fbpx
Sophie Robinson
  • Home
  • Workshops
    • Marrakech Retreat
    • Ban the beige
    • Masterclasses
  • Online Courses
  • Collaboration
  • Podcasts
  • Blog
  • About
    • About me
    • Work with me
    • Press
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • Videos
16 Apr 15

10 ways to make your rental pad feel like home

Many of us, currently myself included, rent our homes, and it looks like our numbers are set to grow. So how we design and decorate our rented spaces is going to become more and more relevant. Ever since I first moved out of home and into a rented basement flat on the seafront in Brighton with my three other fresher flatmates, I have loved the transformation you can make so quickly and affordably by dressing your rented home with your own accessories.

Let me paint the picture for you, my first flat, I was aged 20, was a kitsch-fest of leopard pink, 60’s knick-knackery, gold mirrors and pops of shocking pink everywhere. I made a bedspread from fake leopard print fabric from around £3 per meter and covered my crappy TV in faux fur with stick on gems on all the buttons- this one didn’t even have a remote control. Then when I moved flats, which I did each year of university, I packed up my bundle of kitsch accessories and made a new home elsewhere.

My tastes have developed rather dramatically since those early days but the sheer delight in making a new house a home, bursting with individuality, hasn’t left me. While it’s not always allowed to pull out the paint tin to create dazzling decorating transformations you can up-style your pad with a few well chosen accessories. Here are my top ten tips:

1. Use Mirrors

One design dilemma that I hear people come up against again and again is how to get a feeling of more natural light into a room. Sunlight instantly delivers the feel good vibe, and so if you cannot paint the walls a light-enhancing colour, there are other tricks. Mirrors are not only for gazing in- they are a great way to reflect light around the room. I love to go large, the bigger the better. For a hip and relaxed look prop an oversized mirror on the floor or above the mantle. Failing that a collection of mirrors can look dazzling and add some decorative interest to a large plain blank wall. Try hanging the mirror opposite the window, this way you reflect not only the view but the natural sunlight too. Also consider how mirrors create a visual illusion in the room. They can actually work to make the room feel large than it is. Again the position is crucial. If you have a long thin room, position the mirror on the long wall. This will help to stretch the view of the room helping it appear wider.

collection of mirrors

2. Add texture

The key to any successful design scheme key is to include lots of contrasting textures to keep the eye entertained. This is a particularly important rule if you are decorating with neutral colours. Where there is a lack of colour you need to add the interest with the texture otherwise the scheme will just look flat, bland and boring. Contrast is key, so sit rough textures like wool, wood and stone next to some glossy glass, polished marble or velvet. A neutral scheme is a total winner if you are renting, as its something you can happily invest in with the knowledge that will stand the test of time. You can then have fun, ringing the changes with a few well-chosen affordable accessories to add that essential pop of colour.

3. Create a display

One way to create instant impact in a room is to think about the way you style and organize the items you already own. For example most homes have a bookcase but these are massive problem areas in many homes that are soon groaning under the weight of shoddy paperbacks and stacks of DVDs. It’s important to pay attention to everything that’s on view in the room, so unsightly but necessary clutter, like DVD’s should be relegated to cupboards or very low shelves out of view. This frees up shelves to be display areas. Smartly stack hardback books both horizontally and vertically, making plinths to display favourite objects. Next group object like ornaments and vases in groups of odd numbers like three or five, making sure you have varying heights. I always think its nice to theme your display, either by a colour story, monochrome for example or with a style d theme. This way your objects will hang together and look coherent. I’m afraid to stay its time to be ruthless. If your not going to read that paperback again any time soon, then its time to pass it on.

Ideal Home shelf display

Image from www.housetohome.co.uk

 

4. Make it personal

I think it is essential that your place feels like a home, and you can easily do this by arranging some displays of personal collections. The obvious personal display is a collection of photographs of friends, family and favourite holidays, but there are some ways to keep these collections looking stylish. One trick that designers often use is to convert family photos into black and white- they instantly look better when all grouped together. I’d also think about the frames you choose. It can look messy if all the frames are different- but that doesn’t mean they all have to be the same either, I like to avoid the overly matchy matchy look at all costs! But you might choose a colour story like, black, gilt or wood, and then choose different style, shapes and sizes within this theme. Your collection will have more impact if you display them as a group. You could mount your collection on a wall or bring them all together on a sideboard or console. If your landlord won’t allow lots of nails pined into the wall use Picture hanging strips. These are high adhesive strips that are strong enough to hang a picture but can be easily moved afterwards, leaving the paintwork intact.

family-photos-on-wall

Image from www.housetohome.co.uk

 

5. Style in symmetry

One trick that designers use to help get a room to hang together is styling with symmetry. We all want our homes to be easy on the eye and help us feel relaxed, so arranging items and furniture in simple symmetry is a great way so bring order and calm to a room. So think about buying a pair of statement lamps and sitting them either side of the sofa. Rather than two sofas, consider positioning a pair of armchairs adjacent or opposite your main sofa. A pair of framed pictures over a console table creates a stylish feature. Simply dress your bed or sofa with a pair of large statement print cushions. And voila, you can instantly take your home from glum to glam.

Styling with symmetry living room

6. Ways with walls

One of the biggest drawbacks of renting is not being allowed to touch the walls, although some landlords are more lenient than others you MUST check what you can and cannot do. Perhaps you can paint, as long as you put it all back before you move out. However using wallpaper can be really transformational. I just discovered this great product called ‘Peel’ which you can buy from WallpaperDirect . You prepare the walls with it and then wallpaper as usual on top. However when you come to move out, you can easily pull the paper off, without the need to strip and steam. A lick of paint over the top after you’ve removed the paper is all you need to put it back to rights. Genius. Failing that you could wallpaper an MDF panel and hang it on the wall like an overgrown artwork.

Another idea to get some pattern up is to use wall stickers. These are great fun as they are cheap and instant, and can really make your home fee individual. You can buy pre cut designs from cool shops like The Sticker Studio , or better still design something yourself on the computer and have it made up at a local sign shop. My tip is to use a hairdryer to heat up the sticker when you come to remove it, which softens the glue and saves the paintwork.

feature wall

7. Add soft furnishings

If you are reluctant to touch the walls you can create a look with the soft furnishings. Usually rented properties are some shade of white or off white, which means anything goes. A striking set of bed linen can really make the statement in the bedroom or think about a collection of scatters for the sofa. Even a set of curtains can transform the look of the room, and unlike blinds which have to be made to fit the individual window, curtains com in a range of standard drops which will fit most windows.

John lewis bluebell grey bedlinen

http://www.johnlewis.com/bluebellgray-tetbury-floral-bedding/p1872609

 

8. Lots of lighting

Lighting can really transform a space, especially when you consider the time we spend most at home is in the evening often under artificial light. While you can’t get involved in designing integrated lighting systems you can create a mood with lamps and floor lamps, even fairy lights can add a glow to a dark corner or shelf. My rule of thumb is the more the merrier, different styles at different heights. Oh and turn off that dismal pendant light.

9. Update the floor

Turn your attention to the floor and chances are you hate the carpet or you’re scared stiff you’ll stain it and loose your deposit. A LARGE and I mean at least 2.3 x 1.6 kind of size rug and really transform a room. Hide and protect the carpet and go for a statement rug and get some much needed colour or pattern in the room. A glass top table will help to make sure your designer rug remains the hero. I find The Rug Seller, The Plantation Rug Company and indeed Ikea all have a great choice of styles and sizes, at a range of affordable prices.

feature rug Plantation Rug

http://www.plantationrug.co.uk/baroque-roll

 

10. A Signature Scent

The power of smell is a very evocative and emotional trigger so I think if you can introduce a signature scent to your home, it will always help a space feel familiar. Its a bit like the comfort you have from your fabric softener- all your clothes just smell right. I’m not a fan of synthetic scents and so buy my Home fragrance from Neals Yard and scented candles from Willow and Honey. But there are stacks of Home scents, candles, diffusers and plug ins to choose from, so explore your senses and pick one that suits you.

You can view a video I made for Heart of House at Argos where I discuss many of my decorating ideas for rented spaces here:

  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • Videos
10 Stylish ways to style your kitchen 10 top styling tips on how to quickly, cheaply and easily update a room

comments

Sharon Lomas on 16.04.15

Great inspiration for us renters. We sold our home of 10 years to fund our interiors business start up and although we are now living in our dream location ( A farm in a National Trust Deer Park on the egde of the Peak District) we are not able to decorate our space – this is so difficult as my head is exploding with design ideas.
Our situation however has helped us develop our range of wallpapers -Our wall coverings are printed onto a self adhesive, breathable wallpaper which can simply be taken down when you move. Doesn’t damage the walls, easy to apply and NO bubbles – check it out http://www.lomasandlomas.co.uk/#!wallpaper/cwvn

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 16.04.15

What a lovely website- you have some gorgeous products. You’re adhesive wallpapers look really interesting- what a great idea for DIY enthusiasts as well as people renting.

Reply
Sharon Lomas on 20.04.15

Thanks Sophie!

Reply
Joanna Clarke on 17.04.15

Agree with everything you say Sophie. I’ve moved into some pretty abysmal rented properties in my time but always left them looking good. With cash limited, I always bought gallons of white matt emulsion and covered every wall (not usually objected to by the owners, and MUCh better than the dreaded magnolia they often use) and used personal pieces in bright colours to make it home. Have even painted bare floors with white floor paint – still do. Love the room sets you posted.

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 19.04.15

I love the idea of painted floorboards- will really help to bounce the light into the space and keep the look fresh

Reply
World Of Tanks Hacks on 26.09.15

Hello there I am so excited I found your webpage, I really found you
by mistake, while I was researching on Yahoo for something else,
Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for
a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I
have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have
time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.

Reply

Leave a Comment

Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • Interiors
    • colour crush
    • DIY
    • Home Tours
    • Interior Design
    • Interior Styling
    • podcast
    • trends
  • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Fashion/Beauty
    • Life
    • My House
    • Nosh
    • Travel
  • Rooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kids rooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living rooms
    • Outside
  • Videos

mailing
list

Videos

Listen

Listen Here

Bedlinen range

Shop

Colour Psychology for professionals

book your place!

Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

I absolutely adored visiting @annalysejacobs in he I absolutely adored visiting @annalysejacobs in her beautiful rental apartment. Her love of colour and creativity just over flows and is positively infectious ! I spent a morning in her gorgeous company filming another fabulous house tour for my new inline course and Anna generously shared all the insights, tricks and hacks she’s used to turn her rental  flat from its previous mushroom incarnation into the splendid expression of colour joy that it is now. As an artist Anna is a master of colour and conjures up some mouthwatering palettes that feel fresh, new and playful. And because she rents she’s used paint to make the biggest transformation. From walls, ceilings, kitchen units, furniture to her fabulous murals she has quickly and affordably made this apartment her own. Because the thing is beige makes Anna feel low and depressed but because she knows what her happy colours are, she’s rolled them out in all her walls, and she is thriving. 😁 Anna is a complete creative whirlwind and I found it a real tonic being in her home. It’s lovely, she’s definitely one worth a follow! 

My new course, Confident Colour scheming launches on the 17th May, but you can enrol now with a juicy £100 discount with the pre-launch offer. Just follow the link in my profile. Trust me, colour makes you happy and I’ll show you how!

Lots of questions about my dress on stories yesterday, it’s new from @phaseeight and is the most amazing colour for spring! 

#colourpalette #colourlover #banthebiege #springdecor #colourconfident #confidentcolourscheme #bbbinteriors #ihavethisthingwithcolour #colourcolorlovers #springiscoming #interiordesign #colourmehappy #housebeautiful
Happy Friday! The end to a marvellous week visitin Happy Friday! The end to a marvellous week visiting some of my favourite colour filled homes. This is a peek into the wonderful world of @interiorcurve which is a maximalist masterclass. I interviewed Siobhan for my new online course, which is called Confident colour scheming. I love Siobhan’s passion for Art Deco and fifties Hollywood glam and she fuses it using her own fearless  approach to decorating. She pulls together pattern and colour and designs from the heart. She feels it abs when it feels good she goes for it. And as a result you feel it too. Being inside her home infuses you with a real feeling of joy and fabulousness. What a tonic! Siobhan’s house will be one of many inspiring house tours that are inside the new course. Enrolment opens today with a juicy £100 discount if you sign up before the course launches on the 17th May. ( link in bio) I think we could all do with being a litltle more Siobhan. #bemoresiobhan 

#colourlover #banthebeige #maximalistinteriors #eclecticdecor #interiordesign #artdeco #artdecostyle #colourmyhome
Hip hip hooray it’s PODCAST DAY and @mad_about_ Hip hip hooray it’s PODCAST DAY  and @mad_about_the_house and I are back with a fresh new series, and thrilled to have @harlequinfw  supporting the show. 
During lockdown sales of scented candles have gone through the roof so we tackle the topic of whether a smelly candle really can transport you somewhere else. Whether it’s fig and pomegranate , gingerbread, sea salt or ‘scent of freshly signed divorce papers’ there is a scent to suit every mood it would appear. One of my favourite smells is ‘Love is the drug” by @rockettstgeorge.co.uk  and I use it to help me unwind as I soak in the tub. Would love to know what your favourite home scents are so drop me a comment as @mad_about_the_house needs some inspiration in this department! 
We also round up the latest design books all launching this spring . New out this month Is ‘Resourceful living’ by our favourite style savvy insta influencer @_lisa_dawson_ . We drool over the colourful world created by @beataheuman as she shows us how ‘every room must sing’. And I couldn’t put down this little gem of a book, ‘the mindful home’ by @joannathornhillstylist is set to inspire and inform you in equal measure to create a home you can thrive in. 
You can find us as always in your podcast app by looking for ‘The Great Indoors’ so make sure you subscribe. A huge thanks to @katetaylorldn for producing the show, and to you for listening. 😍
. #thegreatindoors #greatindoors #thegreatindoorspodcast #scentedcandles #smellycandles #bathroom #howivintage #colourlover #banthebeige #patternlover
Just completed a fabulous trip to Leeds to do some Just completed a fabulous trip to Leeds to do some filming inside some of my favourite colour fuelled homes. 
Meeting Sandra from @the_idle_hands and getting to experience the fabulous interiors she has created (that Ive drooled over for years here on Instagram), was a huge treat for the eyes and food for the soul. This past year more than any other has got us deeply connected with how much our homes mean to us and I love to learn how they have also become a creative outlet for so many. We have this wonderful platform to share our designs and indeed egg each other on to ignore the sensible advice and instead make bolder and more audacious design choices. Following your true heart always pays off!  I’ve got connected to the passion, joy, and uplift that can be gained by doing it your own way and owning your style 100% .  It involves plenty of graft but ultimately if you get connected to the colours and patterns that chime with you,  and dare to make some bold moves along the way, you are rewarded with a home that just feels awesome to be in. My little trip away has left me inspired and invigorated itching to get some fresh new colour rolled out on the walls! And possibly to get a puppy! Nel totally stole my heart 🐶
These little films I’ve made will be part of my exciting new course, coming out in May all about how to create confident colour schemes because a little know how goes a long way to creating your dream colour filled interior. Cannot WAIT to share all this mouthwatering content with you 😍

#colourlover #banthebeige #colourscheme #interiordesign #ihavethisthingwithcolour #styleithappy #myhomevibe #victorianhouse #interioraddict #eclectichome #eclecticdecor #crashbangcolour #colourcourse #bbbinteriors #houseofhackney #puppylove
How’s your Monday? Did you get to the shops? Dri How’s your Monday? Did you get to the shops? Drink a beer in a pub garden?! I’ve attempted train travel today  and three cancelled trains later I’m wishing I stayed at home! Anyone else not ready for this new normal yet! I’ve grown very attached to my sofa and cosy clothes this past few months! 

CREDITS Cardigan @jumper_1_2_3_4  Trousers @me_andem Trainers @nike Sofa @sofaworkshop (discontinued) in magnolia @gpjbaker  Tiger print cushion @trashvelvetuk pink cushion @grahamandgreen Flowers @sageandco.floraldesign Curtains @habitatuk (discontinued) 

#nonewnormal #banthebeige #colourlover #myhomevibe #noplacelikehome #pink #ihavethisthingwitpink 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto
I do love some HEAVY PETAL action. Florals are eve I do love some HEAVY PETAL action. Florals are everywhere in my home and it gives me full on joy to see them layered up on walls, on furnishings and my latest edition this hollyhock cushion. But they don’t  love me. As the blossom is bursting out this spring my hay fever is in full flow. 🤧sending love and tissues to my fellow sufferers! 

CREDITS Wallpaper is Artemis @houseofhackney . Painting by @beckyblairartist . Side board is vintage from @vinestreetvintage . Vases and chair are @grahamandgreen . Hollyhocks heavy petal cushion @houseofhackney . Flowers by @sageandco.floraldesign . Wall light @pookylights . Floor is intenso parquet @quickstepfloors 

#heavypetal #floralwallpaper #floraldesign #flowerpower #colourlover #banthebeige #bbbinteriors #mycolourfulinterior #mycolourfulhome #howivintage #sodomino #interiors123 #interiordesign #countryinteriors .
Had a very busy day filming today and I got my mak Had a very busy day filming today and I got my makeup done all fancy and put on some pretty clothes. I’m exhausted because it was hard work but I also feel like I’ve had a real boost to play with some all the pretty things in all the pretty colours. Like these new pumps from @roguematilda which are giving me life! And they are flat so my feet are happy to. 😍

Thanks @swainy2021 for the style inspiration and @jadefarmiloemua for the eye bag hack! (See my stories)
It’s podcast day! And on today’s show @mad_abo It’s podcast day! And on today’s show @mad_about_the_house and I discuss the pitfalls of shopping online, because admit it, we’ve all fallen down one! Whether it’s find out your forest green sofa is shiny teal (mentioning no names Callum) to discovering the dining room chandelier is no bigger than one of pat butchers earrings. 
Swiftly moving on we interview the fabulous @_paintgirl , creative director of paint brand @littlegreenepaintcompany who explains why there is a thirst for neutrals right now and how to pick the perfect shade. I’m currently giving my living room a refresh and for one nano second considered a neutral for the walls. 😳 But then I had a chat with myself and remembered that leopard is a neutral. There, I feel so much better! I hope you love the show, it’s the last in the current series. Kate and I will be having a short lie down and then back with a bang on 15th of April. I can promise you an awesome series we have planned with some know guests! So make sure you subscribe and why not leave us a little review if you get a moment. We read them all you know! Thanks to @katetaylorldn for producing the show. 

#leopardisaneutral #banthebeige #thegreatindoors #thegreatindoorspodcast #livingroom #interiorrefresh #colourlover #maximalistinteriors #maximalistinteriors
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Sophie Robinson
  • © 2017 Sophie Robinson

    /
  • Contact/
  • About/
  • Design by MW

Don't forget to join!