Personal Experience: How to Build a House and Stay Within Budget

Sissel and Daniel, along with their three children, form an unusual family. Their home in Denmark is equally unique: it covers only 60 square meters and is 15 meters long. The couple adheres to the principle of mindful consumption, believing that happiness requires little. Daniel is the ideological leader of this approach. He grew up in a traveling family, like nomads, constantly moving from place to place and touring almost the entire world. Although now settled in one location, Daniel's perspectives remain unchanged.
With our parents we often moved house, and everything that was truly necessary for our life always fit into one cart.

The layout of the house is minimalist: for example, all doors are sliding to prevent the door panels from taking up space when opened, and the kitchen is small, designed in a ship-like style. There's simply no room for unnecessary items — or the habit of hoarding and storing them.

Every time we consider buying something, we think about how that item solves a problem in our family. For example, I would only buy a pillow if it's necessary for my sleep.

All materials used for building the house and making furniture were either recycled or previously used. Daniel is a professional carpenter. He handled the construction himself and improvised extensively. Sissel helped her husband with building materials: she visited flea markets, took unused wooden panels or furniture from friends and acquaintances. The final look of the kitchen, living room, or children's room always depended on what Sissel brought back that time.

There was no specific blueprint or sketch. We only knew one thing — minimal items, maximum functionality. Following a plan was difficult for us. There should always be the possibility to break a frame or change its shape if new materials arrive.

The interior also follows the same principles — nothing unnecessary. Most furniture is created with specific materials in mind: wood, oak, metal. The couple loves minimalism, and combining such textures helps recreate it in the interior.

The kitchen combines various materials in color and texture: oak cabinets, white glossy tiles on the walls, brass in decor, and country-style lamps. Despite the diverse materials, the kitchen looks harmonious. The dining table is made from two white-painted countertops. Sissel decided to experiment with the refrigerator's paint.

I painted the refrigerator with floor paint for wood. First, I applied primer and let it dry, then sanded it lightly with fine sandpaper. After that, I applied the paint. The refrigerator ended up matte and dark blue-black.

The homeowners love plants, so they grow tomatoes in a pot on the kitchen counter. During the season, the family can harvest up to ten tomatoes a day.

The wall shelves are made from cedar boards and tied together with copper strings from an old piano.

This lamp was Daniel's idea. It is made of a bent copper tube and two light bulbs.

The functional sofa-bed in the living room is one of the favorite pieces of furniture for Daniel and Sissel. Three in one — exactly in the style of this house.

Behind the sliding door from the living room is access to the children's room. The concrete slab takes up minimal space but looks great — both when the door is open and closed.

The children's rooms are also maximally practical. However, the couple used bright colors in the interior to give the rooms a cheerful vibe. For example, one room has pink walls, a bright yellow bed, and a turquoise dresser. Another wall is covered in wallpaper with a small dot pattern — an excellent way to make the space appear larger.

Another original solution is a coat hanger made from a bent brass pipe. A good example of how to use vertical space when there isn't enough width.

A terrace and greenhouse are attached to the house where the family grows plants. The terrace is designed as a relaxation area that brings the whole family together regardless of weather. Therefore, Daniel and Sissel installed a tent that can be stretched out in the rain or folded up when the sun shines.

Here are the tips this couple shares: Remove items that don't serve any function. Instead, adapt them to your needs. Use recycled materials, for example, build a kitchen table from two old countertops. To avoid overloading with colors, combine materials in muted natural tones like brass, concrete, and wood. Use plants to define spaces. For example, a rectangular pot with flowers can divide two rooms. If the house lacks width — use height. For example, create storage areas on walls. Fill your home with items that have meaning to you, because it's better when decor reflects your personality and the house is a place of inspiration.Layout