Make your mark without leaving a mark with these interior ideas

There is little more exciting about having your own space than being able to style it to exactly what you like. Creating that hub which is yours. And whilst the idea of not owning the property might be a put off for some, we’ve found some great ideas that mean you  don’t need to be on the property ladder to get excited about interior styling.

With ‘generation rent’ always being told we won’t be able to afford to buy a house anytime soon, there are still plenty of ways to personalise your long time rented home, whatever your budget and however strict your landlord’s rules are!

Swap the lighting fixtures

Taking down any unsightly light fixtures will instantly make a difference to your space. The ceiling is a great place to add a statement light fitting as it makes use of the height of a room, rather than cramming all your personal touches onto surfaces and walls.

Protect your space!

Before you finish making your space your dream home, ensure it is protected if anything happens as this can be a costly blow if something does happen and you’re not insured. Many in a rented property forget you still need insurance for your contents. It is always important to renew your home insurance before it expires, for more details visit AA Insurance – particularly if you are living in Ireland and the UK. Home Insurance will mean all your important purchases are protected and you can sleep with peace of mind. If you don’t take out home insurance, you could end up having to pay hefty sums to replace things that have been lost or damaged.

Swap knobs on drawers and bulky furniture with colourful ceramic ones for a vintage feel.

(Just make sure to store the originals somewhere safe to put back when you leave!) If you rent a furnished apartment, removing your landlord’s bulky furniture and finding somewhere to store it is not a viable option. However, your own set of nice door knobs can travel with you from place to place, taking up minimal space, but adding instant flair. Don’t be afraid of eclectic mixing and matching.

Create your own removable wall art using wall stickers.

Wall stickers are a DIY interior decorator’s dream. These beautiful wall stickers come in so many designs and you can use them to personalise any blank space. They’re very easy to remove and achieve a clean, effective style of wall art. Why not change the design every couple of months to update your space? It’s much easier than wallpapering!

Invest in a statement rug

Colour is your friend in a bland space, so don’t be afraid to go bold in a way that reflects your style. If you can’t make a statement on your walls, then don’t be afraid to make one on your floor.

Having said that, make sure to hang up some art!

It will transform the space. Although you may not be able to go about knocking holes all over your walls, one teeny tiny one will not be too much trouble to fill when it comes to moving out. Posters and blutack will possibly do more damage and give your home a student feel, so go for a statement framed print. If you’re particularly worried that creating a hole in the wall will put your security deposit at risk, then prop up your framed art on shelves or a mantelpiece.