Update your rental on a budget

Make a big impact with these clever ideas that won’t cost a fortune

Many landlords will be happy for you to paint walls if you agree to switch back to white or magnolia when you leave. Alternatively, just paint a colour block shape in an alcove or behind the bed, as it’ll be easier to paint over later. If bold interiors are your thing, you might want to consider removable peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals that won’t damage the wall. Amazon and

Etsy have some great budget designs.

If you’re tired of boring beige carpets, get some rugs. Since super-sized designs can be pricey, why not use two or three rugs in one space? A large rectangular design layered with a round rug is great for a boho look.

Ugly radiators are another pain for renters but there are some clever workarounds to consider, like radiator covers you can paint and customise. Alternatively, try radwraps.co.uk for magnetic radiator covers in a variety of designs that still allow the heat to circulate.

When it comes to hanging artwork without damaging the walls with nails, Command Strips are a great choice for smaller prints, but not so reliable with heavier frames. Ask your landlord if you can put up a few inexpensive IKEA picture ledges, which could be kept in situ for future tenants. Alternatively, prop your larger artworks on the floor, across a mantlepiece or on top of furniture.

‘If we were living here long-term I’d redo the kitchen, but we’ve made the best of it on a budget’

‘The original black worktops made the kitchen feel gloomy, but wrapping them in this marble vinyl has brightened the whole room’

‘ The shelving is handy for our cookery books and Simon added an extra shelf above where I always have herbs drying,’ says Nancy. ‘It adds a cottagey feeling and ties in with the lovely stable door’

‘I bought a bag of 20 inexpensive brass handles from Amazon to revamp the kitchen,’ says Nancy, ‘but I’ve kept the old silver ones in case the landlord wants to change it back’