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decorating ideas

Rental apartments come with certain perks – you don’t have to worry about repairs or any complications that come with homeownership. At the same time though, you also have limitations on how much you can decorate and change about your home. 

If you don’t like the wallpaper in your home or need to make some structural changes, your hands are basically tied unless your landlord allows you to do it. In most cases though, that is not the case. 

UMoveFree helps you find apartments for rent that might fit your needs, but it’s hard to find a place where the owner will let you modify and decorate as much as you wish. When working with limited recourses when it comes to interior decor, here are some things you can do. 

Indoor Plants 

There’s nothing quite like using indoor plants to liven up a drab and dull apartment. Not only are certain indoor plants known for purifying the air and making the atmosphere better, but simply having plants and flowers around can improve your mood and make your rental smell better. 

Things like large potted plants can be great for corners, and you can even install hanging plants from the ceiling. At the same time, you might want to hang some plant-based art on the walls or place flower pots on open shelves. You can also place fresh and dried flower arrangements in vases around the house. 

Textures and Fabrics 

Photo by Jean van der Meulen: Pexels

One thing you shouldn’t do is underestimate the importance of fabrics and textures in your home decor. The right rug, tablecloth, or curtain can really transform a space, and there’s nothing stopping you from getting anything like this according to your choice in your rental apartment. 

If you want your home to have a more colorful and vibrant atmosphere, think about getting cushion covers, tablecloths, and curtains that fit the intended theme. When getting patterns, make sure to vary the size of the patterns rather than the style – they will all blend together in the room no matter what style they are if that’s the case. 

At the same time, natural textures like cotton and layering different kinds can help you add some depth and openness to the space without making the space too loud or colorful. 

If your home is small and space is limited, avoid covering the floor with rugs or carpets. 

Removable Wallpaper

One of the best ways to work around not having the wall colors or patterns you desire is to use removable wallpaper to decorate your space. This way, you won’t be making any major changes to your space that your landlord would object to all while getting yourself the interior you always wanted. 

If this would be your first time getting removable wallpaper, make sure to get more than you think you’ll need. You should also avoid getting any patterns that are too delicate and wouldn’t be easy to align. The pattern should also be something that doesn’t let small air bubbles be too obvious on it.  

Living Coral has been pronounced the color of the year by the Pantone Color Institute, and it’s been described as “animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.” However, despite its popularity, its uniqueness can sometimes make it a bit difficult to incorporate in the home décor. With that in mind, here are a few tips that should help you freshen up your interior by making this color a part of it.

coral wall

Paint the walls

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when remodeling is painting the walls. Of course, you can paint the whole room in this color, or you can choose just a single wall and turn it into a focal point. Either way, this shade would make any room look fresh and youthful, which would leave a great first impression on your guests when they come for a visit. Living Coral is also a color that is easily matched with other colors and patterns, so don’t hesitate to spice things up a bit with wall decals, wallpapers, or some other wall decorations.

coral rug

Add some textiles

Throws, pillows, curtains, carpets, and other textiles are all things that bring your home to life and make it cozier. Curtains in this color, for example, would emphasize the natural light coming through them, while carpets and mats would make the whole area seem brighter. Plus, such a carpet would go great with any type of flooring, regardless of whether we are talking about wood, tiles, or something else. The only downfall is that it can get dirty rather easily, so if you choose to add it to your living room, opt for materials that can withstand high traffic, like wool or cotton. Anyway, it’s a great way to add some character to your home, no matter which interior style you prefer.

coral lamp

Small decorations matter

This might be the safest way to incorporate Living Coral, especially if you don’t want to overwhelm the space with it. After all, small things can often make a big difference. So, get some subtler accessories, like planters, picture frames, or mirror frames, and paint them in this color. You can also combine Living Coral with white, as they look great together. Living Coral also goes well with stone-like textures, so it should look great on your fireplace or kitchen counters. Or, if you’ve chosen your accent wall, you can draw even more attention to it with the mentioned frames.

coral sofa

Pick your furniture

Now, this might seem like a bold move, but it can also be just the thing you need to upgrade the look of your home. For instance, a nice sofa in this color would look amazing on a white carpet. Just keep in mind that such a sofa can be a bit more difficult to maintain, so it might not be the best choice if you have furry pets. You can opt for a smaller piece of furniture instead, like a stylish armchair. Regardless of what you pick, rest assured that it would take the whole appearance of your interior to the next level.

If you are into fashion and you want your home to be up to date, introducing this color into your home décor might be just the thing it needs to look as good as new. It would brighten it up, and add some character to it. Plus, being surrounded by this unique color it would make you feel much more energetic and comfortable. So, consider the listed tips, apply them to your home, and it’s bound to look better than ever before.

Decorating your live-in place to vibe the sentiment, history, culture and a period you feel most connected to is one of the best ways to approach your home design. If you’ve recently been to Morocco, you’ve probably fallen in love with every moment of it. The freedom of mind, letting go of perfection ideals, playing with everything surrounding you and enjoying the product of your experimentation is what Moroccan style is all about. Now, if you’ve decided to bring a little bit of Morocco into your home, read through the tips below to get the latest designer scoop on what works best for a Moroccan-inspired home:

Statement flamboyant colors and intricate detailing

 

Photo source: Houzz.com

For the best Moroccan vibe, laying out earthly tones as a base for layers of textures, patterns and strong accents that come later is the perfect start. Forget all about balance, matching fabrics and colors when using Morocco as your inspo: this country’s style is about unintentional uniqueness, mixing potentially impossible design elements into a cohesive structure and staying true to your own sentiment. As Moroccan homes are all truly individual, you’ll almost never find two homes that are alike. Along with flamboyant colors, ceiling to floor intricate, alluring detailing is yet another Moroccan feature. Doors, the stairs, floors or cabinets – there’s no limit to where you can find this explosion of detailing and color.

Tiles that tell a story

Photo source: mimarinteriors.com

Nothing about Moroccan styles is about playing it safe, and a true testament to this charming carelessness is the fact both floors and walls are usually covered in tiles with intricate patterns and embellishments. Use an entire area of your home such as the kitchen, lounge or the dining room and build the look around it: dramatic tiles with interesting textures are the perfect way to start your Morocco adventure.

Photo source: Pinterest.com

Rugs with a personality

In Moroccan design, rugs aren’t only used for the floor but as statement wall décor, as well; the patterns are either dramatic or very subtle, and the colors are bold. Certain types of rugs, i.e. particular patterns have a cultural meaning and are used in various local celebrations like weddings and similar. Check out Moroccan history before you choose the patterns for your home.

Moroccan arches for Islamic inspiration

One of the most beautiful, breathtaking features of Moroccan interiors is definitely the Moroccan arch, also known as the horseshoe arch. Known as Moorish arches in some areas, are archetypal of Islamic architecture and are either lobed, rounded or pointed. Built this way, they are giving a very lavish touch to every typical Moroccan house. You could build a few in your home, as a true statement to your Moroccan enchantment.

Photo source: Pinterest.com

Ottomans and cushions

Predominantly an Islamic country, Morocco draws a lot of its cultural and architectural influence from Arabic countries. One of those, for sure, is the obsession with bold ottomans, small couch cushions and large floor cushions that are both decoration and the place to rest your feet. Choose fabrics with raised embroidery to stay on point.

Moroccan Riad as freedom

Interior courtyards, similar to Indian and Arabic yard concepts are an inevitable element in traditional Moroccan design. Although a traditional riad (riad arab. = garden) had a fountain as its centerpiece, modern riads are likely to have indoor ponds, play areas or swimming pools. As Morocco is a country largely inhabited by Muslims, a Riad is a great gathering spot for women, giving them freedom and privacy. If you’ve got enough space in your home, build a Riad for a true Morocco vibe.

Photo source: Pinterest.com

Build your Moroccan-inspired home to remind you of this beautiful, colorful culture with incredibly rich history and tradition. Include fragrances like nutmeg, cinnamon, saffron or other exotic spices as a finishing touch to link the mind to Moroccan bazaars the moment you walk in. Good luck designing!

Feminine bedrooms breathe with an atmosphere of sophistication and each one features unique décor. With their eye for detail and a balanced use of different design elements, women manage to design bedrooms that exude effortless beauty and elegant simplicity. However, don’t be misled into thinking that all feminine bedrooms look the same only because they feature similar elements. On the contrary, women’s bedrooms reflect strong personalities of their proud owners.

woman bed

Bright colour schemes

Lovely combinations of gentle and soft hues and unexpected pops of bold colours elevate the design of women’s bedrooms. Your options when it comes to feminine colour schemes are endless because you can mix and match any and every hue you can think of. Typically, feminine bedrooms feature soft and neutral backdrops that provide plenty of possibilities for experimenting with bold accent details and unique patterns. For a feminine vibe and romantic feel, you can try hues like mint green, light grey, soft pink, pale blue or crisp white. These colours are perfect for creating a unique ambience of tranquillity, serenity and romance worthy of a feminine bedroom. For stylish accent walls or decorative elements, you can use bolder hues, including dark purple, deep coral, dark grey or crimson.

Romantic lighting

Lighting is an essential design element that women use both to emphasise beautiful features of their bedrooms and to add stylish accent details. Among the most popular solutions are simple yet elegant downlights that women use to create a subtle and romantic ambience. Since they can be easily adjusted to give out both bright and gentle light, downlights are a great choice for bedrooms. Moreover, this type of lighting creates an understated look, enabling you to introduce additional fixtures that you can use as accent details. For example, lovely vintage bedside lamps with floral designs can bring romance into your feminine bedroom.

stylish bedroom

Intricate patterns

Patterns are a great way to add character to your bedroom and with plenty of designs available, you can easily create the wow effect. If you want a bedroom that features a particular style, you can use patterns to portray its mesmerising features. For example, ethnic patterns will bring the oriental beauty of the Moroccan style, while florals can capture the romantic flair of the Bohemian design. Of course, you don’t have to pick a specific style in order to bring patterns into your lovely bedroom. There’s a variety of designs you can choose from, including nature-inspired motifs, geometric shapes and even art-deco patterns. Just keep in mind that feminine bedrooms feature gentle rather than straight lines.

pillows

Plush fabrics

Another important feature of feminine bedrooms is cosiness. The best way to create an ambience of comfort and warmth is by adding plush and soft fabrics. For depth and a layered look, you can use several bed covers on top of each other or use several area rugs. Of course, throw pillows are a necessary element for a cosy atmosphere, especially on your comfy bed. In addition, fabrics are a great way to introduce patterns and create a cohesive look in your bedroom. For example, you can use similar patterns for your curtains and bed covers, or match cushions to upholstery fabrics.

bed

Smart storage

With plenty of makeup, piles of clothes and infinite pairs of shoes, storage is a necessity in women’s bedrooms. First and foremost, you need a large wardrobe for all of your stylish clothes. You can maximise the storage space in your closet by introducing additional shelves, baskets and hangers. If your bedroom is small, you should opt for multifunctional furniture with storage compartments that will help you keep your lovely bedroom organised and clean. You can introduce a stylish ottoman with a hidden compartment or choose a bed with drawers at the bottom. A makeup vanity is a great addition to a feminine bedroom. Not only will you have plenty of space for your makeup, but this piece of furniture has a true feminine charm.

Designing a feminine bedroom entails combining different elements and experimenting with patterns, colours and fabrics. Not only will your bedroom have a unique design, but it will also exude elegance and sophistication.

As we leave winter behind, we seek to remove its gloomy cloak and replace it with a more colorful and lightweight mantle that will invite invigorating and refreshing feelings into our homes. Spring cleaning is an old ritual we practice at the beginning of this season, but is removing dust and de-cluttering the living room truly enough to fill our homes with much needed optimism? Not really. Fortunately, there are ways for spring to spring into our interiors, without having to spend too much money or invest too much time. Here are some of them.

A Splash of Color

Painting the walls has always been the easiest way to make a change in your interior design. You would be surprised how something simple as changing the color or refreshing the existing shade can breathe new life into a space. White is always a safe way to go, but you can also “spring up” your walls with pastels like pale pink, serene blue, green, lavender, pale yellow, etc.

Say Hello to “Greenery”

Speaking of colors, we can’t help but mention Pantone’s optimistic color of the year – Greenery. It is a zesty yellowish green that is described by Pantone’s think-tank, as nature’s neutral. A color that symbolizes renewal and spring itself should find its place in your decorating efforts. If you consider it too bright to use on the walls, you can introduce it through accent pieces, such as a green sofa, chair or artwork.

Maximizing the Light

This is the season when the sun shines bright, but not too bright; when it keeps us warm, but not too warm. It seems to be the best time to invite it into our homes, right? Ditching heavy drapes and deciding on sheer curtains (or no curtains whatsoever) is one of the ways to do that. You can use a little trick to maximize the amount of light – place mirrors opposite to light sources (fixtures and windows), so they reflect light and make the space look brighter and bigger.

Go Bold or Go Home

If you were holding back on using bold colors and large patterns this winter, now is the time to let all that outside. Treat your home with boldly-colored area rugs, bed covers and throw pillows. Include some interesting patterns, such as flowers, leaves, woodland animals, fruits (pineapple, anyone?), etc.

Floral Details

Floral is a pattern for itself, when it comes to spring decoration. It brings joy and happiness into our homes, and, if we use it right, an extra dose of stylishness. If you’re not afraid of too feminine a décor, you can introduce floral with a shabby-chic wallpaper, but if you want to tone it down, you can try with simple details, such as patterned cushions or bed-sheets. Adding a welcoming floral-wreath to your front door wouldn’t be a mistake either.

Introduce the Original Greenery

Pantone’s Greenery may be cool, but it will never be as cool as the shade of green that has inspired it. That’s right, we’re talking about the green we see outside, in our parks, forests and gardens. Sounds like a perfect excuse to turn your home into a jungle filled with Ferns, Palm Trees, Aloe Veras, Dracaenas, Philodendrons and other potted plants. Arrange plants of various heights, to create a stronger visual impact.

Breathe-in the Spring

Did you know that our sense of smell can largely impact how we feel and how we perceive visual images? So, if you want your house to look spring-ready, maybe you should make it feel spring-ready as well. Kill two birds with one stone, and induce new scents with a vase filled with aromatic lilac, or add decorative scented candles with floral or citrus fragrances.

Winter is over, so don’t you think it’s time to notify your home about it? Remove heavy-duty fabrics, vanquish deep dark shades, and set the tone for the loveliest season of all.

Designing a nursery or a kids’ room requires all sorts of considerations – from safety issues and coziness to visual interest and trends. And since this is a room for young minds that are yet to grow and explore, it  is also important to be creative and design a space that encourages playfulness and imagination. Here is a short guide that should help you create the dream-like room for your child.

Ditch the “Blue for Boys and Pink for Girls” Approach

Kids Rooms
La Tazzina Blu & The Life Creative Blog

Choosing a color scheme for kids’ room is far more difficult than going with the usual gender stereotypes. The colors must be kid-friendly but also trendy. Follow the guidelines of the leading authority on colors, Pantone, and opt for gentle hues, such as soft terracotta, beige, light grey, pale turquoise and muted olive. While the prevailing colors should be soft, the accent should pop and create a fun contrast.

Materials Make a Huge Difference

Kids Interiors

Inside Out & DigDigs

Materials you use in a nursery will impact not only the aesthetic appeal of the room, but also the wellbeing of your child. Because of this you have to make sure you use natural materials, such as timber, bamboo, cork, wool and organic cotton.

Furniture Style and Layout

Children's Room

Decoration Bebes

Modular furniture pieces will work the best for kids’ room especially when it comes to bed. One furniture piece should always make a strong statement – that can be a vintage crib in the nursery or a boat shaped bed in a small pirate’s room. The furniture should be arranged in a way that leaves space for playing in the center of the room and allows uninterrupted movement.

Organize to Maximize Space and Stylishness

Kids’ rooms are a fertile ground for clutter. Prevent that from happening by having their things perfectly organized. Bins, boxes and repurposed wine crates can serve as toy storage, shelves are perfect for books and figurines, and clothes should be placed in a dresser or (if you’re in luck) a walk-in closet. When arranging clothes, separate according function (special occasion, playtime, sleeping, bathing, etc.).

Add a Something Extra

This “something extra” will depend on the age of the child and other factors. If, for instance, you’re designing a nursery a rocking chair would be that perfect piece that makes the image complete. For toddlers and school kids, that can be a reading nook, an arts and crafts area, shelves with superhero figurines, etc. You can add a quality table if you are interested in homeschooling, so your child can have a good space for learning.
Let there be light

Style Room & Pinterest

Let There Be Light

Sunlight is the healthiest light source for kids, so make sure your little one’s room has access to a large window which is not blocked with heavy drapes (use sheer or no curtains instead). As for the artificial light, kids’ room should include task lights for reading or playing. Also, you should have the option of dimming the lights, for the situations when it is too bright or too dark.

Personalize It

Personalize it

Alice Pearson & Cote Maison

Personalization has two different meanings here. For nursery rooms that is hanging photos of your baby or signs and prints with her name, date of birth, etc. For toddler’s and school kids’ rooms, that means adapting the room to their interests, hobbies and preferences. An adventurist will enjoy naturalistic and animal prints on wallpaper, a little superhero will want a wall adorned with superheroes’ masks, a ballerina will love a bed with canopy resembling her tutu skirt – the possibilities are endless.

This was our short guide on creating the perfect kids’ room, and if you are interested in more décor tips and ideas, you can find tonnes of  inspiration at Kids Interiors.

Feature image source: Damernasvarld.se

Candles can be used as a sensitive home décor items, and they acquire some care and maintenance if you want them to last longer. But, generally, we don’t bother much about candle decor.  Instead, we usually neglect them, and replace them when it’s needed. This should not be the way to treat your candles. They can help you bring a Zen bliss into your home, so you need to consider them as an important part of home decoration. Here are given few tips worth following if you want to add some life to your decorative candles.

Wick Trimming

At some point debris will collect at the top of the wick. This will cause poor and flickering flame, and in some cases even a bad smell.  To prevent this, trim the top of the wick up to 6 millimeters. That will give you a nice and odour free flame.
Candles in Your Home

Avoid Draught

Scientifically, candle flames appear because of the presence of air. If there is not enough air, the flame will either become uneven or it will convert into smoke.  To avoid such problems, consider to find a location with a proper air flow or ventilation. Candles, when lit correctly, will provide lovely ambiance for your home. Also, avoid placing them in the corners because the air flow there is often inappropriate for burning of the wick.

A candle melting

Consider Temperature & Light

You all know the fact that wax (from which candle was made of) is sensitive to temperature and heat of light. With the increase of temperature or increase of light, the candle starts to melt, causing a bad structure. So, try to keep your candles in a slightly cold and calm place. Select a spot where you think the temperature is low enough so it will not affect the candles. Storing your candles at such places will not only protect them from melting, but will also save the color and fragrance of your candles for a long time.

Candle decor

Use Tapers

A whiff of fresh air diverts the flame and makes it appear wobbly and unstable. To make your candlelight in a vertical position only, use candle tapers. The tappers not only prevent the flames from getting moved by air, but will also help to protect the surrounding from catching on fire. You can buy dusk candle cradles or similar candle holders to support the tappers without compromising the overall beauty and charm.
Decorative candles

Use Candle Snuffer

Most often, candles are placed higher from the ground, so they can provide better lightning. When this is the case it’s not so easy to light them or to put them out. This is where you can use candle snuffer to ease this task, to reach those high places and it’s even good to use them to avoid smoke or wax splatter. Different types of decorative snuffers are available online, so you can check out the offer before you decide what to buy for your re-birthed home.
Candle decor

So, it’s time to go out and search for the candle that will suit your home style. Maybe you like your decor to be inspired by shabby chic trends.  Mix and match and always keep in mind all of the given advice about candle decor.

Enjoy Lightning Your Home!

There’s something to be said about Oriental décor in a home. It’s inspirational, refreshing, and calming in a space. No wonder why it’s becoming popular in modern-day homes thanks to its Zen feel and soothing effect.

Bring Oriental Décor to Your Home

If oriental décor has somewhat been on your inspiration list but you don’t quite know where to start, begin here for easy to implement tips to bring some asian touches to your space.

Zen-ify your Home

This is much easier than it sounds. Create the perfect harmony and balance by adding natural materials, a neutral colour palette, and simple furniture. Combine the power and beauty of Asian details with modern, sleek lined furniture and décor pieces.

Oriental Décor

Let the Energy Flow

Thankfully, many new homes now incorporate open floor plan, which really encourages the flow of energy. Large windows, bright lighting, also gratify the Zen design, in which positive energy flows throughout a space. Create balance of the positive and negative energies and of opposites in your space by incorporating Feng Shui elements. A centuries old practice, this traditional Japanese design embraces modern décor as it preaches minimalism and simplicity. Get rid of clutter, add good lighting, and ensure proper flow of energy into all rooms.

Japanese design

Bold Colours

Red, purple, yellow and orange are all powerful colours that you can incorporate in doses in your oriental décor. These shades are passionate, and some are symbolism of life, energy, and vitality. Ensure you add them in the right amounts and in the right places.

Bold Colours

Find Buddha a Sacred Spot

Buddha is the face of Oriental décor that represents balanced proportions. It embodies a religious, historical, and cultural significance and harmoniously joins all elements in your home.

Buddha

Bamboo

Bamboo is the quickest and easiest way to incorporate Oriental décor in your house. Options of how you can add bamboo are endless, from flooring, to window treatments, cabinetry, furniture, and frame detailing, the list can go on and on. Even adding a few branches in a vase can really start an asian décor vibe in your home.

Bamboo

Silkscreen Prints

Wall with silkscreen prints bring a room to life. They tell a story with stunning details and vibrant hues, add dimension and become a showpiece in a space.

Silkscreen Print

Folding/Sliding Screens

Folding screens or sliding screen doors, there’s something to be said about this eccentric piece of décor that can at once be a room divider or three dimensional piece of art. They provide privacy without creating boundaries.

Sliding Screens

Incorporate Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie can be found in embroideries, textiles, on furniture, or porcelain objects. Add flavour to your basic neutrals by incorporating Chinoiserie prints to your cushions, or China set. A distressed antique piece of chinoiserie hutch can be whimsical background for any plain wall and simple décor. It’s the luxurious piece that steals the show of your oriental décor at any dinner party you may have.

Chinoiserie

Paper Lanterns

Subtle Oriental décor elements such as paper lanterns can improve its design aesthetic. Soft lighting coming from paper lanterns can really bring home some much needed tranquility.

Lanterns

Come Full Circle

The circular shape is important in Oriental décor as it represents the sun. The most beautiful way I’ve seen circles incorporated into décor is on entrance doors, cabinet doors, as the circle can be displayed largely enough on them and be visible from a distance.

To Summarize…

For the full effect of gorgeous Oriental décor, it’s important to combine the above elements in doses which your space can handle:

  • Add some Zen to your home
  • The flow of energy
  • Bold colours
  • Buddha
  • Bamboo
  • Silkscreen prints
  • Folding/sliding screens
  • Chinoiserie
  • Paper lanterns
  • Circles

What’s your Oriental décor tip to create perfect harmony?

Rania AbdullaAbout the author

Branding herself The Wardrobe Stylist, Rania began styling and blogging nearly a decade ago. She worked with a long list of clients and covered coveted events. Rania loves to give advice to people about the things she’s most passionate and knowledgeable in: fashion, beauty, fitness, and home décor. You can also check out her DIYs and her innovation the Reversible Pocket Square. You can find Rania on Twitter/The_W_Stylist and Instagram/raniastylist.

The time has come to oust the winter dullness and embrace the spring revival and the upcoming Easter rush. Even the less crafty of people are tempted to join the decoration band waggon and make something exceptional that adds up to the holiday spirit. I’ve looked everywhere for inspiration and ideas and compiled my ultimate selection of easy-peasy Easter decorations you can create on your own. Check it out.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Easter sweets as Easter decorations?

Easter sweets are not only mouth-watering, they come in gorgeous shapes and colours too. If you can’t help yourself but buy every Easter themed candy you come across, why not employ a portion of that large batch for the vase decoration. A transparent wide vase would be perfect for this project. From rainbow-tinted jelly beans, marshmallow bunnies to golden-wrapped chocolate eggs, it all makes it into the vase display. Finish it with a nice ribbon and a few flowers on top.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Cute chicken place markers

Cheer up your family members with some delightful personalised surprise in the form of cutsie placeholders. This will require tiny earthenware pots for every person. Make the chicken element using thicker plastic spoons, nail polish and markers. Dye the whole sets into a customised shade (the owner’s favourite). Embellish it with polka dots and name plates with special fonts. Your loved ones will be blown away!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Eye-catching door setup

I’ve never seen this before so I have to share! To enliven your front door for spring arrival with Easter decorations, consider placing some real or satin flower ornaments. What we had in mind is utilising an umbrella or a soft hat in some earthy colour as a socket for the bouquet. Attach the whole construction with an appropriate ribbon in some bold hue. Round up the setup with several faux eggs and grass to give it a veritable homey look.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Bunny-fied family photos

This one scores big points for both cost-effectiveness and decidedly adorable detailing. If you happen to find them, and I’m certain there’s plenty to choose from since it’s the holiday season, get yourself some bunny stickers. The purpose we had in mind is total bunnyfication of the displayed family photos in your home. Apply the ears, noses and mouths in random fashion on the frame glass. However, if the ratios are off, make your own sticky cutouts. Hop you go, bunnies!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Blossom flower pieces

I’m just not super keen on loads of flowers on the table near food (insects and such, you know), so I opted for something modest but not less charming. Since the spring has come a knocking, chances are that some branches can be found in your close neighbourhood. Select some nice, thinner pieces. Take some currently blossoming flowers and glue them to the branches. Lastly, secure the arrangement with tiny pebbles in an elegant jar.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Earthy table feel

I just had to include this table decoration as it was something special and works in a complementary manner with the blossoms. You can have a few mini oasis settings right there at your table. The idea remind me of those tiny sustainable ecosystems people make. You will need: several tall glass transparent cloches, some dirt and moss and several nice fern sprays. Use the dirt and moss to secure the fern and voila!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Versatile countdown calendar

Are you buzzing constantly about Easter topics a month or two prior to actual day? If you’re like myself, this all age proof calendar will make the countdown more enjoyable and fun. Join in with your children or little cousins and cross out the days before big holiday. Grab some multi-coloured plastic eggs with a cap and fill it with treats and happy messages. Adjoin it on a paper calendar board and it’s on!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

These ornaments are not going to make themselves. Hurry up and get down to decorating.

Hoppy Easter everybody!

Renting a home shouldn’t make you care less about it. If you don’t look after your space, you can’t expect the tenants to do the same. Empty property and a loss of income is something no landlord wants.  A well-kept one is not likely to receive such fate, and aesthetically pleasing homes will make it easier for tenants to accept the rental price. Hence, go ahead and decorate with style, aiming at those groups who might be your most likely customers.

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Image source: www.houzz.se

Rental facts and figures

More and more people are giving up on owning a property, and rents have risen rapidly in recent years.  It is estimated that there are 11 million private renters in England alone and by 2032 private landlords will own one in every three homes in the whole UK. Half of the 25 to 34 years-old population rent their homes, which is why the university towns are a fertile ground for investment. There, tenants often bid against each other and push the rents up.

Being a landlord comes with both many benefits and responsibilities indeed, and you need to be aware of your legal rights and obligations. Rental property must be, for example, safe to live in and free from potential health hazards. Still, many landlords fail to give accurate information on things like decoration to tenants and this gives rise to redecoration disputes. On the other hand, a thorough account of the décor and a clearly defined tenancy agreement prevent disputes and other unpleasant situations.

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Image source: homesick.nu

A long-lasting investment

According to industry guidelines, the landlords should make an effort to redecorate every three to five years. The responsibility, at least the financial one, lies with them, unless a tenant has caused damage that calls for redecoration. Keep in mind that what many students and younger generations want is a neutral blank canvas they can add their own personality to. It means that you should refrain from turning the place into your personal retreat full of statement pieces.

The focus should be on practical and durable solutions. A long-lasting property that endures all the trials and temptations of tenants is the best investment there is. Thus, a healthy balance between durability and visual appeal spurs best long term benefits for landlords.

Don’t go overboard with furnishing and stocking the property, because it won’t add much value to it. Your decorating budget should depend on your monthly income from rents. Yet, don’t get discouraged by high up-front costs and avoid things like shinny but cheap fittings- they are a false economy. The same goes for bathroom fittings- this is not the area where you should try to cut the costs.

A bulk of landlords tends to ignore the flooring because it’s costly, but it’s the part of the home that is most prone to damage due to physical contact. Bear in mind that floor tiles are sturdier than paint or laminate, and should be the only solution in moist rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. They are also easy to maintain, even more so if they are dark-coloured.

Furthermore, note that unlike most families, students don’t bring their own furniture. It should be in a good decorative order and kept clean. Not every piece can be trendy, but try to replace the unfashionable ones. It’s best if the furniture is versatile and can fit in a variety of places. Also, don’t forget that as a landlord, you are responsible for the fire safety of all the furniture and furnishings. If it was made before 1989, it probably doesn’t meet the safety regulations.

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United colours

Light paints and carpets might give the illusion that the space is bigger and cleaner, but this trick has a short lifespan. It’s quite difficult to keep light walls and carpets clean, and they are most likely to become murky in a matter of months. Then you would have to come up with some money for repainting or replacing, something your budget could do without.

Go for mid-toned greys or browns which go excellent with most of the other colours, and remember that natural lighting complements them well. Apart from the blessings of the Mother Nature, make good use of other sources of light. Proper lighting is crucial for every living space, so invest in lamps and funky lampshades, or brighten up your space with some pendant light. Led lighting products are always a smart solution, since they are economical, yet trendy.

An alternative for bringing life into outdated rooms with poor colour palette is fabric. Use wall coverings to give a fresh look to the place, and you can easily remove them if you are not overly satisfied with the results.  This inexpensive solution sure can save landlords the headaches and provide tenants with a more pleasing living environment.

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Image source: decoholic.org

Safe and sound

Rising house prices create a great demand for rental spaces, but tenants still want to see some style and substance. Spend your pennies wisely, and stick to your decorating budget. At the same time, have in mind that redecoration increases the rental’s property value and makes it easier to rent the space. It’s thus in every landlord’s best interest to treat the rental space as his own living area. Create a safe and visually appealing living environment that will please your target audience and make sure you enjoy the perks of being a landlord for many years to come.