How to Budget-Furnish a Dacha: Tips from a Real Example

You can achieve this effect through design—without necessarily spending a fortune. Decorating a dacha on a budget is easy if you know exactly what gives the most impact. This article explores practical tips illustrated by a stunning example of a house in Texas, USA, designed by two studios: Gruppo Architects and TKTR Architects.

Tip #1: Landscape

Often, to blend a house into local natural colors, one simple technique is enough—using ecological materials like wood and stone. Glass also works beautifully, reflecting the surface of a pond or the sky. Interestingly, this approach often turns out to be the most budget-friendly, especially if your region is involved in the mining and processing of these materials. Conversely, using artificial stone for cladding will be surprisingly expensive, despite the irony.

Tip #2: Sunlight

No matter how often people emphasize the importance of natural light, many still prefer elaborate designer lighting with thousands of lamps. The best solution? Install large panoramic windows in all living areas—kitchen, living room, bedroom, and especially the children’s room. Save the dramatic light show with lamps of various shapes and colors for evenings.

Tip #3: Idea Repository

In this Texas home, you’ll find such elements everywhere—like a small workspace tucked into the master bedroom near a panoramic window. Or a bookshelf that appears as if simply stacked books lying on top of each other.

Tip #4: Outdoors

A perfect spot for outdoor relaxation—where you don’t have to battle nature, including wild plants, mosquitoes, and weather changes—is priceless. Equipping such a space with simple, budget-friendly Japanese minimalism can beautifully complement the overall design concept.

Tip #5: Private Space

This concept suits a small reading nook, a compact sofa and fireplace, or a well-designed porch with a chaise. The point is, no matter how amazing shared picnics with friends, family tea time, or movie nights with your loved one may be, sometimes you just want to be completely alone. To create a sense of isolation, use curtains, partitions—including glass ones—and bookshelves. It doesn’t matter where in the house you designate the private zone. Even in a bathroom, if there’s free space, you can create a private boudoir.

Photographer: Craig Kuhner