Opening Thoughts

After moving into my new home, I've been watching renovation videos on TikTok every day, and those beautiful designs are truly captivating. The bloggers' renovation styles are absolutely amazing, from Nordic minimalism to industrial, from Japanese to American vintage - each one is enviable. But after calculating the budget, I always fall into deep sadness. After all, having just bought the house, my financial situation is quite limited.

However, through years of renovation experience, I've discovered that with careful consideration, you can achieve unexpected results with minimal investment. Today I'll share my money-saving secrets with everyone, so we can create cozy homes that are both economical and beautiful.

Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovation is truly a technical challenge - if you're not careful, it can become a money pit. My kitchen was originally small and messy, but after careful renovation, it's now super clean-looking and very functional.

What I'm most proud of is solving the awkward space between the hanging cabinets and ceiling. That space not only affected the aesthetics but was also particularly prone to dust accumulation. I found a carpenter who used waterproof boards to make an extension from the top of the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. This not only creates visual completeness but also adds storage space. Now I store rarely used kitchen tools and various snacks up there, which is very convenient.

The countertop was also a focus point. I originally wanted to switch to marble countertops, but the budget couldn't handle it. Later I discovered that making countertops with epoxy resin myself produced surprisingly good results. I chose an epoxy resin with metallic effect, and after molding, it looks exactly like real marble, plus it's waterproof and stain-resistant, making it super easy to clean. This trick saved me at least several thousand dollars.

Speaking of storage, I made a dedicated dining area for my cats and dogs. The bottom drawer was converted into a double-layer design, with pet food on top and their dishes below. The drawer was installed with silent slides, making it very smooth to use. Friends all say this design is so thoughtful that even the furry masters get to enjoy the renovation benefits.

Kitchen lighting design is also important. I installed LED strip lights under the cabinets, providing plenty of light when cooking at night. These strip lights are cheap and easy to install - you can do it yourself. At night, with these warm lights on, the whole kitchen looks particularly stylish.

The sink area was originally very ordinary. I installed a retractable storage rack above the sink specifically for dish soap and scrubbers. The rack was bought online for just a few dozen dollars but is very practical. Now when cooking and washing dishes, all tools are within reach, and I no longer need to search everywhere.

IKEA Transformation

Speaking of IKEA, it's really my favorite. Although IKEA furniture designs are all very practical, they're a bit monotonous. However, with just a little modification, these mass-market pieces can be transformed into unique home furnishings.

My BILLY bookcase is a great example. It was originally the most basic white model, but I added solid wood decorative strips on both sides and installed adjustable LED spotlights on top. The best part was applying rattan-textured wallpaper to the backboard, instantly upgrading the overall texture. All these modification materials added up to just two or three hundred dollars, but the effect is definitely worth the price.

The MALM bedside table is also a brilliant transformation. I replaced the drawer front with a rattan panel and sprayed a layer of antique paint on top. Now this bedside table looks like a vintage piece from a high-end furniture store, and friends think I spent a lot of money on it.

Recently, I also transformed the BRUSALI wardrobe into a built-in closet. First, I fixed the wardrobe to the wall, then framed it with drywall and sprayed it with white matte paint. Adding brass handles and LED spotlights, it now looks like a custom walk-in closet. Although this modification took some effort, it's much cheaper than a real custom job.

IKEA's LACK coffee table is also quite versatile. I applied a faux marble texture sticker to the table top and wrapped the legs with rope. This modification cost less than fifty dollars, but the effect is particularly stunning. Every time friends visit, they ask where I bought this coffee table, saying they want to buy one for their home too.

Second-hand Shopping Tips

The second-hand market is truly a paradise for budget renovation. The vintage coffee table in my living room was found on Xianyu, originally priced at two to three thousand, but I got it for just 200 yuan. Although there were some scratches on the surface, after careful sanding and repainting, it now looks even more charming than new.

The matching side table was also bought second-hand for 150 yuan. It was originally dark brown, but I repainted it with white clear paint and added a cork film to the surface. Now this pair of coffee and side tables are truly the finishing touch in the living room.

The sofa was found at a nearby second-hand furniture market - a three-seater fabric sofa for just 600 yuan. Although the cover was a bit old, the frame was very solid. I found a tailor to make a new sofa cover in off-white linen, and now it looks particularly high-end. Including the cost of the sofa cover, the total was just over 1000 yuan, much cheaper than buying new.

There are techniques to shopping in the second-hand market. I usually go browsing at the beginning or end of the month, as more people are moving then and there are more good items. Also, pay special attention to second-hand markets in older neighborhoods, as furniture from older neighborhoods tends to be more substantial, with many pieces made of solid wood.

Bargaining is also an art. I usually carefully examine the furniture first, chat with the seller to understand its history and usage conditions. Then I honestly point out some minor issues, but in a friendly tone. When it comes to negotiating the price, sellers usually give a good discount.

Clever Use of Paint

Paint is the most economical method for transforming furniture. The walls of my balcony were completed using small test cans of paint. Because the area isn't large, one test can was just enough, and the price was particularly cheap. I chose a light green color, and after spraying, the entire balcony looks particularly fresh.

Old furniture renovation also relies entirely on paint. I have a set of old dining chairs that were originally dark brown, looking particularly heavy. I repainted them with white matte paint and replaced the seats with beige cushions. Now this set of chairs looks particularly fresh and artistic, completely unrecognizable as second-hand items.

There are techniques to using paint. You must sand clean first, removing all dust and grease. Then apply primer as a base, so the subsequent paint surface will be even. Finally, apply two or three coats of finish paint, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Although the process is a bit tedious, the results are definitely worth it.

I particularly like using spray paint to transform small items. Some old vases and candlesticks at home were all resprayed with white matte paint. After spraying paint, I add a layer of protective coating, making them not only water and stain resistant but also particularly durable. These small items arranged around the house don't look modified at all.

Space Highlights

The most important thing in space transformation is focusing on key points. The renovation of my study is very typical. The original desk surface had some scratches, so I covered it entirely with cork film. Cork not only hides the flaws but also adds a warm texture to the entire space. Plus, cork has particularly good sound insulation, making typing completely silent.

Wall decoration is also important. I made a cork board on one wall of the study where I can stick post-its and photos anytime. This modification was particularly simple - just sticking cork board directly on the wall and making a simple frame with wooden strips. Now this wall is not only practical but also has a particular design sense.

The bathroom renovation is also interesting. I hung a string of eucalyptus leaves on the shower curtain rod, and when the hot steam rises during showers, the entire bathroom is filled with fresh fragrance. This small creative idea costs basically nothing but works particularly well. Plus, the eucalyptus leaves can be reused after drying, making it particularly environmentally friendly.

Storage is also a big lesson. I made a simple shelf at the bedside, just combining some wooden boards and metal brackets. This shelf can not only hold books and phones but also store slippers underneath, making it particularly practical. The materials were all bought from the hardware store and self-assembled, costing very little in total.

Closing Thoughts

In the end, renovation isn't about who spends more money, but about who has better creativity. Through years of experience, I deeply understand that as long as you're willing to think creatively, even the most ordinary home can be decorated with style.

This round of renovation for my home, including all materials and tools, cost less than 5000 yuan in total. But every time friends come to visit, they compliment how tastefully my home is decorated. This makes me feel that all this time and thought was particularly worthwhile.

Actually, renovation and transformation is a very interesting thing. Every time you complete a small project and watch your home becoming more beautiful bit by bit, that sense of achievement is really great. Plus, you can learn many practical skills in the process.

I hope these experiences can give everyone some inspiration. Actually, everyone can become a lifestyle expert - the key is to feel with your heart and change with creativity. Let's create warm and beautiful homes together!