So, earlier this year I moved to London and have been absolutely loving pretty much every moment ever since! But remember, this is London we're talking about; space is limited and so putting a personal stamp on a home that feels unfamiliar at first becomes an even harder challenge. It's true, you can't tear down the wallpaper, rip up the floorboards and start from scratch. But you can wave a magic wand over the aesthetic and grant your new home a gorgeous facelift that perfectly matches your personal style. I've had a lot of fun personalising my new place in Kensington; tweaking little things here and there until it has become my feminine haven to live, work and play. Okay, back to why you're reading this: you want to personalise your new rental home without losing your deposit. No problem! Here are some ways to do exactly that (and more)...

This may sound like a cliché, but above all else it's about having fun with the process of personalising your new home. The bottom line is that you've made a move and it's daunting, but above all else, exciting! So, the process of making your new house a home is one that you can enjoy developing, day by day, and week by week.
I've really enjoyed the process of personalising my new rental home in London. Although let's face it, for those of us who adore home decor. . . the process never ends! Are you currently renting a place? How have you personalised the space to make it your own? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> Pretty Pink Home Decor | Amara Living
With love,
Gabrielle x
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S T O R E A W A Y U N W A N T E D S M A L L I T E M S
Safely, and I mean safely. The very first thing to do when you're looking to wave a magic wand over your new rental place, is identify the small items currently in place by the landlord that you desperately don't want to be there. It's time for them to go, and you have a few options. Firstly, consider hiring a small storage unit - but keep in mind the potentially longterm cost. Secondly, ask around with friends and family who may have some extra space (and a very generous nature). Thirdly, purchase a trunk in the largest size you can find to store these unwanted items in - my favourite option, for sure. Oh, and pick a gorgeous design and the trunk will become a lovely addition to your new space, rather than an eyesore!
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S H O P T E X T I L E S
A fabulous new rug will do a great job at making your new rental place feel like home. Although equally, an old favourite of yours could also go a long way in making you happier with the space! If you have a sofa, opt for a few cushions to spruce up the seating, although I'd suggest most of your 'textile budget' should go towards the most luxurious throw you can justify for the end of your bed. As you can see here, I've opted for a blush pink and soft design to help add a feminine touch to the bed.
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C O N C E A L R E N T A L D A M A G ES
You know what I'm talking about; scuffs to the floorboards, marks to the walls etc. Thankfully, these can be pretty simple to conceal. If it's a pesky piece of furnishing you're dealing with, reach for blankets and throws to makeover seating, and a neutral table runner to hide the sins of a dining table, or sideboard. If it's the walls that are bothering you, rearrange your furniture. If that doesn't work, consider investing in something perfectly-sized to hide the damage; such as an oversized headboard, or floor lamp.
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H O M E F R A G R A N C E
Personalising a new rental home isn't just about the aesthetics (although a gorgeous home accessory or two can't hurt!), it's also about genuinely making ourselves feel at home. When entering a new place, we immediately do three things: look, touch and smell. Focussing on the latter, it's super simple to breathe new life into a space by hunting down and stocking up on your favourite home fragrances. Now is the time to splurge, as it's this fragrance you'll now associate with your new space. As shown in this post, I've been adoring Bahoma London lately and their vast range of luxuriously strong home fragrances (and body/bath products!). Not only that, but their product design is a dream, which goes a very long way in personalising my new space.
Psst! Bahoma's Jasmine Fragranced Diffuser smells like a freshly cleaned home!
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L E T T H E R E B E L I G H T !
You may like the light fittings that are already in place, fabulous! However, if you're not a huge fan then consider storing them away and temporarily replacing them with something you do like. If it's a ceiling fixture that's firmly stubbornly in place, consider swapping the light bulbs for something warmer. In nine cases out of ten, the warmth of a bulb can make all the difference, even if the fitting is still the same. Oh, and so long as the fitting doesn't get too hot, there's always the option of embellishing a little - as shown in this post, with a faux peony!
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P I C K A T H E M E A N D S T I C K T O I T
The toughest challenge, but the most rewarding! This will also make picking out those special and personal finishing touches a much easier and more enjoyable process for you. I've opted for a feminine, soft and romantic theme for my rental and it's made arriving home each time all the sweeter!
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W H A T T O D O A B O U T T H E W A L L S ?
Admittedly, there are some problems you just can't solve. But dammit I'll try! Firstly, if you're renting a home with high ceilings, check for picture rails (I'll be utilising mine soon having only just noticed these myself!). Secondly, look around for any nails already in place. No? Not a single nail in the walls? Then it's time to look around at prints. All of mine have been from Desenio, although there are plenty of fabulous options around now. Lean them up above any available surfaces, such as a chest of drawers, or your home office desk!
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I've really enjoyed the process of personalising my new rental home in London. Although let's face it, for those of us who adore home decor. . . the process never ends! Are you currently renting a place? How have you personalised the space to make it your own? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? You might also enjoy >> Pretty Pink Home Decor | Amara Living
With love,
Gabrielle x
Thanks to Bahoma London for working with me on this post!
can you come and decorate my flat please? haha You always have the most perfect decor! I'm not renting but moved in to my boyfriends flat who owns the place but the place is a tip so we are doing a refurb later in the year and I am soooo excited to decorate!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm loving your new blog theme <3
https://www.eternallyelle.com/
Oh this article was so much fun to read! Hahah I relate so much about stuffing away things that aren't yours and just trying to make it your own place without crashing it. I'm all about focusing on the details and being creative of how you can make it personal. Love plants, candles and just random decoration! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
I have been loving updating my home right now... beautiful post!
ReplyDeletex Lisa | lisaautumn.com
OMG, I love everything!!! Gorgeous photos x
ReplyDeleteAdventures in May | Miss Nev
You decorated your new home beautiful and it's great you made it feel like home without changing too much, that's the one downside of a rental, you have to think a little harder about how you can personalise it!
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a lovely Easter :)
Away From The Blue
Home decor is definitely a process that never ends. Particularly Spring makes me think it's time to spruce things up. Your home looks absolutely beautiful and I love the idea of painting rails! xx
ReplyDeleteTeresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
I love the tips you shared and the way you personalized your new home, awesome post! I really love your content! :D
ReplyDeletehttp://www.couture-case.com/
I have been renting for three years now, and it is so difficult at the beginning to make the place a home. Because I move regularly (every ten months or so...!) I can't really invest in long lasting pieces like collections of cushions or art, so I personalise with little things such as pictures, books and seasonal decor (I'll soon be getting myself some flowers to get into the spring mood!). These tips are great Gabrielle, and your home looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your new blog design is beautiful - and so you! Well done girl!
Julia x
Last Post: Four Reasons To Start Exercising | https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2019/04/four-reasons-to-start-exercising.html
Great tips for personalizing our homes! Happy and blessed Easter.
ReplyDeletehttps://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Ooh it looks beautiful, I love all the gorgeous textures and interesting pieces you've added. It's amazing how much of a difference those details can make <3
ReplyDelete//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
It's been some time since we've rented but you're right, concealing the scuffs and little flaws in a smart way can really make a difference. Space is definitely limited in the city. When I was in Belgravia, we couldn't do much, but we used art backings for walls so that it didn't damage the walls but we still had my art hangings with no-fuss vinyl tape pulls. Hope you're enjoying London.
ReplyDeleteOooh, you live in Kensington! You lucky girl! I totally agree with everything you've pointed out. You need to get creative, especially if it's not your own property and/or you cannot afford to do an entire do-over. But I am in awe of your new furniture and home furnishings. The little you have shown us really does look regal!
ReplyDeleteMadeline
www.madelinewilsonojo.com
I'm not renting but because I did just move my bedroom and re-did it all I'm taking all of these tips on board. For me I really want to incorporate a nice fragrance into my room and the whole space, although I think I'm going to go with a nice simple bath and body works candles. It's such a shitty name but their 'Leaves' scent smells incredible!
ReplyDeleteJulia // The Sunday Mode
Love that details...<3
ReplyDeleteI love the decor details throughout your home, everything looks so glam and feminine! It's been a while since I rented but these are great tips even for homeowners too, especially for those of us (erham me) who are too lazy to renovate! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJenny // Geeky Posh
I've never heard of Bahoma before, but the packaging is just gorgeous and super luxe! I really need to give them a try xx
ReplyDeleteGemmaEtc.com
You have the most dreamy space, I love the soft touches of pink. It's so lovely, light and feminine. You make so many amazing points. You definitely can't go wrong with textiles like throws, they always help to soften and add a personal touch to spaces. Over here we have this "3M" hook which you can stick to walls to hang pictures or anything else really and they're easy to remove. No paint removing issues etc so they're ideal for rentals. Also when you're trying to create gallery walls and want to move the hook hahahaha!
ReplyDeleteSxx
daringcoco.com
wow questo arredamento mi piace tanto
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, this interior is stunning.
ReplyDeleteBernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Love this simple and cute ideas, I will need some for my room when I move!
ReplyDeleteLackaDaisy
The interior looks fantastic! Loving all the decor, it looks so fab.
ReplyDeletexx Simone
Little Glittery Box
A thousand times gorgeous! Both your decor, and your new blog design. I especially love the Leo/Lion accent on your dresser chair!
ReplyDeletexx Bry Jaimea | bryjaimea.com
Your space is so beautiful- and your tips for making a rental property feel like your own are spot on!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I agree on all your tips and I have to say your photos are really wow! I love them, so pretty! xoxo
ReplyDeletewww.naomella.com
Lighting is so important and unfortunately is so underutilized in many homes. Most people think of it as an after thougt and only use the main fixture in the room. I always see lighting as instrumental in creating moods and vibes so I prefer to have multiple lighting sources in a room at different levels.
ReplyDeleteLaToya
www.toyastales.blogspot.com
You new home looks beautiful Gabrielle! And your ideas are so on point. Just because it's a rental doesn't mean it has to be boring or drab and adding personal touches is definitely the way to go. Even though we only rented for 2 years before buying our home, I was really big on personalizing our rental apartment.
ReplyDeleteI liked the decoration of the space and its details :)
ReplyDeleteXoXo
- Helena Primeira
- Helena Primeira Youtube
- Primeira Panos
These are such helpful tips! Your photos are on point, and the decor is absolute perfection! I love all your finishing touches to make your rental home feel like home.
ReplyDeletexo, Maria
https://www.miamiamine.com/
Gosh, love them all, dear! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the details and these photos are totally making me want to re-due my home. Thanks for the inspo!
ReplyDeletewww.fashionradi.com
I really love your pictures Gabrielle. How I wish I have my own place to decorate <3
ReplyDeletesarahrizaga.blogspot.com
We bought our house as you know, already a few years ago, but as you said: The process never ends. It seems there is always something new to do...
ReplyDeleteLoved this dreamy post gorgeous Gabrielle, it felt even more relevant to me as I've not long moved into a rented home with my partner :) Adoring all your stunning home inspo, I love how you've made the place your own and put your unique and pretty stamp on it. You're so right about blankets and throws, the carpet in our house isn't a colour I'd have chosen whatsoever, but we've bought lots of fluffy rugs which has immediately made it more our style. So happy you're loving London life babe, it suits you oh so well! ♥︎
ReplyDeleteSophie | soinspo xo
Wow love this tips babe.
ReplyDeleteAlways so pretty photos.
Much Love,
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
I think for me the most difficult thing is choosing a theme and sticking to it. Later this year I'm going to be moving back into my apartment (which I've bought) and although that means I can decorate it however I like, I feel like I'm a bit stuck when it comes to deciding on the vibe. I really don't want to end up buying things I don't love and wanting to do another makeover in a year, so I'm trying to be careful with it. But I think a lot of your suggestions that aren't necessarily permanent are going to be a great way for me to try out a style without too much commitment in case I change my mind. :)
ReplyDeleteJessica Bialkowski
Fri, 12 Aug 2016, 10:04
to me
littlehenrylee.net
You did a great job personalising your place!! I love every single detail, it looks very elegant and chic xx
ReplyDeleteHAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND
MUCH LOVE,
ELEGANT DUCHESS XX
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Everything looks so pretty and light, I love how you've styled your home! Angharad x
ReplyDeletewelshandwonderful.com
You new home look so elegant. I love your amazing details and these candles looks very beautiful. I would like to try them.
ReplyDeleteNew Post - http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/04/boucheron-quatre-eau-de-parfum_25.html
That's absolutely gorgeous babe, love your home so much !
ReplyDeletehttps://www.pardonmyobsession.com/2019/04/favorites-places-for-lunch-dinner-and-teatime-in-paris.html
Your space looks beautiful and I love all the details you added! Your tips are so helpful too! Putting away the small items can make a big difference and sticking to a theme is a really smart choice. That's something I have always struggled with since I love all things home decor. And I never thought about smell before!
ReplyDeletex Kara | http://karascloset.net
I had another look and your home truly looks amazing...so beautiful and filled with light.
ReplyDeletese ve todo estupendo! ! Espero verte pronto por mi blog! Buen día!
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