Whether you are spending the summer cozied up in a city apartment or headed to your month-long rental at the beach, you will want to make the space you are renting feel like home.
Here are 5 things that will make your rental house feel like a home:
Extra Pillows and Throws
In addition to bringing along your own bed pillow and linens, toss in some extra pillows and throws for your couch and sitting areas. We love these fun eco-friendly pillows from All+Modern (we’re especially fond of the “Be Nice or Leave” print) and these Eco Chevron throws from WayFair. This is a great way to add a pop of color to a neutral space as well as make your space feel more comfy.
Books/Magazines/Board Games
With all of our technology options, we sometimes forget the simple items that instantly make us feel like home—and will keep you busy should the weather not cooperate or you just need a break from the action. In addition to grabbing your favorite magazines and books, pick up some coffee table books that represent the area you are visiting—adding your own commentaries and stories in the margins as you step out into your adventure. Want to make the next renters feel welcome? Leave your book of commentaries on the coffee table for their perusal.
An Herb Garden
Create a one-pot herb garden that can easily sit on your rental porch or patio. All you need is “one big pot, some potting soil and a few herb plants,” suggests this great tutorial from Apartment Therapy. Having your own herb garden will encourage you to do more cooking from home (explore new local farmers’ markets!) and can even add a fresh scent to your new space (we love tossing sprigs of rosemary or clove in simmering water).
Area Rugs
“In fact, this is a MUST on the rental to-buy list,” says TheDIYPlayBook.com. “If you have ugly stained carpet or scratched hardwood floors you can cover those suckers up with a nice area rug of your choice.” In addition, area rugs will be more comfortable on your feet and can absorb noise—a great way to be a good neighbor should you be living in the apartment above another renter.
Create a Collection
Wherever your summer rental space may be, there is certainly something you can collect that will also make your indoor space feel a bit more personal. Shells from the beach or rocks from your mountain hikes can be put into a glass vase or bowl and displayed on tables and shelves. Living in the city? Frame playbills from musicals or take pictures from places you visit and create a collage. Don’t forget to take your collections with you when you leave–giving you the perfect vacation memory.
Talk to us: What is the one thing you always bring you with you when you travel?
image courtesy of flickr CC/Aimee Ray