Budget Room Makeover Tips, According to a Pinay Architect

Since we’ve all been stuck at home for quite some time, many of us have looked to room renovations as a way to establish a new space. But before mindlessly online shopping for another home accessory, make sure you have a plan on how to execute your dream budget room makeover! 

In this article, we talk to Principal Architect and Space Living Design Studio Founder Hanna Baconawa for expert tips on budget room makeovers.

Also read: Pinay Transforms Her Small Room to a Beautiful Loft-Like Space

6 Budget room makeover tips

1. Find a story to tell

“In an era of social media (see: Pinterest!), many people tend to copy trendy or aesthetic designs. For us, we believe that storytelling should be the heart and soul of every space. Think about it: A body without a soul is like a life without purpose. Storytelling to us is really important for us to connect, hear, and understand every underlying need of each user.

Every user has his or her own different story to tell. These stories make each of us beautifully unique; we should be carrying these stories into every space we create (or recreate!).

Our team sees homes as more than buildings — they’re actually very sacred spaces! So, they should be reflecting the personalities and lifestyles of their owners. They should be tailor-fit to how the homeowner moves about. A user’s authenticity and identity are important for us to determine and understand their own truth and core for their space.”

2. Before anything, plan with a purpose

“Consider your purpose. Why are you renovating your room? Next, consider the length of time you’ll be using the room for its purpose. Of course, renovation comes with a price; so, it’s better to think long-term.

People should also consider the amount of energy and preparedness for doing renovation work. Renovations really take a lot of time!

Finally, people should also consider their target mood and ambience. How do you want to feel when you’re in your room? Is it a space where you want to feel motivated or energised? Or is it a space where you want to feel comfortable and relaxed after a long day of hustling?”

3. Invest in productivity aids

“The work-from-home set-up has become the new norm. I understand the struggle of adapting and shifting your mindset when working in a “new” environment, most especially if you’re now working in a place where you used to just relax. Now, your personal work bubble might also be occupied by your family members or your pets.

It’s important to have a fixed space set-up where you can focus and feel the change of the environment — even if you’re just at home! Personally, I prefer working without light and sound noise; the solution to this is working in a soundproofed room. There’s a practical way to achieve this: Just invest in thick soundproof curtains which make sound harder to bounce off. Or, you can even make your own acoustic panels or lay some rugs inside your room! Soft and dense materials make sound waves bounce inside foam until they lose energy. 

If you also have an issue with light ventilation like me, I suggest that you place your own work table near a window. Studies say that air quality and natural ventilation improve work productivity. (Read up on the sick building syndrome (SBS) — this shows how an area can actually impact someone’s productivity!)”

Also read: 8 Work from Home Essentials to Finally Build Your Home Office

4. Consider buying indoor plants

“We all have different priorities when it comes to budget room makeovers. But, for example, you only have ₱1,000 for a budget room makeover, then consider the situation you are in now: You’re probably staying at home more often than usual. If that’s the case, then I suggest using that ₱1,000 for indoor plants. 

Anyway, you can always reuse existing decoration and rearrange your furniture to get the feel of a new environment. Meanwhile, indoor plants can help create a fresh and breathable space. Research proves that indoor plants help rid the air of common toxins and indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde and benzene. They also alleviate stress during these trying times!”

Also read: 10 Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors for Beginner Gardeners

5. Avoid copying other people’s rooms

“I think one of the mistakes people make nowadays is relying too much on online pegs to look for ideas. If you merely copy off other peoples’ homes, your home will end up losing a personal touch. Instead of doing this, you can start planning your budget room makeover by laying down your own ideas and identities first. Online pegs should only support and flesh out your own ideas. 

Honestly, I truly suggest that you hire a consultant or a good professional with values that align with yours.  A simple consultation won’t hurt — professionals can guide you to envision a space of your own.”

6. Spark your creativity

“If you are still living with your family or friends, I suggest that you create your own little personal space. A personal study nook or a work area, for example, can be a great starting point! Allow yourself to be creative and resourceful enough; and eventually from there, you will see and understand yourself more. Renovating your room is just like creating an artwork of your own.”

Also read: Work from Home: 13 Tips to Help You Stay Productive Amid the Coronavirus

Anyone can do a budget room makeover, but not everyone can do it well. Remember that the heart of architecture always involves planning and purpose — at the end of the day, your space should help you feel better about who you are. As Architect Hanna says, “Every individual is a masterpiece. We all have different stories to tell. It’s always important to know your own core and identity and embrace your worth.”