When it comes to renting, there's a common notion that 'it's just temporary', a sort of limbo before you find your "forever home." But the truth is, no matter how temporary they are, we spend a significant amount of time in our homes and denying ourselves the things that make it a truly personal sanctuary seems like a waste. In fact, it can be to the detriment of your mental health. Your home is far more than a place you rest your head at the end of the day; it's a reflection of you. This is why creating a home that speaks to your values is a tangible part of your well-being.
Just think about how satisfying it is to put together a Pinterest board of your ideal bedroom or the many happy hours you might have spent building your dream house in the Sims as a kid. Our dwellings, in how they look, significantly impact how we feel. The wrong interior style can feel like walking in a stranger's shoes. In partnership with Garian, a homegrown Hong Kong decor brand, we're here to explore what living well in your rental apartments means and how their playful yet sophisticated products can transform any space into one that feels undeniably yours.
How Personalising Your Rental Home Makes You Happier
Stepping into an apartment that radiates your personality takes you beyond a mere living space. Instead, it becomes a home that highlights the joys you find in life, a place that comforts you when you're weary and adds value to your day-to-day life. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about the profound psychological comfort that comes from being surrounded by things that resonate with you.
Whether it's hanging art on the walls or a dimmable lamp that helps you transition from dinner time to movie night, each personal touch adds a layer of delight to every second you spend at home. Even the most minor changes to suit your wants and needs can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel in a space and the security it gives you.
Why Quality Matters, Even in a Rental Home
Long gone are the days when the best decor was reserved for a permanent address. In the modern nomadic lifestyle, 'buy once, use many' is a mantra worth embracing! Don't repeat the mistake of 'this is good enough for now'. We've all had that moment when shopping in Ikea and settling for a fast fix at a quick buck, only to be left with homeware that you never really liked in the first place, but now you're left stuck with it. Regardless, Ikea isn't your only homeware solution in Hong Kong nowadays.
Living well demands an appreciation of the decor you live with and prioritising quality to go with it. That way, it can serve you in the long run. This not only means you'll treasure your homeware for years to come, but it withstands the wear and tear of moving, bringing with it a sense of continuity and familiarity.
Easy Ways to Personalise Without Permanent Changes
Navigating the rules of rental agreements can be tricky, but that shouldn't curb your creative spirit. Like most rental homes in Hong Kong, you probably can't paint your walls, may not be able to drill holes for shelving, and, of course, structural changes are entirely out of the question. So, it's all about making smart choices to get things just how you like them: think strategically placed lights, patterned rugs and statement furniture that can transform a space without leaving a mark.
Whether you simply want to make your home feel bigger or achieve a more modern wabi-sabi look, it can all be done through a bit of styling! Garian's diverse collection is a perfect example of how you can tailor your home to you. Here are a few of our decor favourites this season that can be used to add charisma to your rental home.
Create More Visual Movement
When styling your home, it's essential to create distinctions in height to enhance the visual landscape. If everything in your space is at the same eye level, it can make the area feel dull and monotonous. Incorporating items of varying heights introduces a touch of dynamism, making each room more engaging and aesthetically pleasing.
This principle applies to both homeware and furniture, drawing the eye through the space and creating a sense of movement that brings your home to life, regardless of your interior style. It can be as simple as a tall fruit bowl on the dining table or having a set of lamps in your apartment of varying heights.
Utilize Patterns in Soft Furnishings
For those who love colour but aren't ready for a big commitment, turning to soft furnishings is a wise choice. When choosing your bedding, cushions or even bath towels, incorporating colourful patterns into your home’s design can evoke different emotions and set the mood of a room.
Warm hues like reds and oranges can create an atmosphere of energy and warmth, while cool tones like blues and greens tend to be calming. Geometric patterns can add a sense of order and modernity, whereas organic patterns offer a relaxed, natural vibe. This approach allows you to play with the mood of your space subtly, making it easy to change with the seasons or your preferences.
Nurture the Senses Through Scent
The visual impact of your rental apartment is important, but don't overlook the other senses! Integrating scent into your home is a powerful way to create a comforting and enjoyable atmosphere. Different scents can evoke various emotions and memories, contributing significantly to your overall well-being.
For instance, lavender in a bedroom can promote relaxation and sleep, while citrus scents in a workspace can boost energy and focus. The right aroma enhances your decor and transforms your space into a holistic sanctuary. When styling your home, think of it as creating a symphony, where each element plays a harmonious part.
Maximise Natural Light
Enhance vibrancy and lift the mood of your home by maximising natural light. Of course, you can’t change where your windows sit, but you can arrange your furniture to best capture sunlight streaming through windows. Utilise light, airy curtains that allow light to diffuse gently into the room, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
You can also place a large mirror opposite windows to reflect light into your home. These adjustment requires no permanent changes to your rental home but can significantly impact the overall ambience of your space, making it feel more open and invigorating.
Decorate with Houseplants
No matter your interior style preferences, integrating houseplants is a versatile and effective way to add character and infuse tranquillity into your home. Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but tickle a part of our brains that makes us happier. Even if you think you're hopeless at caring for them, houseplants like the snake plant or pothos, are virtually unkillable! These resilient greens require minimal maintenance and are known for their robust growth, making them perfect for both novice and experienced plant owners.
As they continuously grow and thrive, they bring a refreshing element to your decor, and like most quality furniture, can move with you, instantly adding a familiar touch of comfort and continuity to new surroundings. By bringing these elements of nature indoors, you create a restorative atmosphere that enhances your connection to the natural world, all while complementing your decor style.
At the end of the day, your home should be your haven, speaking to your sensibilities. Investing in even the most petite piece of home decor can create a strong feeling of well-being. It's important to approach your home as a canvas for your life's many colours, and Garian's collection goes a long way in helping to paint that picture.
If you're still trying to decide what interior style speaks more to you, try our free style assessment now to understand what you gravitate more towards! Speaking from experience, we always encourage people to embrace their rentals. The time spent infusing the spaces you call home with your essence is always a worthwhile investment. And remember: every space you live in is a chapter of your story; so, make it your own.
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