Rental Home Styling: The Essentials

For most in Hong Kong, our homes are rented. Which in turn could mean we have a very lovely and flexible landlord that does not mind that you make a few changes but also some being very strict. Nonetheless, we still want to make it homely and our little sanctuary in this busy city.

Here are just a few small tips on creating a warm, cosy & stylish space in your rented home, they may be obvious but make all the difference.

Hardware

Updating up your hardware on your kitchen, bathroom, TV cabinets, chest of drawers, side tables etc can turn a basic piece into something far more interesting. It is easy, simple and yet so effective.

Source: Upcycle Hong Kong

Softer lighting

I am a huge lover of lamps and softer lighting, I barely use the main light as it just doesn’t feel cosy, and we’re all about the cosy vibes! Lighting creates the ambience and the mood of the room. ‘Warm lighting feels natural to us in the evenings and promotes relaxation. As part of our natural human circadian rhythm, warm light seems to relax us and help us wind down for the day, and get ready for sleep. While cool lighting helps us be alert and energetic for performing tasks, cool lighting in our evening spaces may interfere with our inner clock’ – The Spruce

Candles! never underestimate a good candle.

Rugs

Placing a rug in your home provides a warming, cosy feel with such a wide range of textures, colours and patterns to choose from. The styles have evolved over the years enabling you to create a space that really suits your personality which can really bring a whole room together. Although sometimes the maintenance of a rug can be a chore however these days there are options of easy clean and safeguarded rugs if you have a high traffic household. Of course, these can be picked up second hand around marketplace and online but we also love Miss Amara HK eco friendly rugs that ‘ have been produced without harming the environment in their production, enjoyment or disposal’

(www.missamara.hk/collections/eco-friendly-rugs) and there is currently 15% off site wide using code 'EASTER' until the 6th of April 2021.

Source: Miss Amara

Cosy bedding

There is nothing like fresh sheets! Am I right? Ahh, just thinking about it gives me all the feels. Having good quality sheets that can last and maintain its shape and feel has to be up there. It’s the aprt of the day we all look forward to so why not invest in the comfiest and best sheets you can find. From linen to cotton to bamboo, there’s a range you can go for which suit your needs and how you feel. We love the sustainability and quality of bamboo silk sheets which can be found at Naked Lab in Hong Kong, check them out on https://nakedlab.com/. Naked Lab have kindly given Upcycle Hong Kong a 10% discount code to share with you which is 'upup10' which will be valid until the end of April.

Source: Naked Lab HK

Upcycled ladders

Ok, this is a classic and has been seen everywhere but you can’t really go wrong with a loft style upcycled ladder. For towels, plants, lights, hung on the wall as a book shelf, off the ceiling and hang pots, hanging your heels. I mean, its endless what you can do with a ladder. it’s a pretty inexpensive, versatile and stated piece to have in your home for sure.

DIY Headboard

So actually, whilst I was trying to find an image of the DIY headboard I had in mind which was made from a pallet. I came across this one. I get it serves no purpose other than looking cute but we can live with that. It is so incredibly simple with an old curtain pole (in which you could customise) and a beautiful quilt of choice. So easy to change up the style and colour over seasons too. Kinda loving this more and more.

Photo cred: unknown on Pinterest

So actually, whilst I was trying to find an image of the DIY headboard I had in mind which was made from a pallet. I came across this one. I get it serves no purpose other than looking cute but we can live with that. It is so incredibly simple with an old curtain pole (in which you could customise) and a beautiful quilt of choice. So easy to change up the style and colour over seasons too. Kind a loving this more and more.

Plants

Never forget a trust old plant to spice things up, but also let's be real how many of us actually can keep a plant alive. Low maintenance air purifying plants such as snake plants, spider plant, boston ferns & peace lilys for the win!

Aside from the aesthetics, indoor plants can reduce irritation to eyes, ears, nose and throat, prevent or ease coughing and congestion, lower your stress and boost your attention capacity

Source: The Spruce

Artwork

For some, there is an ora around beautiful artwork being unattainable but of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Art can bring life, personality and be a great conversation starter. We are loving Magdalena Klim's gorgeous unqiue and bespoke artwork. "Magdalena is gaining international attention from interior designers, nature lovers and artists alike. Her collection of mixed media artworks captures the vibrancy and unpredictability of our natural world, making them a perfect addition to a modern home or corporate workplace. Magdalena’s art evokes thoughts of beaches, the ocean, the sky, cliffs, hills, forests and freedom. Organic shapes, sights, depths and colours of nature infuse her art."

We have been fortunate to be given a discount code for all Upcycle Hong Kong readers, you can receive 20% off by using code UPCYCLE20. Simply get in touch with Magdalena first via her instagram page @magdalenaklim.art or via email hi@magdalenaklim.com to discuss your commissioned piece.

Website: https://magdalenaklim.com/

Source: Magdalena Klim