This is a collaborative post
Many people want to improve their lifestyle, but a lot of families and individuals simply don’t know how they feel trapped in the home they’re in. They wonder whether things will ever really improve for them.
Fortunately, this post is here to help. We look at some practical ways that you can turn a drafty British rental into a cosy sanctuary.
Use warm, layered lighting
Most rental properties in Britain use a big central light. This often has a 3,000 K+ bulb that puts out a white, bluish light and doesn’t feel very welcoming.
You can fix this by using warm layered lighting in your interior so you don’t have to rely so much on overhead lights, even if you’re using a rental and can’t swap them out. For example, you could put a standing lamp behind an armchair in your living room, and then rechargeable picture lights or battery-operated lights where appropriate around the rest of your home. These can often output a significant quantity of light, making your property feel so much cosier than it ever did before.
Block the chill with clever fabric solutions
Another thing you can try is blocking the chill with some clever fabric solutions. For example, you can place heavy draft excluders along the bottom of external doors, and even on interior doors if you want to keep specific rooms particularly cosy. You could also use blackout curtains behind lighter decorative curtains using curtain clips, or add jute rugs over laminate wood floorboards to add more insulation.
Separate cosmetic decor from structural repair
Another thing you want to do is separate your cosmetic decor from structural repair. If you’re renting a property, this demarcation in your thinking should be clear.
For example, let’s say that you have a council house and the local council isn’t providing you with the structural repairs you need to live comfortably. In this case, it may be worth filing a council house disrepair claim.
If you’re working with a private landlord, get them to deal with structural issues. Don’t be afraid to approach them, because it’s in their interest to fix them before their property is degraded and depreciated.
Introduce more greenery
You also want to look at the possibility of introducing more greenery to your interiors. Adding plants can make an enormous difference to how a property feels and completely transform your quality of life.
Just make sure you add plants that are okay with low water and light levels. ZZ plants are one of the best options for dim hallways. These can survive without significant lighting for many years. You could also go with cast iron plants or even pothos, sometimes called devil’s ivy. Many of these plants don’t require any direct sunlight at all.
Curate your little book nook
Finally, you’ll want your property to have a book nook. Try carving out a space near a radiator or a spot with an armchair. Look for a cosy area with limited noise that allows you to really relax and unwind in front of a good book in the evening.
