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Home is where the heart is. This is a phrase that gets overused and underappreciated.
Just because you pay rent for a place doesn’t make it feel like home. It doesn’t automatically make it feel comfortable and safe.
A home should be an extension of your personality. It should be a place you feel free to be yourself.
Making Plans
When customizing your rental space, it is important to take it slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself with big projects. Always review your lease before making any big changes like painting or hanging permanent fixtures.
If your landlord refuses to allow you to paint, find other ways to make your apartment feel like your own. Different personalities approach decorating differently.
Some people are satisfied with a couple of unique throw pillows while others need more extensive marking of their territory to feel at home. Know yourself before embarking on any new projects. Consider these questions:
- What makes a room feel cozy to you?
- What is your favorite room or nook in your new apartment?
- How much are you willing to spending on customization?
- Do you DIY projects bring you joy or fill you with a sense of pride?
- What areas of your apartment need the most attention?
Finishing Projects
Depending on how long you plan to stay, start out with small projects and easy to remove decorations.
If you plan on staying for several years, your landlord might allow you to paint. You might want to start your project right with a visit to Superior.
This is a big project that you may not want to undertake. Hanging photos and laying rugs might be a nice compromise. Here are a few ideas of ways to make your space feel truer to you.
Unpack
There is nothing that feels less permanent than having boxes all over your apartment. Unpack. Find a place for all of your things. This goes beyond being neat. Having a place to hang your coat and a dish for your keys makes your rental feel more like your own.
Simple upgrades
You would be surprised what curtains, lighting and carpets can do to a room. Find patterns that suit you.
These simple upgrades are a great way to add some flare to your new home. Buy some fun throw pillows and a blanket for the back of the couch.
These additions add color and make you feel cozy when you are snuggled up on the couch reading a book or watching a movie. You can even change out light fixtures for fairly cheap.
Decorate
Buy some succulents. Hang some paintings. Adding personal touches is what really makes a space feel like you. Plants are a great way to boost your spirit and add a homey feel.
Indoor greenery has been shown to improve your mood and cut down on depression. Put photos of your favorite people on the mantle or hang pictures from your wild adventures on the wall.
Infuse your home with things from your life. When you open the door, you should recognize your apartment as your own.
Your rental apartment should be a place you want to be. When you get home from work, you should be able to relax.
No matter how long you plan to stay, take the time to unpack your things. Find a place for everything. Decorate, even on a small scale.
Photos of family and friends remind you of the people you love and love you back. Buy some low maintenance plants. Living green things make you feel good.
Buy some fun shower curtains and leave your favorite blanket on the couch. These simple additions go a long way to making a house feel like a home.