Darren Kennedy finds out from Lois Lyness, interior stylist at EZ Living Interiors, how to put your stamp on a rental property with temporary design touches
EZ living Interiors Kona three-door sideboard and Shoal green glass table lamp, ezliving-interiors.ie
Lois Lyness, interior stylist at EZ Living Interiors, gives her top tips on how to personalise a rental property with strict rules on decorating
There’s a unique excitement in stepping into a fresh space — blank walls, uncluttered corners and the promise of a new chapter waiting to unfold. But along with that sense of possibility comes a familiar conundrum: how do you make it truly feel like home when the paint colour is non-negotiable, the flooring is, let’s say, inherited and you’re under strict orders to keep the wallpaper paste firmly in its tub? It’s a balancing act many of us know all too well — wanting to inject style and personality into your surroundings, while staying within the (sometimes creatively stifling) bounds of a rental agreement.
Lois Lyness, interior stylist at EZ Living Interiors, gives her top tips on how to personalise a rental property with strict rules on decorating
This week, I put the question to Lois Lyness, interior stylist at EZ Living Interiors, who’s made it her mission to help people put their stamp on a space without leaving a permanent trace. First up, the humble mirror. “A large mirror can completely transform a room,” Lyness tells me. “Not only does it create a beautiful focal point, but it also gives the illusion of more space, ideal for renters who might be working with smaller rooms.” Better still, a floor-length mirror doesn’t even need to be hung, just lean it stylishly against a wall for instant impact. Another game-changer: wall art. “Don’t underestimate the power of a vibrant piece of artwork to inject personality into a room,” Lyness says. “Textured or 3D pieces can add serious dimension without the need for nails.” EZ Living Interiors carries a great range in bold colours and tactile finishes, but if you’re on a budget, a gallery wall of postcards, prints and frames arranged with removable hooks can be just as effective.
When it comes to grounding a room — both visually and literally — Lyness swears by rugs. “They’re perfect for adding colour and texture, while also helping to define different zones in open-plan spaces,” she explains. “I’m a fan of low-pile rugs because they’re easy to clean and maintain.” Whether you lean towards minimalist or maximalist, a well-chosen rug can tie everything together without touching a single wall or floorboard.
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Lyness’s personal favourite renter-friendly upgrade? Accessories. “I always tell clients to have fun with vases, cushions, crockery — those little finishing touches that tell your story,” she says. “They’re the easiest way to refresh a space each season and, best of all, they move with you.”
This season, she’s loving playful ceramics and colourful glassware — think sculptural vases, painterly cushions and pieces that look just as good solo as they do in a styled vignette. “The beauty of accessories is in the layering,” Lyness adds. “Over time, you build a collection that’s uniquely you.”
Don’t let the word ‘rental’ hold you back. With a few thoughtful, portable touches — mirrors, art, rugs and curated accessories — you can add style, warmth and personality to any space. Best of all, they’ll come with you when it’s time for the next chapter.
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