We know that when it comes to interiors style, rented accommodation can be very hit or miss. So this year, we asked you to share your highs and lows (there were some real lows…) of your experience living in a rented home.

You responded in your hundreds – 805 to be precise – and you weren’t shy about sharing your top renting life hacks.

Here, we’ve compiled some of your most common woes as well as your – and our – top tips for making a rented house feel like home.

More than a third (37%) of respondents were currently renting – either alone, with friends, their partner/significant other or in shared accomodation – and another 44% had previous experience of renting.

Your favourite space #1: the living room

The lounge was the favourite room of almost half (46%) of all respondents, mainly because they felt it was a cosy space where they could spend time with family, or where they could unwind after a long day.

You said…

We spend most of our leisure time here when we’re at home because it’s so cosy.

It’s where we relax of an evening, unwind with a good box set and a bottle of wine.

Your life hacks for the living room

As well as dotting photos of family and friends around the room, you said using cosy throws and blankets were a great way to make your living room feel a bit more like home.

You said…

I put throws over the settee. It promotes your personal style whilst protecting against spillages that may eat into your deposit when you move on!

So why not add an extra level of comfort to your living room with blankets like this knitted one.

Your favourite spaces #2: the bedroom

Closely following the lounge was the bedroom, with 29% of respondents saying this was their favourite space in their home. If you’ve rented with others before, you’ll know that time to yourself is limited and the only time you can really be by yourself is when you’re in your bedroom!

Make the bedroom feel like yours

The bedroom has to be just perfect to ensure maximum relaxation. And you had some great tips to make it feel 100% yours.

You said…

If you can, get a cosy new carpet fitted – a new carpet is much warmer and more welcoming.

Lighting! Invest in a set of fairy lights or a fun coloured lamp. Replacing harsh lighting with a nice friendly glow makes it hard to see the other bad parts.

And while you’re about it, treat yourself to a luxury duck down duvet, pillows as well as 100% Egyptian cotton bed linen to make sure you’re getting the most out of your alone time!

…and your least favourite!

Taking the no.1 spot for the least favourite space was the bathroom – which more than a third (35%) of current renters agreed on. Your main issue was that bathrooms in rented accomodation are often small and clinical.

You said…

The bathroom is very small and there’s just not much I can do with it! 

It’s long overdue an overhaul (the tiles have been up for 21 years!). It looks shabby and ugly.

But don’t suffer in silence, add a touch of luxury with these 100% cotton towels.

Image: Decorating Files

Coming in a close second – with 21% – was the kitchen, which many people felt was outdated and more functional than a space to relax and entertain.

Upgrade your kitchen and dining space simply by replicating the look below with our table linen.

Image: The Honeycomb Home

Lighting can also help change the feel and atmosphere of your kitchen.

You said…

Invest in good lighting, spaced out throughout the room, rather than relying on the glaring ceiling light bulb.

So vanilla

Of the respondents currently renting, a third agreed that the standard white or magnolia walls were the worst thing about renting.

Your life hacks included:

Put lots of photos up – it helps to hide the usually bland walls!

Usually the walls are magnolia so replacing colourful and quirky accessories often really changes the space and adds your own personal touch.

If you also struggle breathing life into a stark rented space, try offsetting them with a colourful patterned rug – just like this one.  

Image: Bolig Magasinet

Your top trends for 2018

The most popular trend you’d like to bring into your homes this year is rich colours – think emerald green, bright pink and deep purple – with nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents agreeing.

If you want to try this trend in a rented home, why not take a look at the curtains in your bedroom or living room.

You said…

Changing curtains – it instantly makes a room feel more like yours.

This pair of faux silk aubergine-hued curtains would definitely tick the box of your most popular trend!

Your final word

As well as giving you lots of gorgeous products to swoon over, we hope we’ve provided you some comfort in knowing that you’re not alone – the struggle is real in making a rented house your home!

You said…

Always treat your rented home like your own, after all it’s where you live and everything around makes up your mood which will ultimately influence your daily life and the future to come!