The hit DIY and decorating blogger and author shares her three favourite non-permanent decorating ideas that can truly transform a space – perfect for renters
IMAGE: (LEFT) INSTAGRAM/@GRILLODESIGNS; (RIGHT) MEDINA GRILLO
You don’t need to be on the housing ladder to create a truly special home; a place that tells your story, lifts your spirits and is the setting for some of life’s most joyful moments. Equally, budget and rental agreements should never be a barrier to creating a stylish space, as Medina Grillo can attest. The blogger and author of Home Sweet Rented Home shares her three failsafe tips that prove that with a splash of creativity, you can truly transform your house into a home.
Use Removeable Wallpaper
I think in a couple of years there will be no such thing as pasting wallpaper on the walls, because this stuff is brilliant and so much easier to put up. It’s a little bit more expensive than standard wallpaper, but I think it’s worth the investment. I’ve used it twice now and it really works – it literally just peels off, you’d never know it had been there. There are loads of modern prints available that would work in any space. My favourite stockists are ColoRay, Spoonflower, Astek Home and Walls Need Love.
Create a Gallery Wall
It doesn’t have to be a gallery wall of picture frames, it can be baskets, hats, textiles, jewellery, whatever speaks to you; there’s no right or wrong. It adds so much personality and character to a space, as well as being budget-friendly. They can also be created anywhere and everywhere. Rather than nails, use adhesive strips such as command hooks, which are really good – just make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. I would always recommend laying out your gallery on the floor to finalise your arrangement before you commit to mounting it on the wall.
Invest in a Rug
Whether it’s patterned or a solid colour, a good rug act like a visual anchor and really brings together a space, connecting all your pieces of furniture together. It’s also great for covering up not very nice carpets or flooring and adds warmth to colder types of flooring such as hardwood, laminate or tiles. Better still, they can be easily rolled up and taken with you to your next home.
Read our interview with Medina Grillo here. For more of Medina’s DIY projects and decorating ideas, visit her blog Grillo Designs and buy her book, Home Sweet Rented Home, published by Octopus.
