Being a Military wife I know what it feels like to be living in a rental and still wanting it to feel like home. You want a place that will reflect you and your family even though you cannot make permanent changes or major remodels. Here are some ideas to make your rental feel like home!

Tip #1 – to making your rental feel like home – DRAPERY

Even when you are not painting the walls, add tall drapery panels that will soften your walls and give you instant warmth. Hang them high and wide. In this case we used navy velvet panels tied in from an accent rug.

Tip #2 – to making a rental feel like home- A LARGE AREA RUG

When you have a large accent rug where the majority of your furniture can link onto, it helps ground the seating area and makes every space feel bigger. Don’t go for a small rug. GO BIG!

See the floor plans below to see why it is so key that your rug has a presence. The 6 x 9 Rug is the typical size that sits in front of a sofa. But upgrading to a 12 x 14 rug allows more people to the party! The other chairs are not lonely and they feel more connected to the room.

Tip #3 – to making a Rental feel more like home – PLANTS

Add plants to bring texture and life to your rental home. There are several plants that don’t require tons of sunlight and are easy to maintain. But even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are some great faux plants that just make every home feel more alive.

Try various sizes and types for a more layered and sophisticated look.

Tip #4 – to making a Rental feel more like home – ACCENT PIECES

In your rental home there may not be an ideal floor plan or room layout. But what you can do where you have an empty corner is add an accent chair or chest to fill the void and add volume. I am NOT saying to put furniture on every wall and line them up. But don’t stress about areas that aren’t how you would have built them, just find pieces that work for your unique way of living.

Tip #5 – to making a Rental feel more like home – ACCESSORIES

Never underestimate what putting things up on the wall will do! Yes, I know in a rental you will have to patch holes and touch up, but the key to having a rental feel like home is to put up mirrors and art, get plenty of pillows and accessories that tell the story of who you are. Make sure everything you bring in brings you joy and you will be well on your way to your rental feeling like home!