How to Budget-Friendly Update Your Apartment in a Week: 9 Tips + Before and After Photos

Home stylists Nina Vanchugova and Nataella Chernyavskaya from the VOZDUH agency proved that nothing is impossible: in 12 days, they transformed a colorful studio in an old panel house into a modern and airy space ready for rent. The transformation cost only 80 thousand rubles. We've collected budget-friendly and interesting ideas that you can replicate too — get inspired and take notes.

Nina Vanchugova and Nataella Chernyavskaya "Home Stylists from VOZDUH Agency"

Repaint the Wallpaper

The main issue was bright floral wallpaper. They didn't change the wallpaper — that's impossible in 12 days, and it wouldn't fit into the budget.

Before Photo

They decided to simply repaint it: in just one day, they applied 4 coats of paint and primed underneath. The room transformed: it became a calm, stylish color that played with light in an entirely new way.

After Photo

Create an Accent Arch

They added a green-toned arch above the bed — a trendy accent in color-block style. Nataella painted it by hand.

Before Photo

But adding an accent element in the bedroom wasn't enough — the home stylists supported the soft tone with contrasting elements on the balcony, as well as on the kitchen and in the hallway. It all looks very harmonious: the whole apartment is decorated in a unified palette — warm beige and green.

After Photo

Add Symmetry

There was IKEA furniture in relatively good condition. To enhance the space, the home stylists added symmetry: around the bed, they placed symmetrical elements — wooden bedside tables that bring warmth and coziness to the interior. They also added decor.

Use the Balcony Correctly

In many families, the balcony serves as a storage or storage area. That was also the case here, but the home stylists transformed the space beyond recognition. They turned the balcony into a relaxation zone where you can drink tea or spend time reading a book. For this, they repainted the balcony in the same colors used in the apartment, installed a small shelf — on it are flowers, and also a compact table and folding chair.

Reinvent Interior Items

Previously, the fireplace was hidden behind a curtain. Specialists decided to highlight and incorporate it into the design: they made a shelf, as well as added a cabinet — it was brought from the kitchen where there were too many cabinets. In the room opposite, storage space was lacking. As a result, a cozy winter atmosphere-filled space emerged.

Find Space for a Work Zone

Originally, there was no dedicated workspace in the apartment: in the corner stood a storage unit. But the home stylists thought it was inconvenient to work on the kitchen table.

Before Photo

To create a proper workspace, one small desk, a chair, and a storage shelf for decor and useful items were enough. By the way, the family that rented this apartment was very grateful for the opportunity to work.

After Photo

Make a Bold Element the Starting Point for Decoration

The kitchen walls were repainted in the overall palette of the apartment — there was the same issue with wallpaper. But they didn't change the kitchen cabinet, apron, or floor: on the contrary, it was precisely the apron that dictated the kitchen decor.

Before Photo

The home stylists added yellow elements (vase, table textile) in harmony with the tile pattern — everything blended beautifully into one unified image.

After Photo

Clear the Entryway

We often think that in the entryway, you can place all your upper clothing and shoes. But this space should be functional: plan storage zones so that clothes are hidden (wardrobes, shoe racks). Experts recommend buying white wardrobes for the entryway that blend with light-colored walls.

Add Coziness with Wood

The bathroom was delivered to the home stylists in a standard, featureless white form with plastic panels — it lacked life and warmth.

Before Photo

Wood came to the rescue: they added a wooden shelf, a mirror in a wooden frame, and a curtain in eco-style — it supports the overall aesthetic. The space started looking much fresher.

After Photo