The ultimate guide to decorating rental homes – Part 2

Maximise Storage

In rental homes where space is often at a premium, effective storage solutions are essential. Purva recommends multifunctional furniture pieces such as sideboards or credenzas with built-in shelves or drawers. Utilise vertical space by installing floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to display decorative items, store dining essentials or create an attractive bar. Additionally, invest in stylish storage baskets or bins for see-through cabinets to keep clutter at bay and maintain a clean, organized look.

In smaller homes, Purva also emphasises the practicality of incorporating bench seating in dining areas. Adding a bench not only provides extra seating but also minimizes obstructions when it slides under the table, for a more open and spacious feel. You can also opt for folding chairs and dining tables that expand or contract based on the number of guests.

Colour, Texture and Pattern Play

Agrawal advocates the use of colour, pattern and texture to add visual interest and depth to dining spaces. Introducing these elements through upholstery for chairs or benches, table linen, or wall decor can help break the monotony. Purva suggests using removable wallpaper or wall decals to add visual interest without leaving a permanent mark.

Alternatively, experiment with colourful textiles such as tablecloths, runners, or seat cushions to introduce personality and warmth. Don’t overlook the power of tabletop décor, such as vases, candle holders, or sculptural objects, to enhance the overall aesthetic of the space. Incorporating natural textures like rattan or jute through light fixtures or décor accents can also bring a touch of organic charm to the space.

Wonder Walls

Working within the constraints of a rental home often means being mindful of permanent changes to the walls. While wallpapers still reign supreme in rental home makeovers, Purva takes us through some creative ways to add visual interest without the need for extensive renovations—prefabricated panels, PVC mouldings, flexi-ply, gypsum boards and cement sheets are all great ways to add depth to otherwise dull walls.

For a Jaipur-inspired bedroom, Purva cleverly saved money by using a single roll of an expensive wallpaper. Instead of covering the entire wall, she placed it inside a dark blue moulding against the room’s powder blue walls.

To overcome the challenge of water seepage in another rental apartment, Purva installed a waterproof cement sheet over the affected area and opted for texture painting for a faux concrete finish. She says a great hack to avoid the costly, labour-intensive process of priming and sanding for an entire paint job is to incorporate hand-painted textured accent walls through services offered by brands like Asian Paints.

Break that Set

To spruce up a rental bedroom, Purva also recommends breaking up the engineered, coordinated furniture sets, typically included in rental agreements.

While many clients prefer to retain beds due to their size and cost, Purva often suggests reupholstering or swapping the headboard for a fresh look. In one instance, a client had rented all his bedroom furniture from Furlenco, but Purva felt it lacked personality. To remedy this, she devised a removable fabric and plywood headboard with a hollow centre that could easily slip over the existing headboard.