Renovation in economy mode: 10 tips from designers to avoid unnecessary expenses when decorating an apartment

You cannot rely on chance; you must establish a quote. This point can be taken out of the equation, because although it sounds like advice to “read the instructions,” it can really help you avoid unnecessary spending and impulsive purchases. Make an estimate of all the work and materials needed, which will help you plan your expenses and understand what is needed and what is not. And do not make any purchases without a list – remember that any journey of a new resident to a building materials and furniture store has been handled by experienced merchants.

Optimizing the existing layout will not only help reduce costs, but also create a functional and comfortable space. Its main objective is to maximize the use of available space without additional costs of construction or major renovations. Assess the existing space, provide yourself with “what if” options. “… This can give rise to excellent home optimization ideas that simply never occurred to you before. Use visualization: use programs to create 3D models or simply draw a plan on paper. This will allow you to imagine how everything will look like after the renovation.

Removing unnecessary partitions and walls can transform small and cramped rooms into one large open space, thereby visually increasing the area. This not only refreshes the interior, but also brings more light and air, which is especially important for small apartments. If, on the other hand, you want to divide the studio space, it is better to install shelves rather than a white wall.

The cost of custom furniture projects can become the most expensive part of a renovation. One of the most effective ways to save money is to choose ready-made furniture. Most storage systems – for example in a bathroom – are easy to install and do not require the intervention of a specialist. This will allow you to save not only on the purchase, but also on the work of the craftsmen. Finished furniture can be easily changed or supplemented with new elements, adapting it to the overall interior. Choose models that will harmoniously fit into the style of the apartment.

Yes, this is the exact opposite of the previous advice, and it’s not a system failure at all. You just need to approach all situations individually. For example, it makes sense to make custom-made wardrobes that can play with the features of the apartment, use the space optimally, functionally filling corners and niches of non-standard size, which cannot anyway not be filled by anything else. Such cabinets, although their order and installation will cost more than ready-made ones, will be fully justified by the fact that they will cover all the needs for additional storage space.

Laminated particle board (LDSP) is an economical and practical material for creating furniture and wall decoration. When choosing laminated chipboard, you should give preference to monochrome options, as they look more versatile and stylish than boards with a pronounced wood texture. This is especially important for small rooms where a neat, uncluttered appearance is important.

To save on tiling, you can choose inexpensive basic collections, but make them more expressive with the help of unusual laying (for example, herringbone or checkerboard). An equally important accent will be the use of grout of a contrasting color. It looks simple, elegant and very impressive.

Laminate is an excellent budget solution for flooring, but there are nuances worth considering to create a stylish interior without spending extra money. You should avoid laminates imitating knots and too pronounced wood texture, as the pattern will be repeated several times, creating a neural network effect and mostly appearing tasteless.

Pay attention to laminate flooring with a subtle wood texture, which gives the impression of real material. Another important nuance concerns chamfered joints: they give the coating a more natural and high-quality look, creating the effect of real boards.

This option will cost 2-3 times cheaper than plasterboard structures. In addition, installing a stretch ceiling requires less time and effort, since there is no need to carry out complex preparatory work, as is the case with plasterboard. Such a ceiling hides the defects of the base ceiling, which eliminates the need for preparatory measures such as puttying and painting. At the same time, stretch ceilings today are offered in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles.

Plastic window sills can be a great budget-friendly solution, especially if you choose wood-look models. It is important that the color of the window sills differs from the color of the window frames – such a contrast will add depth and interesting details to the interior. Plastic window sills can also be combined with laminate, creating a harmonious ensemble in the interior. The main thing is that the selected materials are in the same color palette or have similar shades.

Many construction supermarkets have seasonal sales where you can buy renovation materials at a discounted price. Keep an eye out for promotions and special offers and don’t hesitate to ask sellers about possible discounts on products that interest you.

Stores are often left with small quantities of materials that have not been sold and are taking up space in the warehouse. These sales can be sold with significant discounts. You may have the chance to purchase high quality tiles, wallpaper, laminate or paint at a very competitive price.

Using cost-effective materials and techniques, you can create a beautiful and functional interior without emptying your pockets. Attention to detail, the right selection of textures and textures will help make your home comfortable and modern without breaking your budget.