How to Update the Interior of a Country House Without Spending Too Much Money

In this summer cottage in Denmark, designer Christian Liljelund from the Rum4 design studio lives with his family. Using simple design tricks, he refreshed a modest 55 square meter building – these tips will be useful for all gardeners.

1. Paint the Paneling

If your house has walls covered with paneling, you don't need to 'reinvent the wheel' – just paint them white. There are several advantages to this approach: first, it's budget-friendly (you don't have to buy expensive manufacturers), second, it visually expands the space, and third, it gives the room a uniform and neat look.

2. Replace Upper Cabinets with Shelves

A garden house is for relaxation, not for standing at the stove all day. For breakfast or a simple dinner, a few lower cabinets are enough. The upper ones can be replaced with several open shelves.

3. Avoid Heavy Lighting Fixtures

Large chandeliers with multiple bulbs look beautiful, but they are expensive. It's convenient that Edison-style lamps are trendy now, which can be used to create compositions. If you paint the cord and base in a bright color, an ordinary light fixture can become an art piece.

4. Elevate the Sleeping Area

The recipe for an affordable yet comfortable sleeping area is simple: a DIY platform plus an orthopedic mattress. You can set the width and length yourself, rather than searching for a size among standard furniture.

5. Use Unconventional Materials

OSB boards are increasingly used as interior finishing materials. Have you seen furniture made from them? The owner of this cottage turned the scraps from these boards, which were used to build the walls, into shelves: cheap but not unattractive.

6. Create an Open Terrace

Building a separate gazebo is a costly pleasure. An affordable alternative: an open terrace with a decked platform. Stretch a tent roof over the dining area – and a cozy spot for breakfast outdoors is ready.

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