1. Install new curtains

Curtains are a small thing that can really make a big impact in a rental — visually with colour and texture, but also for providing privacy, reducing noise, or improving your home’s thermal performance.

In most states and territories, you’re allowed to hang new curtains on existing rods or install temporary setups, and Victorians can do so without requiring permission from the landlord.

You could do something like the half curtains in content creator Michelle Banares’ Melbourne rental. She handmade these with sheer fabric and a short rod that can sit inside the window frame — adding bistro-style flair without needing to drill a hole. Even as a beginner at sewing, you could also make a Japanese noren curtain to hang in a hallway door, while thicker drapes are great for window coverings in the living room or bedroom.

2. Create your own free-standing island bench

There’s nothing worse than bumbling around a dysfunctional kitchen. But if you do happen to have a little extra floor space in the kitchen, the best way to make use of it is by creating a freestanding island bench — no built-in elements needed!

All you need is a table or workbench that’s the right height, like this stainless steel option from IKEA in Annie Portelli’s home, which provides extra food prep space and storage below. You could also take inspiration from Sally Tabart’s kitchen, where a custom table and stools unlocked a functional breakfast bar where the family can gather.

3. Add shelves to showcase your personality

All the best rental homes we’ve seen on TDF have one thing in common: excellent object styling. And with that often comes lots of shelving!

From floating shelves showcasing ceramics in the kitchen (like in floral artist Hattie Molloy’s art deco apartment) to the open-shelving unit in interior designer Elle Ross’ sharehouse, you need these spaces to showcase your favourite trinkets, books, and pieces that tell the story of your life.

When it comes to adding shelves in a rental, Victorians are allowed to install shelves, brackets, or picture hooks without permission, provided any changes you make can be reversed at the end of your lease. For other states, you may need to ask your landlord. When in doubt, you can always go for a freestanding unit too.

4. Showcase artwork in every room

Similar to shelving, simply showcasing your favourite artworks is one of the quickest ways you can personalise a home.

Since you can’t paint the walls, this is key for injecting colour into your space. Start by looking around your rental for the glaring blank spaces or unsightly corners, and imagine how much better they would look with a great painting there to steal the focus instead!

It seems obvious, but the real trick is in curating the right collection of both large and small pieces — as shown in this eclectic Melbourne rental. This takes time, but before you know it, you’ll have a gallery wall going in your hallway.

5. Update your lighting

Lighting impacts how everything else in the space looks and feels, so relying on overhead downlights (also known as the dreaded ‘big light’) alone is a big mistake.

It’s worth noting that renters generally need a landlord’s permission to change out light fittings; however, depending on your location, you could try hanging pendants using an extension cable and damage-free adhesive hooks (see the Parisian-chic home of Nicole Williams for inspiration) to avoid the need for wiring permanent fixtures.

And of course, you can never underestimate the power of a good lamp or two to really set the mood.