Wallpaper without wallpaper paste? Rugs that change a whole room? Meet the creative minds transforming compact rentals into bold, beautiful homes—without losing their deposits.
In a corner of her colour-soaked flat in Bristol, interior designer and artist Georgie Webster has a dance pole standing tall in her living room. But it’s not even the most eye-catching feature. With pink and peach walls, a checkerboard-painted sideboard in purple and orange, and an olive-green sofa, the space bursts with energy and personality. What seems chaotic on paper somehow works with perfect harmony.
And thousands agree. Online, Webster—known as @GeorgieWebArt on TikTok and Instagram—is part of a vibrant new wave of small-space interior influencers gaining traction with renters and first-time buyers seeking affordable, high-impact design.
“People still think interior design is just for the wealthy. It’s not. Everyone deserves a home they love—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune,” Webster says.
The Reality of Renting in 2025
The backdrop to this creative surge? Skyrocketing rents and elusive dreams of homeownership. A 2025 study by Hamptons revealed that 3.4 million people under 45 are now renting in the UK—an increase of 149,000 in just two years. This group is collectively spending £3.5 billion more in rent, making it harder than ever to save for a deposit.
Webster, one of the lucky few to own a home in her 30s, bought her flat in 2022. But before that, she spent nearly a decade renting in Bristol—“everything from chaotic shared houses to amazing flatmates,” she recalls.
Now with full creative control, her home is a canvas: a peach-toned kitchen, a cloud-painted bathroom ceiling, and endless colourful corners. “No landlord would’ve let me do this,” she laughs.
But she knows her 20-something followers—mostly aged 24 to 34—are dealing with tighter constraints. That’s where the hacks come in.
Renter-Friendly Design Hacks
From peel-and-stick floor tiles to double-sided tape wallpaper, today’s small-space decorators are cleverly bypassing landlord rules without sacrificing style.
“You can absolutely transform a room without painting a wall,” says Webster. “The key is accessories and scale. Go for the biggest rug you can afford—it anchors the space and adds instant warmth.”
Her advice for renters includes:
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Removable wall treatments: From decals to self-adhesive wallpaper, they’re easy to install and take with you.
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Rugs and curtains: Both can dramatically change the look of a space, especially when the walls must stay white.
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Bold artwork: Lean framed prints against the wall or use adhesive hooks to avoid damage.
There’s also a deeper reason behind the rising popularity of colourful interiors: emotional resilience.
“The world feels sad right now. Colourful interiors make people feel happier, especially when they’re spending more time at home,” Webster reflects.
From Architectural Dreams to Marketplace Reality
Alice Redfearn, 27, knows the renter’s juggle all too well. She’s lived in four London flats since moving from County Durham, and her dream of living in an Architectural Digest-worthy home is still far off. But her TikTok channel, @MerakialInteriors, shows how to get the look—without the price tag.
“I started sharing videos because I thought, ‘Surely I’m not the only one trying to make my rental feel more special without spending loads,’” she says.
Redfearn focuses on two key strategies: patience and resourcefulness.
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She swears by Facebook Marketplace and street finds, turning secondhand gems into stylish, functional pieces.
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Rather than rushing to decorate, she layers her space over time, collecting artwork, fabrics, and furnishings slowly.
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“It won’t look perfect overnight. But over time, you can build something beautiful—even in a rental,” she says.
Tricks to Fake Grandeur on a Budget
Redfearn has learned how to create big impact without big changes:
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Swap curtains: Landlord ones are often poor quality. Luxe or patterned drapes elevate the entire room.
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Play with scale: Use matching-height furniture (e.g. sofa, coffee table, TV unit) to create symmetry.
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Embrace patterns: Cushions, throws, and lampshades are low-commitment ways to mix colour and texture.
Worried about the deposit? “No nails, no damage,” Redfearn advises. “You can work with the room’s structure and add interest without permanent changes.”
Still, she gets why many renters hesitate. “It’s hard to invest when you don’t know how long you’ll be staying,” she says. “But if you can make the space feel like home, even temporarily, it’s worth it.”
Home is More Than Ownership
As property prices soar and renting becomes the norm well into adulthood, influencers like Webster and Redfearn are reshaping what “home” looks like for millions.
“Everyone deserves a home that reflects them,” says Redfearn. “You don’t need to wait for a mortgage to start creating it.”
Their message is clear: You don’t need to own your home to love living in it.
