There’s a difference between having a place to live and having a place that feels like home—and ownership isn’t what creates it. A rental may limit the changes you can make to the property, but it doesn’t limit the memories you can make there, the people you can welcome in, or the little touches that make you happy to walk through the door. Home is personal, and there are plenty of renter-friendly ways to make this one feel like yours.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE
The things that make a room feel personal usually aren’t permanent anyway. They’re photographs, artwork, souvenirs, gifts, and familiar objects that have stories attached to them.
- Put family photos, favorite artwork, and meaningful keepsakes where you’ll enjoy seeing them.
- Choose accessories that feel like you. A whimsical lamp, something brought home from a trip, or an object that makes you smile can give a room a little piece of your personality.
- If you’re still figuring out your decorating style, “Decorating Ideas to Complement Your Home Style” may help you discover what feels right.
You don’t need every item in a room to match. Sometimes the things that mean something to you are exactly what make the space feel familiar.
CREATE COMFORTABLE SPACES
Think about where you naturally want to settle at the end of the day. Maybe it’s a comfortable sofa with a soft throw, a chair near a window, or a little corner with a lamp and a good book. Rugs, pillows, blankets, and textures can make even a fairly plain rental feel warmer and more welcoming.
- Keep photos of the people and places you love nearby.
- Display objects that bring back happy memories.
- Add a few things that create the feeling you want when you’re home.
- Make one small space entirely about relaxing and recharging.
ADD A FAMILIAR SCENT
Sometimes a scent brings a memory back before you even realize why. A favorite candle, fresh flowers, a little lavender, or something cooking in the kitchen can become part of what makes home feel familiar. Just keep fragrances light enough that everyone sharing the space can enjoy them.
And don’t forget the four-legged members of the household. Some essential oils and fragrances can be harmful or irritating to pets. This article can help you make safer choices, and dog owners may also want to read “7 Essential Oils That Are Safe for Dogs (And 14 That Aren’t).”
USE COLOR TO MAKE IT YOURS
Some people feel happiest surrounded by warm earthy colors. Others want soft blues, fresh greens, or bright pops of color. There’s no perfect palette. Choose the colors that make the rooms feel comfortable to you.
If the lease says the walls need to stay exactly as they are, bring color in through rugs, pillows, bedding, artwork, curtains, and other things you can take with you. If you’re considering paint, check with your landlord first. For more ideas, see “Paint Your Rooms Amazing with the Right Colors.”
BRING A LITTLE NATURE INSIDE
There’s something comforting about seeing a little green around the house. Plants can soften a room, bring in natural color, and become familiar little parts of everyday life. Choose ones that fit the light in your rental and are appropriate for any pets. This article from Good Housekeeping offers some possibilities.
If you enjoy cooking, a small indoor herb garden can be especially nice. Consider:
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Oregano
- Rosemary
Rosemary, lavender, and thyme can also add a pleasant natural fragrance. You can learn more in 16 Herbs That Grow Indoors All Year. And if your plants occasionally have to remind you they’re thirsty, these gadgets may help.
MAKE ROOM FOR THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
Some rooms become important because of what happens in them. Arrange the chairs so conversation is easy. Make room around the table for an extra person. Keep a game where everyone can reach it. A home starts to feel different when people know they’re welcome there.
CREATE TRADITIONS & EXPERIENCES TO REMEMBER
Years from now, you may not remember much about the flooring or kitchen cabinets in a rental. You may remember exactly what happened there. Give yourself some traditions worth carrying with you:
- Family movie night
- A favorite bedtime routine
- Baking holiday cookies
- Family game night
- Sunday brunches
- Seasonal crafts and celebrations
- Create a time capsule
- Build a photo album or scrapbook
- Start a container or patio garden, if permitted
- Create traditions that are uniquely yours
CURATE A MEMORY WALL
Give some of those memories a place where you can see them. Photographs, postcards, children’s artwork, souvenirs, and handmade pieces can turn one wall into a reminder of the people and experiences that have shaped your life. Use renter-friendly hanging methods whenever your lease requires them.
A lease tells you how long you’re allowed to live somewhere. It doesn’t decide whether that place gets to become home. If your people are there, your memories are being made there, and you’re happy to come back at the end of the day, then it already is.