How to Create a Cozy Atmosphere in Rental Housing Without Spending Money: A Couple's Experience from California

Leslie Stevens and her fiancé John Olman live in a rented apartment. They consider it their home and create beauty here and now, not waiting until they buy something of their own and do a renovation. How to love your home, no matter what it is? Here are the secrets of Leslie and John.

Don't Use Meaningless Decor

Leslie and John are convinced that clutter and chaos in the home create meaningless items. For example, a vase that accidentally came from their aunt, or an old blanket they're too ashamed to throw away. It's exactly such clutter that causes the desire to forever tidy up. The couple has a rule: every item in the home has meaning. For example, family photos in the hallway are work of John's father, and the knitted blanket was brought by mom from Leslie's homeland, Guatemala.

Give Away Unneeded Items

The couple follows the rule: help each item find its owner. Even the most terrible vase to you may please someone else. Leslie always gives away items she doesn't use anymore, free of charge.

Once I gave away four boxes of my clothes to friends, and a few days later I completely forgot what was in them.

Place Favorite Items in the Center of Composition

Leslie loves music, so she arranges her interior around four large speakers. Of course, one could replace the stereo system with something more compact, but Leslie didn't do that because the living room with large monitors is her style. The girl always moves with her stereo system, and moving here was no exception.

My speakers make me feel at home. I light a candle and turn on music the very moment I open the front door.

Excessive Storage Spaces Are Harmful

The couple came to this conclusion quite recently. When Leslie and John moved into a new apartment, they discovered that the bathroom had only one shelf for storage. But over time, Leslie realized this helps them be more selective in their purchases. In addition, when there are no extra bottles around, the bathroom looks neater.

When there are no unnecessary small items in the bathroom, cleaning goes faster and lasts longer.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

When Leslie and John first moved in, they spent money on rent and transporting their things, and for some time were completely broke. There was no sofa in the kitchen at first. Friends of the couple wanted to throw away wooden boxes that weren't needed for setting up the kids' room, but Leslie and John took them and made a kitchen bench. It turned out both convenient and stylish.

Photo source: www.heykellyj.com