Although we now own our home, Charles and I have lived in a total of 14 rentals between the two of us. That’s a lot of rentals! Along the way we’ve learned a few tricks to help make a temporary space feel more like home.

Wallpaper is traditionally so hard to apply, and even harder to remove.Well not anymore, thanks to temporary wallpaper. I would use this in a small room that needs a little oomph in a rental, like a powder room or even one wall in a bedroom or kitchen. And temporary wallpaper isn’t just for rentals. If you can’t commit to a permanent upgrade, try out a temporary solution instead. You can find the best places to get temporary wallpaper here.

Most landlords that I came across in my renting days were open to the idea of painting, so long as the walls were painted back to white when I moved out. I remember my 3 roommates and I spending hours painting our kitchen hot pink in college. Good times. I’d avoid painting entire rooms, and maybe just stick to a feature wall. I love the idea of a dark wall in the bedroom to frame the bed.

Probably the easiest and cheapest way to add a punch of color to any room. I’m sure you’ve noticed that the blogger’s plant of choice is the fiddle leaf fig, but any plant will do. Add a smaller plant to the kitchen counter or coffee table, and a taller tree to brighten a corner.

Even if you know you won’t be there forever, it really is worth those few nail holes to go ahead and hang pictures and art on the walls. After all, that’s a big part of what makes a house a home…even if it’s a temporary home.

Some landlords are willing to knock a little off your rent for services and updates you can provide. Hate the color of those kitchen cabinets? Tub need re-caulking? It doesn’t hurt to ask if you can make a few changes in exchange for a reduced rent.

Rugs, throws, bedding, towels, shower curtains…all of these can be used to add a homey softness to your rental. Try layering rugs on top of each other, and go crazy with the throw pillows!

[Click on photos for source.]

Most overhead lights are pretty easy to change out. A funky or glam fixture can take a room from boring to chic really fast. The best part? You can take it the fixtures with you to your new digs!

What are your best rental tips? Have you tried any of these?

PS – 702 Park Project was featured on Country Living’s site last week! Check it out here!!