Whether you’re planning to stay in your rented property for a relatively short time or you are a longer term letter who’s desperate to put a stamp on their surroundings, rules and regulations surrounding decoration of rented properties can be incredibly frustrating. In order to protect their investment and minimise work between lets, many landlords make specific stipulations about what you can and cannot do to make your home feel like your own. With this in mind, today on the ParrotPrint blog we’re sharing some workarounds that will let you put some of your personality into your surroundings.

Plants
Make the right plant selections and you can add colour, shape and texture to your space fairly inexpensively all year round. Think beyond the small potted plant sitting on a windowsill and branch into large pots that sit in corners of the room as features. If you’re far from green-fingered, take a look at the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to houseplants. Cut flowers can also help to quickly update rooms and will allow you to change colour themes from season to season, take a look at our introduction to flower arranging to get started.

Lighting
The lighting set up in a room really helps to set the tone so think about what you can do to help create the right ambience for you. While it’s not always possible to swap out light fittings you may want to ask your landlord if they will permit it providing you get a professional to fit it and replace their fitting before you leave. If that’s not possible even switching shades and bulbs can make a difference and you could consider adding floor and table lamps to switch things up a bit.

Artwork
Many a renter has lamented regulations on hanging artwork. Unfortunately some landlords have rather strict rules about making holes in the wall with nails, which may have you thinking that artwork is a complete no go. However, there are a few clever ways you can get around the no nails rule. Firstly, think about using any shelves and mantelpieces as display shelves for paintings and prints.

Again, consider talking to your landlord to see if they are happy for you to hang a few pieces here and there providing you fill and paint over any holes. If agreed, this could allow you to hang large statement landscape or triptych canvas prints that will add interest in rooms where you aren’t allowed to paint. Another good tip is to purchase extra large canvas prints that can be leaned against walls, either from floor height or on decorated freestanding boxes and platforms.

Colour accents
It’s easy to feel like you’re living inside a magnolia mountain when you’re not allowed to paint or paper your walls but there are other ways to inject some colour and introduce a colour theme and continuity.
If you can’t swap out your blinds, could you cover them up with curtains or a fabric hanging? Can you introduce other colour accents such as your own cushions, beanbags, vases and rugs. Even if your floor is carpeted, putting down a rug could help introduce a flash of colour and may even put you on better terms with the neighbours if you live in an upper floor flat by helping to muffle noise.
Cleverly hung bunting is another way to introduce colour and texture quickly. Instead of pinning, try taping in corners with removable non-mark tape and think about using fabrics in different textures such as silks and sequins to bring the room alive.

Do you live in a rental property? Are you frustrated by decorating regulations or have you found your own way to make your mark without upsetting your landlord? We’d love to hear your tips.