Jack's Love List #32: Rental Revelations Part One

Temporary interiors solutions with big impact for rentals

Jul 26, 2025

Making a rented space feel like home can be a real balancing act—trying to add personality and style without making changes that could risk your deposit. But it is possible, and there are so many clever, good-looking solutions out there that make a real difference without a lot of cost or commitment.

And even if you're not renting, this week’s Love List is packed with tricks, tips, and products that are perfect for anyone looking to update a space quickly, easily, and on a budget. Whether you're avoiding paint, or just fancy a refresh without the faff, there’s something here for you.

We’re talking high-impact, low-effort ideas: removable wallpaper, statement textiles, easy install lighting, and rugs that can totally transform a room—no DIY trauma required.

Let’s dive in!

Wallpaper:

We all know I’m a huge fan of pattern and print—you only have to glance around my home to see that wallpaper is one of my love languages. Over the past few years, more and more brands have embraced removable wallpaper, making it easier than ever to bring serious personality to your space without risking your deposit (or your sanity). I’m actually in the process of picking one to line the inside of my wardrobes—it’s the perfect alternative to painting or faffing around sealing the wood for traditional paste.

Dunelm have really stepped it up with their self-adhesive range, and my current obsession is the Halcyon Blue design. It’s pure maximalist joy—a rich, saturated blue with elegant crane illustrations that give off a luxe, slightly vintage feel. If you’re nervous about going bold, this would be so lovely used in a small space—think the back of a bookcase, a panelled hallway section, or inside a wardrobe door—for just a touch of drama.

They also have a gorgeous woodland print, available in both green and cream. The green version is a little more statement, with its deeper tone and bold leaf motif—perfect for a cosy reading nook or feature wall. The cream version is softer and more subtle, but still gives that lovely layered texture. It’s a great option if you want something a bit more elevated than paint but not too overpowering.

Over at B&Q, the ‘Lemon Drop’ wallpaper is giving me all the Amalfi Coast vibes. Fresh, bright, and full of sunshine—this citrus print would be so lovely in a kitchen, bathroom, or utility space. It brings instant cheer.

And if your taste leans more traditional, the Kianna Jacobean print is a timeless beauty. Rich florals and classic detailing make this one feel properly grand—without any paste or commitment required. Pair it with some blue velvet curtains, antique-style frames or a upcycled sideboard for a look that feels curated and classic.

Tile Treatment:

Tiles can completely transform a space—but let’s be honest, they’re also one of the most permanent design choices you can make. Not only do they take time, skill, and money to install, but if you're renting, there's zero chance of popping the chipped-off originals back when it’s time to move out. Even tile paint (which I’ve tried myself to cover some... colourful cottage tiles in a city flat) is a commitment.

Enter the hero of this section: tile transfers. These clever little solutions have had a real moment in recent years—and for good reason. They’re quick, removable, and surprisingly effective. I used them in a holiday let we had and was honestly amazed at the impact.

Amazon have a brilliant selection of 12"x12" self-adhesive sheets, complete with a 3D effect for that extra bit of realism. I’m particularly into the on-trend bottle green option—it’s rich, stylish, and works beautifully in both kitchens and bathrooms. There’s also a black tile with dark grout and a white with black grout version for those who prefer a more neutral, graphic look. And at £22.82 for 10 sheets, it’s a really affordable way to switch things up—and easy enough to swap again if your mood or palette changes

Dunelm, much like their removable wallpaper range, also have a great selection of self-adhesive tile stickers—with everything from soft neutrals to bold, patterned options. One of my favourites is the Carli Blue & White Patterned Tile, which is ideal if your kitchen is feeling a bit bland and you’re craving some character. The design has a lovely French/Italian influence—think rustic charm with a hint of sunshine—and it instantly brings warmth and personality to the space. They’re perfect for a splashback, a small wall section, or even to add detail behind open shelving. A small touch that makes a big difference.

Another clever option—especially in bathrooms—is using shower boards. These are large sheets of PVC or acrylic designed to look like tiled walls, and they’re a brilliant alternative when you're dealing with dated or tired tiling. We actually used them in a holiday let once, and they completely transformed the space.

One of the best things about them is how easy they are to install (and remove!). With a bit of double-sided sticky foam tape and a line of silicone sealant at the top and bottom, they’ll stay put and cover a multitude of sins—no tile hacking required. Reco Surfaces has loads of styles to suit different looks and layouts, but the classic metro tile effect is my go-to. It’s clean, timeless, and works in almost any bathroom setup. A smart solution that looks far more polished than the effort it takes to put up.

The Power of Rugs:

Rugs can totally transform a space for a few key reasons. Firstly, they’re ideal for covering an unwanted or unsightly floor—whether that’s cracked tiles, cold laminate or a mystery shade of beige you didn’t ask for. But beyond the camouflage, they’re also a brilliant way to bring in colour, pattern, and a bit of personality.

And the best part? A rug isn’t tied down. You can roll it up, move it around—style it in the living room now, and the bedroom later. It’s one of those pieces that goes with you, making it a great investment even if you're not planning to stay put long term. Big or small, bold or neutral, a rug really can ground a space and give it that intentional, styled feel.

Statement Rugs:

Let’s kick things off with a couple of statement rugs—because if you’re like me and drawn to colour, pattern, and that glorious wow factor, then you know a rug can be a total game-changer. It's one of the easiest ways to set the tone of a space, giving you a foundation to build around. Think of it as the launchpad for your cushions, curtains, or even the sofa—your room's unofficial colour consultant.

First up is the Milo Scallop Stripe Rug from Dunelm. I have this beauty in my bedroom, and it never fails to make me smile. The soft scalloped edge adds a playful twist, while the stripe keeps it feeling crisp and considered. It’s punchy without being overpowering—and that’s the sweet spot for so many, right?

The version I went for (naturally) was the blue and white, but it also comes in a fresh yellow and white stripe with pink scalloped edging—ideal for a brighter, sunny feel. And just launched this season is a black and white combo that is giving total “Dave Pick” energy in our house. Bold, graphic, and slightly more moody—but still with that charming edge detail to soften things up.

The Iris Traditional Wool Rug from Dunelm is another standout for anyone craving a bit of that vintage charm—and we all know I’m partial to a touch of chintz. This one leans beautifully into the cottagecore vibe that’s still having a real moment right now. The print feels classic and romantic without tipping into fussy, and the warm, muted tones mean it pairs effortlessly with neutral furniture.

Picture it with a linen sofa in soft oatmeal or stone, layered up with ruffled cushions and floaty curtains—it’s giving country-house-meets-modern-living. A perfect pick if you’re after something that adds richness and character without overwhelming the space. Cosy, timeless, and full of personality

.The Floris Rug from La Redoute is a total classic with a twist. With its traditional styling—reminiscent of Persian or Afghan designs—it brings all the timeless charm and intricate detailing you'd expect, but the fresh, modern colour palette keeps it feeling light and updated. It’s the kind of piece that grounds a room instantly, adding a layer of depth and texture without making things feel too heavy or formal.

Perfect in a living room with mid-century furniture or as a contrast against more contemporary pieces, it’s a real chameleon of a rug. Think of it as the stylish neutral that’s anything but boring—a piece that will age beautifully and move with you from home to home.

Berber & Neutral:

If you're more into the neutral and natural vibe, don't worry—there are still plenty of gorgeous options that will help camouflage those rental carpets while injecting a little personality and texture into your space.

Jute and sisal rugs are absolute classics for a reason: they bring in natural warmth, hide a multitude of sins, and go with everything. I’m loving this Pebble Orange Woven Rug from TK Maxx—it’s got all the neutral grounding you want, but with that little slice of colour that adds a subtle punch and keeps things interesting. A great way to dip a toe into colour without going full pattern.

If texture is your love language, then a Berber-style rug is always a safe—and stylish—bet. I had this classic La Redoute Afaw Berber in my living room for ages, and it was honestly such a hardworking piece. The soft, off-white base was surprisingly easy to keep clean, and the texture added instant warmth and cosiness to the space.

But in true Jack style, I couldn’t resist sharing a slightly bolder twist on the Berber. This Sophie Robinson Geometric Berber Rug from Dunelm comes in the most beautiful green shade, paired with soft pink accents—still subtle in pattern, but the colour does the talking. It’s a fab example of how you can use colour as the feature without relying on a loud print. And that supersoft shaggy texture? Chef’s kiss.

Lighting is key:

Lighting is one of the quickest and most underrated ways to change the mood of a room, and luckily, it’s renter-friendly too. Something as simple as swapping out a basic lampshade can completely transform a space—and the best bit? No electrician required. It’s an easy change that makes a big impact.

There are so many great statement shades and plug-in options around right now that feel much more designer than DIY. A standout pendant or oversized paper shade can turn a bland ceiling fixture into a proper feature, while table lamps and plug-in wall lights add warmth and flexibility wherever you need them. It's the kind of tweak that makes your space feel more curated and considered, without touching a single wire (or your deposit).

Let’s start at the top—literally. Pendant light shades are one of the easiest things to update in a rental (or anywhere, really). No tools or wiring know-how needed—just unscrew the collar from the ceiling rose, pop your new shade on, and screw it back in place. Done in minutes, and it instantly elevates the room.

One of my favourite fail-safe choices? The giant paper sphere shade. It’s an iconic piece of design that was practically a supporting character in every cool city flat on TV in the 90s—and now it’s fully back with a vengeance. The magic of these shades is in the way they diffuse the light beautifully, creating a soft, warm glow that makes everything feel that little bit cosier. And because of their grand proportions, they also add a touch of drama and scale, even in the most neutral of spaces. All for around £35.00—which, let’s be honest, is an absolute steal for that kind of visual impact.

Next up is this olive green beauty—a tactile velvet pendant with the most fabulous vintage-style fringe. It’s giving major glam meets granny chic in the best possible way, and as a self-confessed maximalist, I am very much here for it. Currently on sale at Oliver Bonas, it’s a bold statement at a very nice price.

This one would be stunning above a dining table—pair it with matching velvet dining chairs if you’re going full maximalist, or contrast it with soft beech wood and rattan for a lighter, more modern take. Either way, it brings instant character and that all-important glow to your space. This olive colour also works really well against a often stark white wall in many rental spaces.

And finishing off this week’s lighting picks is the woven jute pendant from La Redoute—a natural beauty that ticks all the right boxes. At 60cm in diameter, it’s a really generous size, meaning it brings serious visual impact without feeling heavy or overdone.

What I especially love is the darker rim detailing around the edge—it’s a small touch, but one that instantly makes the piece feel more elevated and designer. The jute weave softens the light beautifully, casting a warm, atmospheric glow that’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you want that laid-back, cosy vibe.

Natural textures like rattan and jute are great choices for rentals too—they bring the interest of a statement light, but still feel calm, neutral, and easy to layer with your other pieces.

Links:

Pagazzi - Rufus 100cm Paper Ball Pendent Shade £35.00 - Click Here
Oliver Bonas - Ero Green Velvet & Tassel Drum Pendant Lamp £39.00 - Click Here
La Redoute - Jutlo Woven Grass Shade 60cm £59.99 - Click Here

And that wraps up this week’s Love List! Whether you're a seasoned renter, a first-time flat-sharer, or a homeowner looking for a quick refresh without the faff, I hope you've found a few ideas (or a whole shopping list) to try out. There are so many clever, stylish and affordable products out there that can help you transform your space—without ever picking up a paintbrush or calling an electrician.

This is definitely a topic I’ll be coming back to again—there’s so much more to share when it comes to rental-friendly decorating and low-commitment home upgrades. So, if there’s something you’re struggling with in your own home—be it awkward layouts, magnolia walls, or how to make a tiny space feel like you—drop a comment below or send me a message. I’d love to include your dilemmas in a future list.

If you enjoyed this week’s roundup, don’t forget to like, leave a comment, and subscribe if you haven’t already—and maybe even send it to a friend who’s battling with their beige box of a flat. Sharing is caring… especially when it comes to home hacks.