@Jenny
I know I am very lucky to have this house. It was a rare find. I don't know how many houses I looked at before, but when I finally saw this house, I knew it was the one! It was in a terrible state, but had so much potential. You couldn't see the wooden floors because they were covered in old carpet, but the high ceilings, big windows and French doors definitely had a wow factor. Never mind that the windows were about to fall out of the walls!
It is difficult when you are renting. There isn't much point investing and usually (in the UK anyway) there isn't a lot you are allowed to do decor wise. Also, most flats here come with all the basic furniture. I also never bought any furniture when I was renting, but couldn't stop myself from buying small bits and pieces for my future home. My poor parents had to put up with me stashing those at their house 🙂
There are, however, quite a few tutorials and tips on YouTube and Pinterest etc. about ways to jazz up a rental without spending a lot of money or upsetting your landlord, e.g. removable wallpaper.