EVERYONE enjoys making their home their own – but what if you don’t own the property?
One in five of us lives in a private rental, although leases often include strict rules about decoration.
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But former Changing Rooms interior designer Linda Barker says it is perfectly possible to put your own stamp on a rented home, and at minimal cost.
The woman behind interiors range Linda Barker Home at Terrys Fabrics says: “When I’ve rented in the past, I did lots of clever things to make it more personal and to make me more comfortable.
“It’s hugely important to have your own, beautiful things around you.
“Standard grey, white and magnolia decor in rentals can be so draining.”
Linda shares her expert tips with ALEX LLOYD on how to give your rental a new lease of life.
Embrace vinyl revival
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ONCE considered old-fashioned, vinyl flooring has had a modern makeover and can instantly give a shabby bathroom or kitchen floor an upgrade at minimal cost.
Linda says: “A bit of vinyl goes a long way.
“You can lay it just like a rug in wet areas of the home.
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“Then you can roll it up and take it with you when you go, to use again.
“You can get brilliant vinyls these days that look like encaustic tiles or wood effects.”
Try Mediterranean 573 Bologna vinyl, £19.99 per square metre, Carpetright.
Grow indoor garden
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PLANTS not only add colour and character, but improve air quality and reduce stress.
Linda says: “For big impact, group them together en masse.
“Think about fake plants as well.
“Sometimes I incorporate them with real ones, especially for dark corners.
“If you have existing hooks in the ceiling, hang a macrame holder, and opt for bold-coloured and patterned pots.”
You can turn old crockery and cans into pots.
Check out Habitat Boho small faux face plant, £6, Argos.
Buy once and buy long
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HANGING a fresh pair of curtains is simpler than you think and can be a good, long-term investment.
Linda says: “It’s about buying carefully, with longevity in mind.
“Curtains are easy to change and move but always look for a longer length so you can take them to the next house and they will fit.
“I don’t mind the fabric puddling up on the floor.
“But if you want a cleaner look, pin the hem or use wonder web.”
We like Fusion Tropical Fusion eyelet curtains, £20, Matalan.
Ditch the nets
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GRUBBY net curtains feel very outdated and can make rooms dark.
Linda suggests taking them down and installing a sheet of window film, which comes in a variety of styles and can be peeled off.
She says: “It’s easy to use and looks like frosted glass or an arty lace pattern.
“That can be really good if you are overlooked.
“It can be nicer than having to draw curtains, which blocks out light.”
Try geometric pattern decorative window film, £3 per sheet, Shein.
Get a handle on it
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CHANGING the handles on fitted kitchens and wardrobes can elevate the functional to a style statement, and go with you to your next home.
Linda says: “I rented for a year between houses and the handles drove me mad – they are something you are touching every day.
“I changed them but I thought carefully about the ones I replaced them with, so I didn’t have to re-drill the holes.
“I put on beautiful glass ones, which I still have to this day.”
Try Probrico gold T-bar Door knobs, £14.99 for 20, Amazon.
Tweak the tiles
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TIRED kitchen and bathroom tiles might seem like an impossible fix, but there is a booming market for stickers to give them a cheap makeover.
Linda says: “Tile decals are really good.
“Just be sure you’ll be able to take them off.
“The patterns are very on-trend and emulate some very expensive tiles.
“You just have to prep your surface really well.
“But they go on easily, providing it’s a normal surface.”
We like D-C Fix vintage design self-adhesive wall tiles, £18 for a pack of six, Wilko.
Go crazy for colour
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SOFT furnishings are the easiest way for renters to make a change.
Linda says: “Inject colour and pattern into the bedroom and the living room, with duvet covers, pillowcases and cushions.
“Choose things you adore rather than play it safe with neutrals. That way you will enjoy it for years to come. It also adds a sense of luxury.”
Towels can add personality to a bathroom – yellow, turquoise and patterned are on trend.
Check out Furn Mazari mustard double duvet Set, £26, Dunelm.
Upfront with wreaths
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THE front door is the gateway to your home and accessories are key to a grand entrance.
Linda says: “I’ve noticed lots of people using wreaths throughout the year. They are not just for Christmas. You can buy seasonal ones or invest in one to keep up permanently.
“Make sure you can hang it easily or buy a hook that goes over the top of the door to avoid damage. Add a simple door mat and finish with groups of pots with flowering plants.”
Check out Living And Home green eucalyptus artificial wreath, £14, B&Q.
