Welcome back to What I Rent, a tenant diary series that delves into the realities of renting across the UK and beyond. This edition features Trix Eden Breuls, a 29-year-old professional wedding photographer and Instagram influencer who moved from Belgium to Margate nearly two years ago. Her story showcases how personal touches can transform a rental into a true home.
From Belgium to the UK: A Cultural Shift
Trix relocated to the UK after falling in love, and she describes the move as more of a culture shock than expected. In Belgium, she notes a more closed-minded atmosphere, whereas in the UK, she feels more accepted, especially as someone with extensive tattoos. Margate, in particular, has welcomed her with open arms, with friendly greetings in shops and waiting rooms that she finds refreshing compared to her homeland.
Renting Details and Space Management
Paying £850 per month for a one-bedroom flat, Trix lives alone with bills totaling around £240. Her deposit was equivalent to one month's rent. She considers this a good deal due to the spaciousness of the property, where her double bed sits freely in the middle of the bedroom. Previously living in a two-bed flat, she realized through this move that less space can be sufficient, prompting her to declutter and discard unused items.
Margate: An Up-and-Coming Creative Hub
Margate has transformed over the years, shedding a negative reputation thanks to landmarks like the Turner Gallery opening in 2011 and artist Tracey Emin's return in 2017. Located just an hour and 20 minutes from London by train, the area has attracted many Londoners post-pandemic, revitalizing it with small businesses, coffee shops, and lunch spots. Trix praises the coastline for running and claims Margate boasts the prettiest skies in Europe.
Making a Rental Feel Like Home
Unlike her previous flats that required significant work, Trix found it easy to infuse her personality into this space, which was already in good condition. She decorates with her own photographs and collages, taking advantage of high ceilings to display art. Her interior design style is heavily influenced by thrifted furniture, including a bird-themed chair, a media unit, a wooden coffee table, and more. Checkerboard patterns, warm tones like burned orange, and strategic lighting create a cozy atmosphere.
Preferences and Challenges in Renting
Trix avoids carpeted flats, common in the UK but rare in Europe, and prefers properties with big windows and good light, ruling out basement flats. While her current flat is partly furnished, she stored most of the unwanted items. Minor issues include occasional drain smells, which she attributes to Margate's infrastructure. She plans to enhance her balcony with plants and replace short curtains, having previously renovated kitchens with landlord permission using DIY skills learned online.
Future Plans and Financial Considerations
Although Trix dreams of buying a house someday, she acknowledges she is not financially ready yet. She emphasizes the importance of investing time and money into rental spaces for mental well-being, finding joy in hands-on creation. Her journey underscores how renters can craft a personalized sanctuary without permanent ownership.
