Repairing a Studio for 150 Thousand Rubles: Transforming a Studio into Stylish Living Space

150 thousand rubles for the repair of a one-room apartment is not fantasy, but reality if you know where to save and where it's better not to be stingy. Of course, golden taps and marble countertops won't be available for such money. However, you can get a fresh, modern space that is pleasant to live in and something you're not ashamed to show guests.

The main secret of a budget repair is proper priorities. 70% of the money should be spent on what will actually change the look of the apartment, and the remaining 30% should be spent on details that add coziness. No DIY work with wiring and plumbing, but maximum creativity in decor and finishing.

Main points from the article:

• Key works: 120 thousand — materials for finishing, plumbing, basic furniture;
• Reserve: 30 thousand — unforeseen expenses, additional materials;
• The main rule — plan the budget carefully and do not exceed it;
• Priorities — first functionality, then beauty;
• The result — a modern apartment that looks more expensive than the money spent.

Where to not save: plumbing and electricity

The first rule of a budget repair is not to save on what is hidden from view but critical for safety. Wiring, water supply, and drainage — it's better to spend more here than to redo later.

• Replacing wiring in a studio costs 15-20 thousand rubles with labor. It seems expensive, but it's an investment in safety. Modern wiring can handle any load and last decades.
• Plumbing is also not a place to save money. A good mixer for 3-5 thousand rubles will last years, but a cheap one for a thousand will start leaking within a month. Toilet, sink, bathtub — choose well-known manufacturers in the mid-price range.
• Make sure to include waterproofing for the bathroom in the budget. 5-7 thousand rubles now will save tens of thousands on repairs for neighbors below in the future.

Walls and Floor: Simple Solutions with Maximum Effect

The cheapest but most effective way to transform a space is to paint the walls. Quality paint costs 2-3 thousand rubles per can, rollers and brushes another thousand. One can is enough for the whole studio.

• Choose light shades — they visually expand the space. White, light gray, beige — safe options. One wall can be accentuated — paint it in a more saturated color or use decorative plaster.
• For the floor, the ideal option is mid-range laminate. 800-1200 rubles per square meter, installation another 300-500 rubles. For a studio of 30 square meters, about 25-30 thousand rubles with labor is needed.
• In the bathroom and kitchen, use ceramic granite. It's more expensive than regular tiles but lasts longer and looks more modern. Budget ceramic granite costs 500-800 rubles per square meter.

Kitchen: Functionally and Cheaply

The kitchen in a studio is often combined with the living room, so it should look stylish.

• The cheapest option is ready-made modular kitchens. For 30-40 thousand rubles, you can buy a decent cabinet.
• If you want to save even more, buy the kitchen at IKEA or similar stores. The facades can be updated in a couple of years, while the internal structure will last long.
• Choose countertops from MDF with plastic coating — they are much cheaper than stone, but with careful use, they last years. Make the backsplash from 'calf' tiles — they are cheap but always look stylish.
• Buy appliances gradually. Start with the essentials — stove, refrigerator, extractor hood. A dishwasher and microwave can be added later.

Design: Anastasia Vanyan

Bathroom: Maximum Functionality on Minimal Area

In a small bathroom, every centimeter counts.

• A shower cabin instead of a bathtub saves space and money. A simple cabin costs 15-20 thousand rubles, a bathtub with a screen — 25-30.
• Choose a wall-mounted sink with a cabinet — it provides extra storage space. A wall-mounted toilet is also better — the floor under it is easier to clean, and the bathroom looks more spacious.
• Buy simple white or light gray tiles. Bright colors quickly get boring, and neutral tones are always in style. Use expensive tiles selectively — for accents.
• A mirror with lighting transforms the bathroom and makes it visually larger. A good mirror costs 3-5 thousand rubles, but the effect is amazing.

Design: Alexandra Sakmarova

Lighting: Creating Atmosphere

Proper lighting can turn the most basic apartment into a designer one.

• One central light fixture is from the past. You need multiple light sources: general, task, and decorative.
• Spotlights on the ceiling provide even lighting. Table lamps create a cozy atmosphere. LED strips under cabinets add modernity.
• Don't skimp on dimmers — the ability to adjust brightness changes how you perceive space. Dimmed light in the evening makes the apartment cozier.
• Buy LED lamps — they are more expensive than regular ones but last 10 times longer and save electricity.

Design: Irina Bandalanova and Ekaterina Egorova-Orletinova

Furniture: Functionality Is More Important Than Anything Else

In a studio, every piece of furniture should work at maximum capacity.

• A sofa-bed instead of a separate bed, a coffee table with drawers, poufs with storage space.
• A wardrobe is better to order custom — it fits perfectly into the space and will be maximally functional. A simple wardrobes costs 20-30 thousand rubles, but it lasts decades.
• Buy furniture gradually. Start with what's essential — sofa, wardrobe, table. The rest can be added later as needed and as money becomes available.
• Don't be afraid to buy second-hand furniture in good condition. A quality sofa for 15 thousand rubles is better than a new one for 10.

Design: Masha Yashina

Decor: Cheap and Stylish

Decoration is what makes an apartment a home. And here you can be creative without spending large sums.

• Textiles dramatically change how you perceive the space. Beautiful curtains, vibrant cushions, a soft blanket — and the apartment comes alive with new colors. All this can be bought for 5-10 thousand rubles.
• Posters in frames instead of expensive paintings. Living plants instead of artificial flowers. Beautiful candles instead of expensive lamps.
• Don't fill the space with small items — in a small apartment, it's better to have fewer but higher-quality items.

Pay attention to the video: Common Mistakes in Budget Renovation

• The main mistake is trying to save on everything at once. In the end, the apartment looks cheap, and within a year, you want to redo everything.
• The second mistake is the wrong sequence of works. First, do the 'dirty' jobs — walls, floor, ceiling. Then install plumbing and furniture.
• The third mistake is buying everything at once. It's better to spread purchases over several months — and the budget won't suffer, and you can think carefully about each purchase.

Design: Kristina Selutina

Budget Distribution

Approximate distribution of 120 thousand rubles for main works:

• Electrical wiring and plumbing: 25 thousand rubles;
• Finishing materials: 30 thousand rubles;
• Flooring: 20 thousand rubles;
• Kitchen: 25 thousand rubles;
• Bathroom: 12 thousand rubles;
• Lighting: 8 thousand rubles.

The remaining 30 thousand rubles are a reserve for unforeseen expenses, which will inevitably occur. You might need more materials, hidden problems may surface, or you might want to improve something during the process.

What You Can Do Yourself

Painting walls, hanging wallpaper, laying laminate, assembling furniture — all this can be done by yourself, saving money on labor costs.

• YouTube and construction forums are the best helpers for a beginner DIYer. The main thing is to honestly assess your capabilities and not take on complex jobs.
• Painting walls saves 10-15 thousand rubles, laying laminate another 10, assembling a kitchen 5-7 thousand rubles. In total, this is a significant saving.

Budget repair is not about 'cheap and grumpy', but about a reasonable approach to spending. The main thing is to understand where you can save and where it's better not to be stingy. And remember: a stylish apartment is not necessarily an expensive one.

Cover: Design project by Alexandra Sakmarova