Bright ideas
Renters need not compromise on their home style, even if redecorating walls is out of bounds.
Many interior designers would argue it is good to keep the walls of your room plain anyway. This gives a neutral, flowing wrap-around effect that allows the interest to be in the centre of your room, in standalone pieces and furnishings.
Indeed, beautiful furniture, sculptural lighting and statement layers of soft furnishings, such as rugs and throws, can make as much impact as any patterned wall.
Here are my top tips for making an impact, in rented spaces:
■ Create zones by building up areas of a room with the movable pieces. For example, a reading zone could be created with an accent chair, angled lamp, side table and statement rug.
■ Lean your artwork. Instead of pinning it to walls, consider creating displays on any surface. A sideboard can look ultra smart with a couple of leaning prints, a lamp, and objects on top and these can be moved and rearranged to keep the display fresh.
■ Colour lovers should go bold with their soft furnishings. A rug that captures all the room’s colours can really anchor a rented space.
■ Consider renting furniture. When John Lewis launched its rental service last year, almost all of the initial pieces were snapped up within 48 hours.
■ Wil Law is home design stylist offering free advice at John Lewis, Leeds. Email: wil.law@johnlewis.