How to Make that Rented Home Your Own

Posted on 03/07/2010

So you've signed the lease and are now in possession of a Clear Lets home.

Location-wise it's ideal, price-wise it couldn't be better and really, it's the home you saw yourself renting when you embarked on that exciting journey.

But how can you personalise this property and make it feel 'more your own' rather than a standard Clear Lets number?

Well, here at Clear Lets we have a few suggestions for you to be getting along with.

For instance, colour. Does your lease allow you to redecorate? If so, think warmth. Numerous studies have shown that bright yellow, terracotta and subdued versions of red can do wonders to give you that downbeat atmosphere you're seeking.

When it comes to textures, soft and fluffy is great - we're talking cushions, rugs and thick curtains here. And yes, it really does make a huge difference.

Patterns, too, make a room look smaller and can add intimacy. Wide swirling circles and floral prints (very trendy) add their own glamour and statement while books and paintings 'enclose' the room and reveal a bit more of your own personality.

And have you thought about lighting? A bit of an obvious one here but subdued lighting in the form of lamps, uplighters and even candles/tee lights play a large part (we're a big fan of this here at Clear Lets). Put those lights or candles in front of a mirror and you've amplified the effect!

Myra Blaik, Operations Director, Clear Group Scotland Ltd, said: "Many of our clients obviously want to add individuality to their homes and we actively encourage this. After all 'Home is where the Heart is' etc. Many of our landlords state clearly in the lease whether they are encourage re-decoration and tend to be very easy-going in that respect.

"In our experience tenants want to 'make their own mark' and at Clear Lets, if we can give advice on that score then we're more than happy to help."

So, to get back to our purpose...what about moving those armchairs closer to the fire surround? Or even putting that big chair in front of the window so it attracts lots of sunlight and would make an excellent place to sit and listen to music or pour over the pages of that best-seller you just can't put down?

But we're not just talking sitting rooms here. Apply the same tricks to a kitchen or bedroom. You'll find your own favourite room - we all do. It's just a question of adding the ‘cosy’ factor.