plants and fresh flowers around the space, and they can even be changed seasonally.
Say you don’t have a green thumb—consider low-maintenance plants like succulents or faux plants that require no upkeep at all. Some people also prefer seashells, woven baskets, wooden accents, and more. Whatever you can do to add a touch of nature to the space is a good thing.
With these few simple tips, you can do more than move into a rental near Philadelphia or that townhouse near Atlantic City—you can come home. Tour a townhome at The Retreat @ 385 and see what Williamstown and, in fact, all of South Jersey has to offer.