Making Your Extended Stay Space Feel Like Home

Making Your Extended Stay Space Feel Like Home

Even when you’re enjoying an extended stay trip in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, you’ll still want to add your own personal touch to the space you’re temporarily calling home. Obviously, there will be certain limitations on what you can do as far as décor – a nail hole in the wall or touch of paint can cost you dearly – but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate your own sense of style. Tap into your inner interior decorator with these ideas.

Flowers and Plants: Welcome some color and freshness into your extended stay space with cut flowers and house plants. Brightly hued flora will breathe some life into your place, and certain types of plants actually “clean” indoor air – which can become a little stale in the winter months. If you’re a culinary whiz, get an herb or container garden going near a well-lit window.

• Where To Shop: Columbia Road Shops & Flower Market consists of a group of vendors that shut down the street every Sunday to host one of the most massive urban flower markets you’ll ever see. You’ll find hundreds of fresh-cut flowers and plants for your place as you browse the stands, surrounded by the amazing floral aromas. Parking is free but tough to find. Instead, take the Tube to the Old Street Station (Northern Line) or Bethnal Green Station (Central Line).

Wall Art: You may not be able to paint your long term accommodations, but you can spruce things up with wall art. One option for hanging pieces is to use existing holes and hardware, just make sure to wrap up the host’s art and place it in a safe place. Another idea would be to buy some of the damage-free strips available online – or take a few along with you.

• Where To Shop: There are notable art districts around South Bank London and Shoreditch, but the galleries tend to be on the pricey side. Try your haggling skills at the antique markets, like Camden Passage, Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors Fair, or Alfie’s Antique Market.

Window Treatments: Like wall art, you can probably take advantage of existing hangings to install drapes, blinds, or valances to personalize your extended stay place. Larger window treatments add a bold statement of color, pattern, and texture – almost like painting a wall could. Check rods, finials, and other hardware upon your arrival and see what options are available, so you can swap out the host’s window décor. You can introduce a brand new look without spending a fortune – on supplies OR your damage deposit.

• Where To Shop: Don’t go crazy – go online to purchase window treatments. You’ll be sure to get the right sizes and can recycle or repurpose the fabric when you depart London.