If there was a competition for the title of ‘main room’ in any home, then it would, quite frankly, be almost rude not to give that prize to the final space in our ‘Makeover Tips’ series.We are referring, of course, to The Living room.
For many of us, this is the place where it all happens…Well, apart from our snooze time and necessary bathroom duties. But, even then, a cheeky nap of the sofa whilst no one is looking has never hurt anyone.
The living room has seen it all throughout our lives. It is where families have gathered to share simple, but treasured moments. All the laughs, all the tears and all, ALL, of the episodes of Friends more times than is healthy to freely disclose without dire social consequences.
There is so much emotional baggage associated with this particular place that it is, quite frequently, the first room to be moulded upon moving into a new property. Forget the bed or the kitchen table, where is the television going to go and where is the best place to put the sofa?
If you’re renting a property, some decisions are taken out of your hands and you may simply have to play with the cards you are dealt. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few tricks you can pull to give this room that little bit of wow factor that it needs to feel like home.
So, get a cuppa and break out the Jammie Dodgers. Here are 5 top tips on how to get your rental living room looking and feeling like it has always been yours.
Window View: Letting some natural light in can bring a healthy glow to any indoor space, so why not pull apart those curtains and let the sun do what the sun does best: spread a bit of warmth and brightness around the place. Yes, we know, that big yellow circle in the sky is not always our most common companion, but whilst it is (as it is right now), embrace it and invite it in to take a look around. And when the day is over and the sun goes down? Well, you can still brighten up your home and show some window love with some snazzy new curtains! What do your curtains say about you? What do you want them to say?
Plant Life: A great addition to any windowsill is a plant or two, but don’t be afraid to move your Aspidistra’s elsewhere. The odd bit of greenery here and there can add both colour and a sense of freshness to even the most gloomy of rooms. And research has discovered that having plants around you can have a positive effect on your mental health, helping to decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s a win-win situation!
Rugs And Throws: That floor and sofa looking like they’ve had better days? If you’re renting a property, the best thing to do is probably the thing that your mother always told you not to do: cover it up. Rugs and Throws don’t have to be an expensive addition to your living room and they can look absolutely fantastic if you can get the coordination right. They can add warmth and colour throughout the year and are a great way to express your sparkling personality to the max. Coffee Culture: A coffee table can be an immensely practical solution to your tea cup quandaries, but they can also be a style highlight. Coming in all shapes and sizes, this is a perfect opportunity to be decorative and explore your creative spirit! What about some stylish coasters or a funky fruit bowl? Go on! You know you want to!
Cuddle Cushion: So, you’ve got your throw and the sofa looks great. But there’s one thing missing: cushions. And not just any cushions, but your cushions. It may sound silly, but these cosy, cuddly bundles of loveliness are crucial to sofa life. They look brilliant, provide comfort and are really convenient to hide behind when you’re trying to watch The Blair Witch Project for the seventeenth time this Halloween. Prepare for a new life of snuggles.
When renting a property, we want the place to feel as much like home as possible. You may not be able to make the big changes that you would like, but simple little bits and pieces, here and there, can make the world of difference and make you feel all the happier in the place where you live.
We here at Belvoir Edinburgh hope you have been inspired by our suggestions and that you will now move forward with some fresh and creative ideas.
Thank you for reading and we look forward to meeting with you again soon.
Take care. And happy housekeeping.
