How to make a rental property feel like home with a flexible design strategy in Singapore
Embracing Change: Designing a Rental Home that Grows with You
Today, we’ll explore how to design a rental home that truly feels like yours. It’s easy to think that making your rental feel special means sticking to a list of universal design rules. But why not take a different approach? Embrace a strategy that adapts as your life evolves and your needs change.
The Psychology Behind Adaptability
At its core, designing a home that evolves is about creating stability and control. Our home is one of the few places where we can exert some control amid life’s unpredictability. It’s a sanctuary that offers comfort and a sense of security.
We all crave a sense of permanence in an ever-changing world. This desire often leads us to fear making costly mistakes or feeling the pressure to keep our homes looking just so. But what if we could embrace change instead of fearing it? What if our homes could be a reflection of who we are right now, rather than waiting for the dream home for someday-one day?
The Only Constant is Change
Instead of trying to fix your rental in a style that’s meant to last forever, let’s lean into change. Why? Think about how different your life was just a few years ago. Your tastes, routines, and needs have probably shifted. Similarly, in the future, your home should reflect your current style, lifestyle and needs without requiring a complete redesign. Your rental should be able to adapt to ongoing changes without major renovations.
A Strategic Approach to a Personal and Flexible Design
Here's the secret sauce: think of your belongings in three categories based on how easy they are to change.
Hard-to-Change Items: These are your big investments, like that fabulous dining table, a cozy sofa, or a beautiful sideboard. They're the pieces you love so much they’ll always have a place in your home.
Tips: Opt for modular seating and multifunctional furnishings!
Modular seating is an excellent choice for renters who value versatility and adaptability in their furniture. Customisable seating arrangements consist of individual pieces that can be easily rearranged to suit different spaces and needs. Check out King Living modular sofas to get some interesting ideas.
When choosing furniture, multifunctional pieces are the best choice. Such pieces are ideal for temporary living spaces as they can be adapted to suit different spaces over time, they can be bookcases, console tables, sofa beds, ottomans or extendable tables.
Mild Inconveniences: These are things that might take a bit of effort to update, like painting walls, swapping out light fixtures, or putting up temporary wallpaper. It's a bit of work, but the payoff can be huge.
Tips: Think about this as your white box, you could paint the walls, add a nice ceiling pendant and get that perfect rug!
A fresh coat of paint or textured paint - It’s always worth approaching your landlord to see if they will allow you to repaint. Don’t be shy about using colours. A beautiful wall colour will automatically set the mood of a room. Check out Alora Paints or Wallhub for inspiration.
Use temporary / removable wallpaper: Temporary wallpaper is designed for hassle-free installation and removal, without causing damage to the walls. Check out Arte Wallpaper for inspiring ideas.
Light it Up: Your rented apartment might come with ceiling lights straight out of a bad 90s sitcom, or even some clunky ceiling fans. Why not have a chat with your landlord during the contracting stage about swapping these out for something more fab? If that’s a no-go, splurge on some chic lampshades and fittings that you can easily take with you when you move. It’s an upgrade that goes wherever you do!
Easy-to-Swap Items: This is where you can really have fun! Think cushions, throws, wall art, rugs, decorative objects, plants and decorative lighting. These are the easiest to change and can totally transform a room's vibe without breaking the bank.
Art Wall: Don’t be afraid of investing in art, art is a very good way to decorate your walls, they add a dimension of your own personality into your spaces and is easy to change. These days art has become very affordable. Check out The Poster Club for inspiration.
Decorative Accessories: Think cushions, throws, and small decorative items that you can easily change to refresh your look. I love Yono Studio, Elkie’s Edit and even H&M Home in Singapore when buying this items.
Lighting: Use different lamps or string lights to create ambience and character that’s easy to adjust. Add floor lamps and side table lamps to illuminate corners and walls of a room.
Designing with Flexibility
Foundation Items: For items that are harder to change, choose durable and neutral options that set the stage for more dynamic accessories.
Adaptable Layers: Incorporate elements from the ‘Mild Inconveniences’ and ‘Easy-to-Swap’ categories to reflect current trends or personal style. This way, you can keep your space fresh without committing to long-term changes.
Evolution Over Time:
Let your space evolve as you do. As your life changes, your home can too! Whether it's swapping out a few cushions or rearranging furniture, these little tweaks keep your space feeling fresh and true to who you are now.
Visual Examples and Practical Application
Imagine starting with a neutral-coloured sofa or dining table. You can completely transform the room's look by changing accessories like cushions, art, or a rug. For example, swap a minimalist rug for a bold patterned one, or update cushions to match seasonal colours.
Conclusion
Creating a home goes beyond strict design rules; it’s about making your space truly yours. It’s where your personal style shines and where your surroundings grow with you.
In a rental, adaptability is crucial. Your space should evolve alongside you, ensuring it always feels like home, no matter where life leads.
