005 Styling Challenge: Rented Living Room Mini Makeover

So this is where I currently reside. It’s a rented property - Furnished; the one word that brings dread to renters ears. Will you get 30 year old, stained sofa? Mismatched bedside tables (if you have room for them)? And the bookshelf turned spice-rack-come-random-stuff-keeper. Either way, we have to make the most of what we’ve got right? And I’ll be honest I’ve lived with a lot worse furniture than this (queue 80s peeling pleather two seater sofa).

So this is the living room, a bizarre two piece corner sofa, of course the cushions slip off, and an unnecessarily heavy-for-its-size coffee table. We can’t get rid of them and let’s be honest most landlords won’t replace furniture unless it’s actually on fire. But we love a styling challenge so here we go!

Before Mini Makeover

Whether renting or not, most of us don’t have the budget to be buying new accessories every season to give our spaces a refresh. Sometimes it just takes switching things around that you already own to give your space a facelift, so that’s exactly what I did. Cushions from the bedroom, one I embroidered, a throw usually stored away for cold nights, and accessories that sit one shelves given a new place to shine. 

So here we have it, my mini makeover! I did it all with things we already own, it just needed a bit of love and attention put into it! See below for my styling tips and things that I’m currently loving (that are affordable) in my living room edit! Check out my instagram for a time-lapse video of the makeover!

Aftermini Makeover

Styling tips

• Add and mix textures. A really easy way to bring depth to a small space is to add different textures and finishes. I did this with the cushions and rug because it adds interest to the space (and draws your eyes away from the horrid sofa and carpet underneath!).

Cushion’s both HM Home, one on right embroidered by me

• Colour doesn’t have to be on the walls. Of course in most rented places we aren’t able to paint the walls and have to settle for the tone of grey the landlord has chosen. Instead a really easy way to add colour is with accessories. Your books, cushions, throws, even candles will bring pops of colour and therefore personality.

• Greenery. Not only do they tie into the above point and lift a grey space, plants are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and make us feel more calm. They also help bring the outside in and make you feel more connected to nature - key if you live in a small (rented) space with no garden.

Plant Pot Elho

• Accessorise to make it personal. A great way to make a rented space more personal is with statement accessories you love. Most of the time we aren’t allowed to put art and photos on the wall, (or are just in fear if we do we’ll lose our deposit!) so using statement vases, candles, books, will help to make the space feel more your own.  Rather than them collecting dust on a shelf, give them a place to shine! This candelabra by Ferm Living may feel a bit extra, but I love it and who says it should only be for the dinner table!
  

Candelabra & Carafe, Ferm Living

See my Living Room Edit above for accessories from brands I’m loving right now:

1. Cotton Rag Rug, HM Home

2. Raw Mark Planter, Recreation Center @ Goodhood

3. Balance Candle Holder, Ferm Living

4. Vista Cushion, Ferm Living

5. Nude Throw II, Sophiehome.com

6. Stash Jar, Arhoj Studio

I hope you liked this blog post, I wanted to show you what can be done with a small budget and some imagination. Interior styling should always be fun, there’s no right or wrong way of doing it! Let me know what you think on my instagram @hollycorsiestylist!

Holly x