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Tag DIY home renovation

DIY Home Renovation: Transforming a 100sqm Apartment with Window Film Installation, Mirror-Painting Decor, and Balcony Optimization for Modern Living

Started renovating a 100-square-meter apartment last May and finished by the end of July. As I had to work every day, I really didn’t have the energy to design or run around the decoration material market. The main issue was that decoration companies quoted outrageous prices and used mediocre materials. I heard there could be additional costs, but fortunately, my elder brother had a friend in the renovation business. We met, discussed, and it seemed okay with reasonable prices, so we started the renovation.

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In my spare time after work, I applied window film myself because the outside of the window is a corridor, which is a frustrating design.

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The entryway features a mirror-painting integrated decoration; when opened, it’s a mirror, and when closed, it’s a painting.

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After renovating the balcony, I didn’t install a clothes-drying rod. Instead, I attached two hooks on the side and added a retractable rod on the window frame.

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Who still has green window frames these days? They look extremely ugly, so I directly repainted them.

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After repainting, the effect is much better, don’t you think?

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Expert Home Renovation Guide: Why DIY or Semi-Package Beats Full-Service Contractors for Cost Savings and Time Efficiency in Your Project

As someone with experience renovating two homes, I strongly recommend avoiding full-service renovation companies. Instead, opt for DIY or semi-package options where you supply the materials while the company handles design and labor.

The biggest issue in renovations is material costs. With full-package services, material expenses can easily double, whether you use personal contacts or professional agencies.

For material selection, it’s best to visit building material markets to inspect quality firsthand or shop online for better affordability and convenience.

Completely DIY renovation is simpler than expected. When hiring the first tradesperson, such as an electrician, leverage their network to get referrals for other needed roles like painters and carpenters.

Renovation companies often set fixed timelines, but work isn’t continuous. By managing hires yourself, you can control the schedule, saving 30-40% of the time and completing your dream home faster.

Home Decor Style Selection: Comprehensive Guide on Modern, Vintage, Natural Wood, Mid-Century, Wabi-Sabi, Bauhaus, and French Vintage Styles for Beginners

Last year at this time, I had just received my new home and hadn’t started decorating yet.

I saw many beautiful homes online, each with its own style, and wondered which one to choose for myself.

Interior design inspiration

One year has passed, and the hesitation is behind me.

After gathering enough inspiration, I summarized and identified my preferences.

Home style preferences

I found that I prefer homes with more minimalist elements, deep brown tones, and a retro or artistic feel.

Step 2: Understand common interior design style terms.

For those new to decorating, these terms might be unfamiliar.

While doing research, gradually learn about popular style terms, such as:

Design style definitions

▪ Modern style: Simple and clean, without excessive ornate elements.

▪ Nanyang style: Patterned tiles, rattan, vintage, rich colors.

▪ Natural wood style: White + light wood tones.

▪ Mid-century modern: Dark wood + vintage furniture.

▪ Wabi-sabi: Natural + rough textures (in a positive sense) + Zen influence.

▪ Bauhaus style: Dark wood + colorful soft furnishings in primary colors like yellow, blue, red, green.

French vintage style

▪ French vintage: Creamy white retro + more intricate lines (arches, plaster moldings, curves).

Step 3: Consider practicalities and make choices.

Many attractive styles require effort to find materials and manufacturers, or test your budget and creativity.

With limited energy and budget, and the need for practicality, some styles need to be compromised. For me, Italian style, Wabi-sabi, and Bauhaus were downplayed.

Practical style choices

Step 4: However, don’t be limited by styles.

Technical terms are just for convenience in the industry.

It’s hard for ordinary homes to adhere strictly to one style.

Moreover, many styles share commonalities, such as mid-century and Bauhaus / mid-century and new Chinese / modern and Italian styles…

Grasping the subtle commonalities between styles can help create a home that reflects your personal taste.

I’ve seen a friend’s vintage home with both Bauhaus elements and new Chinese elements.

Mixing design styles

For myself, in the hard decoration part, I chose a style closer to modern within mid-century; in soft decoration, I opted for a more rustic and natural type.

I always believe that as long as the color matching and materials are correct, trying to incorporate your own preferences might bring unexpected surprises.

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