"Prettyfying" A rental.......

I made that word up! Do you like it??

Anyhooo - I am after ideas to make a rental feel more homely and pretty - the one we have found just for 6 mths is in an amazing position (300 mts to the beach) and big yard perfect for our very active kids, but the inside is, quite frankly, hideous! Red curtains, timber doors, brick walls, yellow bottle glass etc I think you get the picture!

I haven't rented since I was 20 (a looong time ago!) so I have no idea what is allowed and not!

Can we put up pictures? If I found some cheap curtains could I put them up and then put the hideous gross red ones when we move out? Any other ideas appreciated!


On a side note - :dance: :dance: House is in seachange town! Renting as of the 26th of this month and will use it as a holiday house/storage for a month or so while we sell up here and sort out selves out!! :clap:

Usually you can put up pictures if you don't damade the walls, so if there is already holes for picture hooks then use those or you can get removable ones that don't damage the walls. However some landlords will be happy for you to add new picture hooks is you ask (I always let my tenants). Changing curtains won`t be an issue as long as you keep the old ones. Using accessories like rugs and flowers can make a huge difference too, and removable sticker decals can brighten up old walls.

Basically as long as you aren't making 'structural changes' then it's all good. Rugs, curtains, hanging picture on existing hooks are all good.

So yes to the curtains -just make sure the red ones are on the entry report so they don't think you are taking off with the good curatins ;) Installing blinds is out. Installing anything is out without approval. You'll need approval to put hooks and things in the walls. No harm in asking though :)

Heh, nice!

If there's hooks already you can put pictures etc up. If not check with the r/e as some are fine with it others say no hooks, no 3M removable hook thingies or anything. Carpet rugs are a good way of disguising icky carpets, putting up some nicer curtains should be ok so long as you can return the existing curtains to their rightful place at the end. Depending on the age of your kids, little ornaments and things or vases with silk flowers can add some interest without breaking the bank.

Thanks all - great ideas!!! Will definitely do the curtains - those alone being a white/beige will freshen up the place instead of blood red! :rofl:

Trav - the removable stickers are a great idea!

Time to go op shop hunting - wish I had measured up the windows while I was there!

Great news you found something so quickly.

Also, its only 6 months hun. Throw Christmas in there and it is going to go sooooooooo fast so don't get spending "real" money. As nice as it is to live somewhere beautiful, you would be better saving the money for your permanent home. If you're going to take down their curtains, go to your local dry cleaners and ask them if they'll give/sell you some of the plastic that they use in 5 metre lengths. Its perfect for wrapping curtains to keep the dust off and bugs out.

And 300 metres to the beach - I am so envious ;-)

Thanks Lu - complete perspective and you are right about saving money for our place, any bit is going to help although hopefully when our place auctions it will break records :rofl:

I just had such excitement and high hopes and it was hard even today looking at places that are only $50 more a week (and totally in our budget) and are huge brand new gorgeous houses...BUT so far from the beach we would have to drive (especially with our lazy bones kids) so we are sacrificing for location totally!! Going to live at the beach for sure!!