5 ideas for decorating a rental

A lovely reader wrote to me looking for some tips to decorate a rental and I promised to share some of my ideas here. Some of the ideas work equally well for owner-occupied homes if you aren't after a permanent change.


1. Wallpapered panels

Just because you live in a rental, doesn't mean you can't enjoy wallpaper on a large scale. My suggestion is to use large pieces of plywood/MDF, paper it with your favourite pattern and then frame with a thin border. The panels would look great on any bare walls or as a bed head.

See an example here of the wallpapered and then framed panel in my studio. Mine is fixed to the wall but yours doesn't need to be. Try leaning against a wall or table or hang as a piece of art (please check you can do so first).

If you prefer not to display wallpaper in this way and on a large scale, perhaps you might like to add a hint of pattern to your home by lining drawers with any type of decorative paper that will make you smile when you open them.


2. Large leaning mirrors

Lean large ornate mirrors against walls for extra glam and to open up spaces. Perfectly suited for a bedroom or bathroom. Just be sure it is safe and won't topple, especially if you have curious kids. You can fix the mirror to the wall and still have it leaning but please check if you can make holes in the wall before attempting this.


3. Swap out the pendant lights or shades

Make sure you keep the old ones to replace again when you leave. Do check that this too won't cause issues.


4. Window covering for privacy

If your kitchen window stares straight into another person's home try covering with decorative film for a little extra privacy. Just be sure the film doesn't leave behind a sticky residue.


5. Storage solutions

Storage can sometimes be an issue in rentals. A bookcase filled with pretty boxes can be used as storage. Try kikki-k for a nice selection of cloth storage boxes.

A study desk can also double as storage and hide computer wires by covering with a bold fabric to hide away the contents underneath.

Do you have any decorating tips for rentals? Perhaps you live in a rental yourself and have found a clever storage solution? I would love to hear your thoughts on decorating rentals.

(1. Apartment Therapy, ish and chi; 2. Real Living, avante garde design; 3. Shade of Light; 4. The Happy Home Blog {it is a painted stencil but gives an idea of what decorative film can look like with the right pattern}, Brume; 5. ish and chi, Absolutely Beautiful Things)

DIY Cupcake Stand

Do you have an event coming up? Perhaps you might like to try this idea found via Apartment Therapy. It is a cupcake stand made of vintage plates and glass candlestick holders held together with epoxy. I think it is adorable. I only wish I had come across this idea earlier to suggest for my friends kitchen tea party (although the stands we used were great too).

(Image bubbo-tubbo via Apartment Therapy)

Black wall love

My love affair with black walls is not yet over. Oh no, far from it. It can add drama and elegance to a room but can also make it feel cosy as though you have been cocooned in a warm blanket.




I think they look especially great as a feature wall behind a bed as shown in these photos of Belinda's bedroom makeover (top) and Jules's makeover (bottom).




Simple changes are sometimes the most effective I think. Please head over to Belinda's and Jules's blogs for more photos.

(Images The Happy Home and The Diversion Project)

Fashion Friday: What I Wore to the Circus

The circus was fun! It was a great day out and Robert loved it. I was totally overdressed but didn't care although mental note - soggy grass and new suede shoes do not mix.

I wore this outfit with a striped jacket that has a hint of red thread through it. My friend said I looked a little like a ringmaster. Just the look I was going for. The circus really does bring out my silly side!

Can I show you something I have become addicted to? Looklet. I never thought I would but I have spent many hours putting together outfits and browsing through other looks. These are my outfits if you would like to see. I hope you will play along too. I would love to see the looks you come up with.

See you next week and have an amazing weekend.

A quick swap

I swapped out the frosted glass panels in the TV unit for mirrors. The glass became loose and it was an opportunity to update it a little.

I have been thinking of having wood or perspex cut out in a decorative pattern, fixed on top of the mirrors and painted to match the silver border. I think it would look lovely but for now I am enjoying this little update (and my new red shoes).