The number of millennials residing in rentals is on the rise, alongside couples in their late 30s and 40s grappling with the affordability of family homes. Interior designers Sarah Sham of Essajees Atelier, Kavya Sheth of Studio Ruh, and Manasvi Bachhav of The Architecture Company believe you must decorate these homes, even if you can’t call them your own. Below are some decorating tips on how to personalise your rental apartment –
Paint, Wallpaper, and Panelling
The quickest way to create impact on a budget is to paint. Large rooms are best suited to lighter tones, while deep colours bring small rooms to life. It is essential to factor in natural light entering the space and the room’s orientation (north, south, east, or west-facing) to pick the right shade of paint. “From personal experience, most landlords offer the option to have your home freshly painted before moving in, so a great hack is specifying the shade before moving in,” Sarah shares.
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Walnut-stained wainscoting creates a luxurious and textured backdrop to the dining area of this rental property, designed by TAC.
Patterned wallpaper in a nursery by Essajees Atelier.
Sticking to neutral shades is often the best way to keep landlords happy, and they provide a flexible backdrop for all your real investments — things you can take with you when you move. Kavya recommends using bright paint, patterned wallpaper, or modular MDF panelling on accent walls. “Fluted wall claddings elevate walls instantly. Easy to polish or paint, they can go full height or as wainscoting,” Manasvi adds.
Flooring
Ugly flooring is a common issue with rentals. “SPC flooring (luxury vinyl planks) is a great fix. Effortlessly installed over existing flooring, within a few thousand rupees, they give the space a modern appeal,” Sarah advises. All three designers unanimously agree that good quality rugs and carpets are investments renters must not shy away from. Rugs anchor a space, define areas, and add texture and warmth while camouflaging scratched or shabby flooring. Sisal and jute rugs are an excellent option for those on a shoestring budget.
This beautiful round rug lends a mid-century vibe to this living room designed by TAC.
Layered Lighting
“When choosing a rental apartment, prioritise large windows and balconies to allow abundant natural light in your home,” Sarah recommends. Kavya adds, “A great hack to enhance the feeling of space is open-plan layouts and the clever placement of mirrors to reflect light, volumes, and greenery.”
Most landlords neglect artificial lighting. Lighting is the ideal starting point to enhance your rental. Think of lighting in layers, where balancing and adjusting light intensities can create magic in a room. Directional downlights enhance art, while floor and reading lamps glow softly. Pendants work wonders above kitchen islands, and in bedrooms, dimmable lighting facilitates both productivity and winding down routines. “Wall sconces can be used as bedside lamps, above a piece of art, or consoles,” Manasvi says.
In a bedroom designed by TAC, brass-finished wall sconces cast a gentle glow.
Don’t forget to pay attention to switches, sockets, and plugs. Conceal them with clear acrylic, match them to your room’s decor (wallpaper or paint), or opt for vintage-style covers in antique brass or wood.
Key Investment Pieces
Money is best spent on things you can take with you to the next home. Invest in key pieces like a good sofa, armchair, and comfortable mattress. Furniture can always be flipped with polishing and reupholstering them with bespoke fabric and textiles. Sometimes appliances can be statement pieces, too, for instance, a large Smeg fridge in a striking colour.
This 8-seater dining set, in solid teak, enhances the dining space in this rental. Designed by Sarah Sham of Essajees Atelier.
Finishing Touches
Beautifully dressed windows make for excellent finishing touches. You can elevate affordable cotton and linen curtains with decorative trims. Injecting colour and a lived-in feel into your space can be achieved through artwork, cushions, throws, and bed linen. Building an original art collection doesn’t have to break the bank; numerous online galleries offer affordable prints. Vintage art or prints hung in an unexpected way, incorporated into gallery walls, or propped on shelves can elevate a space, making it feel finished.
Plants have as much power as a piece of art or antique to make a room sing.
A grid of 6 photographs showcasing iconic buildings in Mumbai pulls this master bedroom together.
“Upgrade your door, wardrobe, and kitchen and bathroom cabinetry handles.” Kavya asserts. Potted greenery and fresh flowers (signs of life) can reinvigorate a dreary rental apartment. “A few indoor plants for those lonely corners and a few more to style a shelving unit are a must-have,” Manasvi concludes.
