When purchasing property in the form of residential premises, that is, an apartment or a house, it is necessary to create beauty and comfort there. To always feel comfortable, invite friends and please the eye, you should sometimes make repairs.
According to statistics, apartment owners carry out repair work once every 5 years, and owners of private houses much more often. A cottage or house requires more attention, but only as a cosmetic upgrade, so it needs to be repaired no more than once every 5-7 years
Most people do not agree with these figures, because repairs are expensive, and wages do not allow it to be done even once every 10 years. In addition, the lack of skills in a similar field or technological knowledge requires calling full-fledged workers, and this is an additional cost.
A good option to do an inexpensive DIY apartment renovation is to choose budget materials and also do some of the work yourself.
Free up space
Image: lilasgh / Shutterstock In modern interiors, which designers focus on, the central place is occupied by the space itself, not cluttered with unnecessary details.
In such compositions, each item has its own meaning and functionality, so there are no visual clutter or dust collectors. To achieve this effect, plan your renovation carefully. For example, thoughtful storage systems help relieve space. Out-of-season bedding and blankets can be stored in a drawer under the bed. For large kitchen utensils and dishes, make an additional tier of wall cabinets or pencil cases from floor to ceiling.
In a small bedroom, you can create a reading corner on the windowsill and place sections underneath for storing clothes and toys. Install neat shelves on the balcony, and a cabinet under the stairs for a vacuum cleaner, mop and household power tools.
To forget about the problem of storing clothes, if possible, it is worth including a dressing room in your apartment or house renovation project. This way you don't have to buy a wardrobe for every room.
Budget renovation of a two-room apartment. Step-by-step instruction
The step-by-step instructions for renovating a two-room apartment are fully consistent with those presented above. But after the first room they move on to renovating the second. And only after that they work with the balcony, if there is one in the apartment, or if it is also planned to be renovated.
But you can consider a few useful tips that will come in handy in the process of renovating a 2-room apartment:
- Combining the bathroom into one common room. In this case, a little space is freed up, which can be attached to the corridor. As a rule, the corridors in apartments are narrow; it is very difficult to create a functional space here that will cope with the assigned tasks, but at the same time correspond to the chosen style.
- Balcony insulation. This is a rather expensive procedure, but it provides residents with an additional room that can be used at their discretion. This approach is ideal for families with children, when it is not possible to exchange a 2-room apartment for a 3-room apartment, and the child already needs his own room.
- Combination of balcony and kitchen. In this case, it will be possible to create full-fledged working and dining areas, as well as add a relaxation area with a corner sofa and TV.
Before planning a redevelopment, it is recommended to coordinate potential work with the BTI. Some walls should not be touched or moved, as this puts the entire house at risk. To avoid problems with the law, it is better to do everything right away, correctly, competently and thoughtfully.
Use high-quality imitation of expensive materials
Modern technologies make it possible to create artificial analogues of wood, marble and natural stone without harming quality. In laboratories, specialists develop special composite compositions with the required characteristics, and then use high-precision printing to apply the design and texture of expensive materials to the porcelain stoneware.
Such imitations are more convenient in everyday life. For example, porcelain stoneware, unlike wooden parquet or marble, is not afraid of water. And you won’t have to regularly sand it, coat it with impregnation or varnish.
Marble or wood make the interior more luxurious, but such materials require special care. Estima porcelain tiles are a practical replacement for solid boards or marble tiles. Its pattern and texture cannot be distinguished from natural wood or stone. There are other options: imitation of classic Spanish or Italian tiles, concrete of various shades, textured brick or metal.
View the Estima porcelain tile catalog
Trends in merging with nature
The need to connect with the earth is a natural palette that recalls the earth with its browns, terracottas and shades of green, from lemongrass to eucalyptus to green sage and monstera.
These are colors that create a calming, relaxing environment that invites you not to succumb to stress and anxiety. They give a rustic touch and combine with the texture of wood and the soft folds of textile decoration, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Install suspended ceilings
Image: Dariusz Jarzabek / Shutterstock
Until recently they were considered a luxury, but today they are an affordable and practical finishing material. To install them, you do not need to perfectly level the surface of the main ceiling. The fabric or film, which is fixed to a baguette installed around the perimeter of the room, will be perfectly flat due to tension.
Lighting and security systems are installed in the suspended ceiling. You don’t have to do anything additional – this is a significant saving of time and money. You can also lay heat or sound insulation between the rough and suspended ceilings.
Finally, if your upstairs neighbors flood you, you most likely won’t have to redo the repairs. A properly installed stretch ceiling does not allow moisture to pass through, so it will be enough to remove one of the lamps and place a large container or carefully remove the water with a vacuum cleaner.
When choosing a specific ceiling, pay attention to matte white options. Glossy texture and bright color are out of fashion. But if you still want to make an accent ceiling, then to avoid fatal mistakes, consult with a designer.
Small house concept
Social necessity forces not only architects, but also designers to focus on using small footage to arrange the life of a modern person. Several parallel trends have emerged in this area.
The approach that involved tearing down partitions and creating a single space for relaxation, cooking, eating and sleeping is being seriously revised.
To implement the design of a standard one-room apartment, especially in old Soviet-style buildings, redevelopment may be required, but the current trend is not aimed at creating a completely open space. Zoning is carried out not only through finishing and decoration, but also through the creation of niches and areas isolated from each other.
Space saving is achieved by replacing block walls with glass, plastic partitions or sliding structures. Methods of combining bathrooms, a kitchen wall with a dining room, and a bedroom with a living room are relevant.
The classic studio model is no longer considered an example of rational use of space. It can only be used in spacious apartments with high ceilings, designed for a maximum of two people, and not only ordinary but also vertical zoning is used.
At the forefront of design developments are models of rectangular rooms with a total area of 40 m2, in which there is no delimitation of space.
Minimalist monochrome and non-contrasting decoration of walls, floors, and ceilings gives unlimited freedom in choosing and placing modular furniture, built-in wardrobes, and transformers.
Particular attention is paid to disguising the kitchen wall as part of the overall design. The uniqueness of the interior is emphasized by the bright accent color of the upholstery, fragmented trim, and lighting fixtures. In small spaces, as a rule, purely decorative, non-functional things are not used.
Divide the space into zones
You can zone a room using light, colors, finishing materials, transparent or lattice partitions, and large furniture. This can help define seating areas or a home office in the living room, or highlight each child's preferences in their part of the nursery.
Don't forget about the floors. So, if you want to divide the kitchen into cooking and eating areas, you can use porcelain tiles of different colors or textures.
If you understand that in a couple of years you will have to rearrange your apartment, or you generally like frequent changes, pay attention to paintable wallpaper. They make it easy to zone rooms and, if necessary, they can be quickly and inexpensively repainted in a new color.
Budget renovation of a one-room apartment. Step-by-step instruction
Budget renovation of a one-room apartment is not much different in terms of step-by-step guidance from all other types. Follow the instructions:
- Kitchen. First of all, the kitchen is put in order. A lot of money goes into this space because you only need to buy high-quality materials that can withstand heavy loads on a daily basis. It is also difficult to work with the kitchen, because... Several types of materials are used here. For example, a tile apron is laid on the walls, and the remaining parts are finished with other materials.
- Bathroom. It includes work on the bathroom and toilet. The toilet or the space around it, if the bathroom is combined, is better to be tiled, since it is easy to clean and can be treated with various household chemicals. In the bathroom, you can spend on tiles only in those places where you are guaranteed to be constantly wet. The entrance to the bathroom or individual walls can be avoided with tiles, but another more economical material can be used to stay within the budget.
- Corridor. The main expense item here is the front door. Since it directly affects the safety of residents, it is extremely important not to skimp on it. All other repairs will be inexpensive.
- Room. A bedroom or bedroom-living room should be formed taking into account the zoning of space. You can make level differences to highlight the sleeping area, study, dining area, etc. It is advisable to think through the arrangement of furniture and areas before starting renovations so that you know exactly how to proceed.
If the apartment has a balcony, then it is repaired last. Usually, the remnants of all materials or funds that were included in the budget but were not spent are used here.
Choose complex shades
Image: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock
Bright poppy colors tend to make renovations cheaper. Nowadays they are not even used in decorating a nursery. And deep, muted, powdery shades look impressive both in person and in photos. Use these tones not only for walls and floors, but also in furniture, accessories, and textiles.
In 2021, pastel and natural colors are in fashion. For example, the creator of the Pantone shade palette named PANTONE® 17‑5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13‑0647 Illuminating (Illuminating) / Pantone.ru the colors of the year Illuminating (“Illuminating”) and Ultimate Gray (“Illuminating Gray”): by According to the organization, the pair "conveys a message of strength and hope that is both resilient and uplifting." Shades of red and blue clay, sea wave, sand, deep purple and blue tones are also trending.
If you want more colors in your interior, pay attention to Estima colored concretes from the Spectrum collection. An interesting palette of current shades will help emphasize the originality of the composition. The material is not afraid of moisture and frost, so it is even suitable for finishing public spaces, swimming pools and terraces. He will help implement a variety of design solutions and make beautiful modern renovations at an affordable price.
Choose colored Estima porcelain tiles
Do-it-yourself budget apartment renovation
You can’t just start doing budget repairs yourself. You need to plan everything carefully first. For this:
- A reserve of time is being formed. Certain types of work, for example, with plumbing and electrical equipment, require specific knowledge from the performer. Therefore, time is wasted first studying the instructions and then applying them in practice. It is impossible to complete the project in a couple of days without experience, a specialized team and modern professional tools.
- The condition of the apartment is assessed. In some cases, it will be wiser to modify what is available. For example, tiles that were used during the Soviet Union will look many times better after restoration, but at the same time they are much higher quality than modern offerings on the market. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly work out a scheme where the finishing will be restored, and where it will be removed to the base, and then reinstalled.
- A shopping list is generated. You must first visit all the nearest hardware stores and markets to analyze prices. You cannot buy products that are too cheap, because the manufacturer saves a lot on them, and they certainly will not provide the required quality.
- Drawing up an estimate. Two main features are taken into account here. The budget is planned in advance. It is better to leave one room unrenovated than to save on materials and then have to renovate the entire apartment a year later. And secondly, you need to make an estimate for 70-75% of the budget. The remaining money should be saved for additional expenses that inexperienced repairmen, due to lack of practice, could miss.
The most important thing when performing repairs is to avoid saving on communications. This is especially true for gas hoses and electrics, since cheap or used products endanger the residents of not only the apartment, but the entire house as a whole.
Restore furniture
Image: Halfpoint / Shutterstock
Soviet furniture can often be restored and fit into a modern interior. In terms of reliability, cabinets and chests of drawers originally from the former countries of the socialist bloc will definitely give a head start to modern MDF products. Armchairs, chests of drawers, tables and floor lamps of simple geometric shapes from the 1960s and 1970s look impressive in minimalist interiors.
If you didn’t inherit such furniture, you can buy it inexpensively on classifieds websites—sometimes they even give it away for free. And to make cabinets, chests of drawers and tables more convenient, it is enough to equip them with new fittings: retractable rods, rollers, modern opening mechanisms. But if you don’t want to do the restoration yourself, then look for companies that sell already updated items. If we are not talking about rare options, then such furniture can be found at a price comparable to the cost of modern pieces.
Beauty is in the little things
Even following all the modern trends in apartment design for 2021, but forgetting about accessories, the result will not be the same. Therefore, the walls simply need to be decorated with paintings by your favorite artists. Or order the services of an illustrator who will draw whatever your heart desires.
Candles and floor lamps will add coziness to the rooms. And in order to have enough oxygen in the house, you definitely need to buy more different plants.
Install doors that won't have to be restored
Image: ImageFlow / Shutterstock
Modern materials like eco-veneer successfully imitate natural wood. And fans of the Scandinavian style and classics will love the enamel models. Such interior doors are inexpensive. They are easy to care for: just wipe with a dry or damp microfiber cloth. Many models are not afraid of water and are therefore suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
But classic wooden doors dry out over time and are less resistant to high humidity. If the varnish is damaged, the wood will begin to absorb water and become deformed. Restoring wooden doors is not cheap, and most often you need to turn to specialists for this.
Environmental friendliness
Naturalness and naturalness are the main criteria of the natural direction. Environmental friendliness can rightfully be considered a long-lasting trend. He managed to hold on for several seasons in a row, today he is again at the peak, and tomorrow he is unlikely to lose his position.
We are talking about using natural components in the interior in the form of wood, granite, marble, onyx and other natural stones of interesting shapes.
Need to know! Original compositions of natural art objects that can harmoniously fit into any project are attractive and in demand. They give the interior individuality and a unique image.
Wall panels made of light-colored wood are welcome, as well as imitation stone as flooring. At the peak are wooden cabinets, chests of drawers, tables and other furniture, as well as stone countertops.
The focus should be on textile products. Preference is given to linen, silk and cotton. For decoration, you can use ceramic vases; it is advisable that they are unpolished and dim. Muted tones are welcome in textiles and ceramics.
Add light
Image: Pixel‑Shot / Shutterstock
One chandelier per room will not be enough. Different areas in the room require different light sources. For example, a floor lamp near a chair is an ideal choice for reading or knitting, plain garlands for creating a romantic atmosphere, and directional light near a table for work.
It’s convenient if all the lights in the room can be turned off with one button - on the wall or on your smartphone. This saves time and makes the apartment more technologically advanced.
Zoning
Zoning can rightfully be called the main trend of 2021. This is the division of the area into separate sections or rooms that perform their functions. For example, it is appropriate to separate the kitchen from the living room with a counter with bar utensils, and the bedroom with a screen. Raising individual areas to a small level is encouraged. This is another zoning technique.
Transparent partitions, furniture, screens, curtains, drapes, etc. will help to conditionally divide the space. The designs of partitions and screens can be chosen as stationary or portable.
Select windows to match your interior and decorate window sills
Image: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock
White plastic windows do not add beauty to the interior and often stand out from the overall style. In addition, within 5–10 years they turn yellow and the fittings fail.
Fortunately, now you can find color options in stores and choose a shade that will exactly suit your interior. Choose windows with a narrow profile - this will increase the amount of light in the room. And don't forget about the window sills. White plastic can ruin even the most sophisticated designer renovation, so choose window sills made of wood or porcelain stoneware.
Photo and design of apartment renovation
You can find many photos or even videos on the Internet that provide detailed information on how renovations can be done on a budget. You can adopt the experience offered in the public domain, as well as be inspired by the ideas of other users.
Description of work stages
In the photo: designer kitchen renovation
When the design project is agreed upon and approved, then repair work begins. They consist of the following stages:
- Dismantling.
- Installation of electrical cables.
- Finishing work.
- Laying pipes and installing plumbing equipment.
- Screed device.
- Finishing.
- Interior decoration.
- Cleaning work.
So, first, old materials and communications are removed. If redevelopment of the premises is needed, then excess partitions are dismantled. Then the electrical wiring is laid in accordance with the design project, where the placement of household and lighting fixtures is visible.
If necessary, new partitions and plasterboard structures are built. Painting work is carried out to ensure that the walls are smooth and ready for finishing. All plumbing fixtures in the bathroom are being replaced.
It is very important how the stage of pouring the screed will be carried out. The service life of the floor depends on this. Do not forget about the use of heat-insulating and sound-proofing materials before laying the floor covering.
The final finishing is the most interesting stage, because at this moment you can already see how the design ideas for renovating the apartment are translated into reality. After finishing the finishing, all that remains is to add small but very important touches to the interior - decorative elements. At first glance, these things are insignificant, but once you see how much they change the overall atmosphere and add individuality, it immediately becomes clear how important they are.
Visualization
Project by Victoria Lomidze
You can independently draw what each room will look like after renovation at the concept creation stage. Designers visualize interiors in different ways. Some people draw by hand, others use programs. You can make moodboards (collages).
When you arrange the furniture on paper or a computer screen, “paint” the walls and “hang” the lamps, you will see how harmonious the design you created with your own hands turns out to be. If you are not satisfied with something, at this stage you can adjust the list of selected products.
Current stylistic trends
Modern design is not limited by strict boundaries and, like a sponge, absorbs new motifs and means of expression. This is a special language of space. To understand it, let's consider some areas:
Natural pastel colors, classic decorative elements (crystal chandeliers, stucco molding) and natural materials adjacent to modern ones. A striking feature is the quilted capitonné furniture and a cozy fireplace.
These are straight lines, glossy surfaces, an abundance of plastic and metal. The latest technical developments are in sight. The background is uniform: white, beige or metallic gray. Artificial lighting is multi-level, lamps with a geometric design are used.
The photo below shows an example of a high-tech apartment interior:
Industrial-urban style, combining an abundance of light, space and industrial decorative elements. Deliberate negligence coexists with ultra-modern technology, upholstered furniture and chrome accessories.
The interior design of such apartments is characterized by aesthetics, functionality, smooth lines and streamlined shapes. Natural materials and soft, muted tones predominate: beige, olive. The lighting is dim, there are a lot of decorative elements.
The laconicism and simplicity of geometric shapes hide the expensive interior, for which natural materials are carefully selected. No ornaments or decorations, monochrome shades, comfortable furniture and a lot of natural light combined with artificial light. Convenience and luxury are the hallmarks of apartments in modern minimalist design.
An example of such a living room in the photo:
Its peculiarities are flashy contrasting colors, optical effects, disproportionate furniture, photo collages and an abundance of plastic. This is the second life of old things, but as works of art: tin cans become vases, and clothes are casually hung on a mannequin.
The latest design trends in modern apartments are not so much a tribute to fashion, but rather a desire for everyday comfort and individuality. But everything will work out only if you strictly follow the rules for creating a style.
Photo gallery
You can find 25 more stylish ideas for inspiration in the photo gallery.
Modern interior: what is characteristic of it
This style does not tolerate chaos and eclecticism.
This is the kingdom of air and natural light, in which every element and its energy is important. Its features:
- Clarity and openness of borders;
- Functional approach to choosing furniture;
- Neutral tones complemented by catchy accents;
- Lack of decorative excess;
- Emphasis on order and practicality of storage systems;
- Combination of the latest materials with natural ones;
- Using finishing as an interesting feature of the concept;
- Inclusion of works of art;
- Combination of different types of lighting.
Strict orientation along the coordinate axes and three-dimensional, graphical construction of space are the cornerstones of modern apartment design. Let's go around it.
Kitchen
Everything here is organized using the latest technology. Functionality and practicality come first: minimum items, maximum benefit. The kitchen is automated, comfortable and spacious. The surfaces are smooth, shiny, and light colors predominate in the decoration. The furniture is arranged in a geometric pattern.
Living room
Stylish accessories, the latest technology, and laconic design of the ceiling, floor and walls are organically woven into the modern interior design of the living room. The surfaces are perfectly flat, upholstered furniture does not clutter up the space. Lots of light and tranquility.
Bedroom
Comfort and coziness come first. There is little furniture, but it is of excellent quality, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and easy to use. The basis of the interior is simple monochromatic solutions in decoration, a measured supply of textured or color accents on the walls, a light range of warm shades in the design of the bed or pure white with contrasting splashes.
Studio apartment
Its peculiarity is a competent layout, including the harmonious design of three functional areas: kitchen, living room and bedroom. Anything that, combined with natural light and light colors, pushes the boundaries, making the room feel more spacious, is appropriate here.
Instead of walls there are arches, columns, glass and textile partitions; furniture is modular, miniature, multifunctional. A frequent choice is light, spacious shelving and storage systems; bar counter with lighting in the form of a track system with adjustable spotlights.
The newest interior contains everything you need for a comfortable life, even if it is made in a non-standard manner.
Layout
Based on the terms of reference, you draw up a new apartment plan.
Determine whether you will tear down walls and install new partitions. Remember the norms of SanPin and give up a great idea where you break the law. Remember that demolishing load-bearing walls, moving wet areas, combining a balcony with a room and other radical actions harm the building and can lead to dire consequences.
Think about the arrangement of furniture. Ideally, you need to immediately find items in stores, look at the dimensions of a specific sofa, cabinet, or built-in appliances. And also immediately choose products that you can afford. Otherwise, you run the risk of drawing a magnificent dream on your own, which you will not be able to realize later. If you don’t immediately think about what materials and furniture to buy, then later you will either have to significantly increase the budget for repairs, or change object after object and end up with a completely different design than planned.
