They say there’s no place like home, but it’s pretty inconvenient to drag your parents and your dog to college with you. Here are a few essentials to make your rental house feel more like a home.
1. Carpets and rugs
You’ll never know how much you take carpet for granted until you live in a house without it. Trust me, I’ve been there.Related:
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A fuzzy floorplan goes a long way toward making your residence feel more cozy, and if your house doesn’t have any carpet, rugs can be just as good. No one wants to put their bare feet on a concrete floor in the winter, so give your future self a break.
2. Welcome mats
It’s a small touch to be sure, but a welcome mat really makes your house feel more homey. Plus, you can use it to wipe off your muddy shoes and keep the interior spotless. It’s a win-win!
3. Warm lighting
This one’s very subtle, but it can make a big difference for your mood and psyche. Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to make your house feel more inviting is by buying the right light bulbs.
In my experience, nothing is more depressing than a house lit up in garish, bluish-white lights. Buying a warm-colored light bulb (my personal recommendation being warm white) will instantly make your house feel richer and warmer.
4. Wall decorations
It may be cliche, but nothing makes a house feel like it’s yours quite like a painting on the living room wall. Whether they’re framed photos, paintings or even posters, a decorated wall is a defining aspect of a loving home.
Just make sure you check your lease so you don’t put nails where they don’t belong. Your landlord will appreciate it.
Kyle Hampel is the reviews and opinion editor for the Collegian and a junior in English. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
