Opening Thoughts
I recently started renovating my home. As a post-95s generation person who loves life and enjoys tinkering, I've discovered many interesting and money-saving home improvement tricks during the renovation process. Every day when I return from work, looking at the home I renovated myself gives me a great sense of achievement. These ideas were discovered through trial and error, and I've personally tested each one with fantastic results. Today I want to share my renovation experience, hoping to help more friends who, like me, want to transform their small houses into cozy homes.
Kitchen Transformation
To be honest, when I first started renovating, I was particularly torn about how to renovate the kitchen. The kitchen space is small but contains many items, and storage space always seemed insufficient. Later, I had a bright idea and came up with a particularly clever renovation plan: extending the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. This renovation truly transformed my kitchen, instantly doubling the storage space.
How to do it? First, measure the distance from the top of the cabinets to the ceiling, then go to the building materials market to buy some filler boards that match the cabinet color. I chose a waterproof and moisture-resistant density board, which wasn't expensive, only about 50 yuan per square meter. For installation, you can find a skilled worker to help, or do it yourself like I did. After installation, the entire cabinet looks custom-made, and that awkward gap is gone.
I also made many detailed designs inside the cabinets. For example, I specifically installed the spice storage rack in the drawer next to the stove, making seasonings easily accessible while cooking. I also made the pot storage rack pull-out style, so even the innermost pots can be easily accessed.
Oh, and as a cat owner, I particularly considered my cat's needs in the kitchen renovation. I specifically designed a drawer in the bottom cabinet with ventilation holes on top and non-slip mats below, specifically for the cat's food and water bowls. This not only makes the kitchen look neater but also creates a comfortable dining environment for the cat. My spoiled Ragdoll cat now eats properly in its "exclusive restaurant" every day and no longer scatters cat food everywhere.
To make the kitchen look cleaner and brighter, I also installed LED strip lights above the sink. This light strip only cost 30 yuan, but the effect is surprisingly good, not only making dishwashing more convenient but also filling the entire kitchen with a cozy atmosphere when turned on at night.
Old Item Renovation
Speaking of furniture renewal, I've really gotten into this topic lately. I remember having a desk that accompanied me throughout college, its surface was somewhat damaged, but due to sentimental attachment, I couldn't bear to throw it away. Later, I saw a cork renovation tutorial online and had a sudden inspiration. I bought a bunch of cork squares and covered the entire desktop.
This renovation process is actually very simple. First, thoroughly clean the desktop, then sand the surface smooth. The cork squares all have adhesive backing, so you can just stick them on directly. I specifically chose cork squares of different shades and arranged them in a gradient pattern to create a very stylish design. After the renovation, not only were all the scratches covered, but this ordinary desk was given new life. Most importantly, the cork material is not only non-slip but also protects my computer and keyboard well.
Recently, I found several uniquely shaped vases at a second-hand market, but their colors were really outdated and didn't match my aesthetic at all. So I started my renovation plan again. I bought a can of white spray paint from the hardware store, found a well-ventilated place, and carefully sprayed the vases three times. After the paint dried, these vases were transformed into high-end white porcelain. This renovation cost less than 50 yuan, but the effect is truly amazing. Now these vases sit on my bookshelf with some dried flowers, instantly elevating the entire room's style.
Besides these, I've also tried converting an old wardrobe door into a folding desk. By installing hinges on the wall, the desk can be folded against the wall when not in use and pulled down when needed. This idea not only saves space but also makes my small room more flexible and versatile.
Creative Ideas
Speaking of creativity, I'm most proud of the footstool I made from an old tire. This inspiration came from a visit to an auto repair shop. Seeing those discarded tires, I suddenly thought about converting them into furniture. I immediately started working after getting home, first thoroughly cleaning the tire, then wrapping the entire tire with colorful braided rope.
Choosing the rope colors was a technical job. I chose an alternating combination of beige and dark brown, which both complements my home's decoration style and avoids looking too monotonous. During the wrapping process, special attention must be paid to the rope's tension - too loose looks messy, too tight risks breaking the rope. It took me an entire weekend to complete this piece, but the result exceeded expectations. Now this footstool sits on my balcony, and with a cup of coffee, sunbathing on weekend afternoons is simply perfect.
Another piece I'm particularly proud of is the wall-mounted storage rack made from an old guitar. This guitar was from my college days when I was learning to play, but it was accidentally damaged during a move, and I couldn't bear to throw it away. One day I had a flash of inspiration and decided to turn it into a storage rack. Mounting the guitar horizontally on the wall, the body's concave area is perfect for storing small items like postcards and decorations. I also added some small hooks to the neck part for hanging keys or jewelry. This creative idea not only allowed me to keep this meaningful guitar but also added a unique decoration to my living room. Every time friends visit, they exclaim when they see this storage rack, saying the idea is so innovative.
I also made a vintage-style clock from an old wooden serving tray. After sanding and painting the tray, I drilled a hole in the center to install the clock mechanism and added vintage-style number stickers. This clock now hangs in my dining room, and watching it tick each day adds a special touch of life to the space.
Money-Saving Tips
Honestly, the most headache-inducing part of renovation is the budget. But through this renovation, I discovered that there are many ways to save money if you just think creatively. For example, with paint, many people are used to buying large buckets, thinking it's more economical. But for small apartments, buying small test cans actually makes more sense.
When painting my bedroom, I only used six 350ml test cans. These small cans are not only cheaper but also come in various colors, allowing me to mix different effects as needed. For instance, I mixed light gray and white in different ratios to create a gradient effect on the wall, which looks very stylish. In the end, the total paint cost for the entire bedroom was less than 200 yuan.
Second-hand markets are also great places to save money. I often find second-hand furniture on Xianyu, and with patience, you can really find some treasures. Like the vintage coffee table I bought for 200 yuan - though the surface was somewhat worn, the overall structure was very solid. I sanded the surface clean, applied two layers of dark wood paint, and finished with a clear protective coat. After renovation, this coffee table looks better than those selling for thousands in furniture stores.
Besides furniture, some small decorative items can also be found in second-hand markets. I bought a set of second-hand Nordic-style decorative paintings on Xianyu, and while the frames were a bit old, the paintings themselves were of good quality. I made new frames myself, and now they hang in the living room - many friends think they're custom-made.
Creating Atmosphere
When it comes to home renovation, the most important thing is actually creating the right atmosphere. I deeply understand this because even the most expensive furniture is just decoration without good ambiance. Recently, I hung some fresh eucalyptus leaves on my shower head, and this small idea really surprised me. Every time I shower, as the hot water steams, the entire bathroom is filled with a subtle eucalyptus fragrance, making it feel like bathing in a forest. This idea costs almost nothing but provides a very luxurious experience.
Besides the bathroom, I've also created atmosphere in other rooms. For example, I placed a small humidifier in the corner of the living room, adding a few drops of essential oil to fill the entire room with a subtle fragrance. At the bedhead in my bedroom, I decorated a wall with warm-colored fairy lights, and when these lights are on at night, the entire room is filled with a warm feeling.
I also created a small plant corner on the balcony. I bought some easy-to-maintain succulents and pothos, arranging them on plant stands of different heights. Having a cup of coffee here every morning, watching sunlight filter through the plants onto the ground, puts me in a particularly good mood.
Final Thoughts
Through this renovation, I've truly realized that creating an ideal home isn't about how much money you spend, but about feeling life with your heart and changing your environment with creativity. Every small idea, every hands-on attempt, can make a home warmer and more vibrant.
Now every day when I return home, looking at these personally renovated furniture pieces and decorations gives me a special sense of achievement. This feeling comes not just from the saved renovation costs, but more from the thought and passion invested in the renovation process. Every corner carries my creativity and memories - this is the true meaning of home.
By the way, do you have any unique home renovation ideas? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments. Maybe your ideas will inspire other friends who are renovating. Let's make life exactly how we like it!
