Moving home once a year is standard practice for renters in the UK and your new rental property can sometimes feel impersonal. So how do we make a space feel like our own? How can we turn this blank canvas into the base and sanctuary we all need? Here at BAM Store + Space we’ve drawn on our years of collective renting experience to bring you some hints and suggestions for making your house a home.
1. Start with the walls
So often rental properties are painted in a soul destroying cream, so hanging up artwork and photographs is often the quickest way to make your space feel more personal. Got a pesky no nails policy in your tenancy agreement? No problem. With the help of some handy Command hooks that are easy to remove when you move out (we use these all the time in the shop), you can easily brighten your walls and add your own personality to your rooms. So avoid death-by-magnolia and bring your space to life!
2. Get cosy with textiles
Investing in cosy textiles like blankets, rugs and cushions can help to soften a room and make it feel more inviting. Choose the colours and textures that make you feel comfortable. Remember that bright colours and patterns will help to balance out the white walls. And of course, a cosy blanket is a must have for snuggling up on the sofa and can make you feel truly at home.
Our range of blankets and cushions are a hit with our customers and come in a range of colours and patterns.
3. Add Some Greenery
Adding plants and flowers to your home is a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Not only do plants look great, but they also purify the air and can help you feel more relaxed. Planters, pot screens and vases to display your plants are also a great way to add your own style to your rooms. Again, using command hooks means you can also enjoy hanging plant shelves and macrame hangers to add different levels to your space.
Our range of planters and vases will instantly add colour and texture to your rooms.
4. Level Up Your Tableware
We spend a lot of time in our kitchens cooking, sharing meals or just popping the kettle on. Whether it’s with your family members or house mates, sitting down together to eat or drink gives us the opportunity to catch up, share stories, and strengthen relationships. To make the most of these moments in your rented home, think about adding colourful tableware or mugs. Not only will these add a pop of colour to your kitchen and dining spaces but they’ll bring a smile to your face every time you use them.
Our customers are going bananas (or should that be lemons?) for this gorgeous lemon jug as well as our other fun and playful mugs and tableware.
5. Make It Smell Like Home
It can take a long time for your house or flat to smell like home. Lingering smells from previous tenants can make your new space feel alien and leave you feeling out of place. Burning scented candles or incense can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. And of course, choosing scents that evoke memories will supercharge that cosy feeling. BAM Store + Space owner Fran often lights up a St Eval Wild Gorse Candle whenever she needs a lift as it takes her straight back to the Cornish lanes where her parents live. Obviously it’s always important to stay safe when burning candles and incense, but they are a great way to quickly conjure up a sense of home.
We have a wonderful range of candles and incense from PF Candle Company, St Eval Candles and Keynvor Candles.
6. Don’t Forget About Storage!
Clutter can quickly make your rented home feel chaotic and unwelcoming. Adding some storage solutions like baskets and shelves can help you keep everything organised and tidy. Plus, these storage items can also add a decorative touch to your home.
Our Aykasa folding crates come in a range of gorgeous colours and handy sizes, perfect for sorting your life out!
Decorating a rental property can seem daunting, especially when you're working with a small budget. But remember that adding little pops of colour and focal points can make a real difference without breaking the bank. Colourful blankets, cosy cushions, eye-catching art prints, comforting mugs, stylish crates and textural planters can all add that extra personality we need to make a house a home.
If you ever need suggestions or recommendations for your own home, we’re here to help! Just get in touch and we’ll help you transform your space.