'Pasel Shades MAKE IT HOMELY'

Using a soft colour palette, Steph has decorated her rental using landlordfriendly hacks to create a bright and cheerful home

- MAXINE BRADY

After a year of renting a room in a flat-share in Wimbledon, I was more than ready to live on my own,’ says Steph. ‘I moved back in with my family for a short time while I looked for a new flat. It took me some time to find my ideal place as I specifically wanted to live in a new-build apartment – although I love the character of older properties, often the decor can be tired and tatty.

By contrast, this brand-new flat had freshly painted walls and large windows with city views. I loved that it was a blank box that I could make my own.

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I'm Steph Kaluza, 22, a marketing executive. I also have an interior Instagram account, @ohsorented.

MY HOME A one-bed flat in an apartment block that was built in 2020, in north-west London. I rented it in November 2020.

WHEN I MOVED IN My brand-new apartment looked clean and fresh but it lacked colour and personality.

AND NOW I've filled my home with colourful accessories and enjoy displaying my growing collection of art and prints. I've also invested in pieces of furniture that I can take with me when I move.

STYLE TIP When renting, bring character to your space with unique accessories from small independent shops. It's a good way to add in some colour, too, if your walls are all neutral and you're not allowed to paint them.

Planning ahead