The rental home upgrades you can take with you

We all like to live in a house that feels like home, but making a rental property your own can be challenging, with restrictive rental and landlord rules. 

Luckily, you can create stylish, homey spaces without risking your bond. Try these expert industry tips for a home that feels like you.

And, as a bonus – they are all assets you can take with you when you move.

Window coverings to elevate your space

Essential for privacy, improved acoustics and insulation, curtains and blinds provide scale and proportion to smaller windows and doors, elevating an ordinary space into something special. 

“Purchase coverings in larger sizes so they fit your next home,” suggests interior designer of 10 years Angie Rogers. “Luckily, curtains look great suspended above architraves and extended on either side of the frame. Installing larger blinds in smaller openings works too, as they block more light.” 

If you are on a tight budget, Rogers recommends economical roller blinds. “But consider the number of fixing points required, as these holes will need patching and painting when you vacate,” she warns. 

Stick to classic styles that will suit future properties. “Sheers are perfect for creating a soft, romantic feeling, and Roman blinds provide a sharper, tailored look,” Rogers says. 

Better-tasting water, without the plumbing

Filtered water is no longer considered a luxury, but a necessity by those looking to reduce contaminants such as chlorine, limescale, heavy metals and microplastics.

“We are becoming more aware of creating healthy homes, so water purifiers have become an essential luxury,” says Peter Bosscher from Philips Water Solutions. 

“The chlorine in tap water gives it a terrible taste, yet our climate requires us to be hydrated, so we buy water in single-use plastic bottles. It just isn’t sustainable.”

Installing a quality tap-water system can be the answer, yet it is not always possible for rentals because plumbing costs can be as high as $8000.

The new Philips Sparkling Water Station is the perfect solution, producing hot, chilled (6 degrees) and sparkling soda water in seconds. Its Micro X-Clean Softening+ filters help decrease pollutants for healthy, pure-tasting water – no plumbing required.

The Philips Sparkling Water Station can replace kettles, water filter jugs and soda makers, freeing up counter space while providing all the benefits of a high-quality filter system. 

“Soda machines are popular, but they don’t cool, heat or purify; this does the lot,” Bosscher says.  

Stylishly designed, its sleek, modern chrome finish elevates the simplest rental, making it practical, portable, and a contemporary design piece. 

Adaptable custom cabinetry

Rogers says that, with many rentals lacking storage, custom cabinetry pieces are a sensible investment. “Consider clever designs that can be split into two for moving and ensure they fit through standard doorways,” she says. 

Think carefully about material and finishes, and opt for robust laminates and timber. “2pac is easily chipped, and flatpack styles in cheap materials won’t survive multiple moves,” Rogers says. 

Look for floating shelves, wardrobe storage, bedside tables, and entertainment unit cabinetry that can be sanded back and repainted to suit future residences.

The personal touches

Interior designer Lynne Bradley says stylish personal touches make a house a home. “To avoid holes in walls, hang art on 3M hooks or create a wall panel with decorative Washi Tape,” she suggests.

Improve bland walls with removable wallpaper and decals, and camouflage unattractive floors with rugs, even in the kitchen. “An electronic fireplace elevates a room – no flues required!” she says. 

Illuminate dark nooks and spaces with lamps and punctate surfaces with lush plants and a green wall that can be packed into smaller components.  

Statement lighting for the ‘wow moment’

A statement pendant light instantly lifts a space. Look for a rattan shade, a dome for focused light or an architectural conversation piece. 

“Lights provide a focal point and a wow moment while creating ambient lighting,” Rogers says. “Ensure it suits the style of your other investment furnishings.” 

Consider size, ensuring its proportions fit the space, and check its weight to guarantee the fixings in the ceiling can support it. 

“Before purchasing, check with an electrician that the light will work and is simple to install and remove,” Rogers says. “Keep its box, too, so you can pack it up safely when you vacate.”