From Yellow Ceilings to TikTok Dream Home
Celene Francis’s Design Journey
Initial State
- Yellow‑stained ceilings that leaked water.
- Peeling linoleum that clattered on the floor.
- Clutter of leftover wallpaper and outmoded purple doors.
Transformation Steps
- Ripped down the old wallpaper to start fresh.
- Repainted the walls with a soothing, neutral hue.
- Installed a new, heat‑efficient flooring system.
- Added a space‑saving shelving unit for a tidy aesthetic.
Key Resources
- Temu’s budget‑friendly marketplace for home décor.
- Appliance deals that cut monthly utility bills.
- DIY tool kit that made the renovation practical and affordable.
Current Outcome
- A two‑bed, two‑bath at Rotherham now looks showroom‑ready.
- Social media fans praise the home as a “dream house.”
- Celene’s 26‑year‑old, mom of two, stands as a proof of “what they deem liveable.”
TikTok-worthy on a tenner
Celene’s Kitchen Transformation
Celene’s culinary space has been upgraded with stylish storage jars, an oil dispenser, and a selection of elegant glassware— all priced lower than a single takeaway meal.
Sources and Showcase
- All items were purchased from Temu and featured on her TikTok channel, @61thecouncilhouse.
- The video snippet highlighting her top selections has accumulated more than 300,000 views.
Viewer Reactions
- One fan exclaimed, I can’t believe you made this on a 50-pound budget.
- Another admitted, Never been tempted to shop on Temu until now.
No builder? No bother.
Celene’s Kitchen Makeover
Celene opted for a DIY approach rather than hiring a contractor. She watched YouTube lessons, then tackled every detail: repainting cupboards, installing new handles, retiling walls, and replacing flooring across the house.
“I handled all of the DIY myself,” she told Fabulous magazine. “Even the stair rods – I fitted those too.”
Her Shopping Habit
- B&M – where she finds the same look at a lower price.
- Home Bargains – a quick source for basic fixtures.
- The Range – offering sturdy, affordable furniture.
- IKEA – renowned for functional design.
Celene’s buying philosophy is simple: “I like H&M Home for its style, but it carries a higher price tag. I compare and then switch to B&M to achieve the same aesthetic for less.”
Trolls, tiles, and tenacity
Celene’s DIY Home Upgrade
Celene’s fresh‑new living space has already turned a lot of heads on social media. While friends and followers rave about her inspired décor choices, a handful of online critics have called her “a waste of money.” Nonetheless, the midwifery student and mental‑health teammate keeps her eye on the long‑term.
She’s Motivated by the Home, Not the Fame
Celene admits she’s not motivated by status or the “next viral post.” In her own words, she says:
- I don’t really go out or drink.
- So any spare money I have, I buy things for the house.
Package DIY: From Blank Canvas to Living Bliss
When she first moved in, she confronted a blank canvas no flooring and a garden that was horrendous. But the fast‑paced mom hasn’t lost her touch for interiors.
- She feels that the way she customizes the house creates a feeling the home feels…intuitively like home.
- From blank floors to intuitive detours.
Living life on her own terms means she invests her spare and yearly budget in her home – while her background in midwifery and mental‑health support fills her time with the very modern workspace she prefers.
What can you do in a rented council house in the UK?
Understanding Council Tenancy Improvements
What Your Tenancy Type Means
- Introductory Tenants: You’re free to repaint walls and add small decorations without asking anyone.
- Secure Tenants: Larger projects such as installing a new kitchen, laying fresh flooring, or building a fireplace are possible, but you’ll likely need the landlord’s written permission first.
Getting Started with Your Project
- Check whether you’re classified as an introductory or secure tenant.
- Decide if the improvement is minor or major.
- If you’re a secure tenant, request the landlord’s approval before beginning.
- Once permission is granted, begin the work carefully, keeping the council property in excellent condition.
Key Takeaway
Regardless of your tenancy type, understanding the rules laid out on GOV.UK can help you make home improvements confidently, ensuring your council property remains both functional and beautiful.
Want to do the same in Spain? You can.
Bringing a Dream Home to Every Spanish Neighborhood
Whether you call yourself a fixer‑up fanatic living in Fuengirola, a bungalow taken from the charm of Benidorm, or someone who has yet to find a lovely dwelling in Valencia, you can breathe easy: transforming a tired space into a beloved home is open to all.
Why the Spanish Home Make‑Up Matters
- Accessibility – No matter the area or budget, a thoughtful redesign can turn any living room into a personal sanctuary.
- Personalization – From minimalist starts in Fuengirola to vibrant, local accents in Valencia, each plan can be tailored to match your style.
- Investment – A well‑thought makeover increases the value of your property, making it an attractive option for any homeowner.
How to Get Started
Step 1 – Finish the Kitchen
Upgrading cabinets, adding bright bakes, and installing a modern countertop can instantly uplift the core of your living space. The kitchen is not always the most treasured, but a beautiful masterpiece can open a smoother perception.
Step 2 – Move the Bedroom to a Bright Space
Bright choices consist of energy from a modest, flaring, combined, or various. The idea is to handle bedroom to create a recursive place within the house style.
Step 3 – Retoaster the Bathroom
Elevating plumbing choices, installing a satisfying fixture, and using a proper addiction to bathroom into your home environment.
Step 4 – Add Personal Choices
Not only you add handmade custom choice for everyone. Each remains flexible, easy to execute, and very repeated personal ”
Final Thoughts
Transforming your side nest ultimately shapes your relationship. From the entire rooms in Valencia to someone else,
It is you. If real but you still in the best space for advanced choices, it is a special sign of this question.
Here’s how to give your Spanish pad a glow-up without going bankrupt:
Revamp Your Spanish Space on a Budget
Shop Smart in Local Marketplaces
- Explore Bazares Chinos for stylish homeware at a fraction of the price.
- Find discounted kitchen gadgets that look high‑end but are wallet‑friendly.
Download Deals Online (with Care)
- Temu ships to Spain and often undercuts local prices.
- Use Amazon.es for scheduled sales if you target specific items.
Elevate DIY Expertise
- Watch YouTube tutorials in Spanish or English for tiling or vinyl installation.
- Equip yourself with a reliable WiFi connection and a free Sunday to get started.
Take a Gradual Approach
- Focus on one room at a time, like Celene recommends.
- Apply a fresh layer of white paint and replace old handles on kitchen cabinets to refresh instantly.
- Save the rest of the budget for larger renovations.
Anywhere in Spain Works
- Whether you rent in Malaga, buy a house there, or own a mountain casita, minimal funds can still create a home you adore.
- Combine a touch of creativity, consistent effort, and a reliable mop, and your space will shine.
Celine’s top budget renovation tips:
Revamp Your Space in Seconds
If you’re dreaming of a fresh floor but little budget, begin with stick‑on vinyl tiles. They snap on quickly, seal cleanly, and cost a fraction of a new carpet.
Kitchen Makeover on a Dime
- Swap old cupboard knobs for sleek, modern handles. A small change, big visual impact.
- Consider a soft‑white paint palette for walls, cabinets, and even overhead. White opens space and gives a crisp, airy feel.
DIY Learning Resources
Before heading for in‑store hardware or online bargains, tap into free tutorials. YouTube offers step‑by‑step guides that keep the cost down while mastering the techniques.
5 thrifty tips to decorate your home on a shoestring
Who said decorating had to cost the earth?
With a splash of elbow grease, a dash of clever thinking, and a keen eye for a bargain, you can zhuzh up your space without flattening your wallet.
Smart Decorating on a Budget
- Swap old furniture. A fresh coat of paint or a new cushion can revitalize any room.
- Incorporate DIY crafts. Handmade décor adds character without the cost.
- Explore thrift stores. Hidden gems often offer unique pieces at a fraction of the price.
- Use multipurpose items. A storage ottoman can serve as an extra seat and a place to stash blankets.
Upgrade Your Space, Upgrade Your Wallet
Transforming your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Embrace creative solutions, cherish patina, and savor a budget-friendly upgrade that brings charm and comfort to every corner.
Tip 1) Start with secondhand gems
Secondhand Splendor: A Reimagined Journey
From charitable thrift shops to bustling vintage fairs, online marketplaces form treasure troves filled with distinctive finds. eBay’s Amy Bannerman champions a lifestyle centered around secondhand décor, revamping her coastal cottage with pre-loved elegance and an inventive flair.
- Hidden Treasures: Every charity boutique and vintage bazaar offers a stash of uncommon gems.
- Pure Secondhand: Amy Bannerman curates a collection exclusively from pre-loved pieces, transforming her seaside cabin into a pre-owned paradise.
Tip 2) Instead of splurging on high-end finishes, embrace the beauty of basic materials.
A Plywood Wardrobe Transforms Into a Standout, Custom Statement
Discover how an unpainted plywood wardrobe can become a striking, one‑of‑a‑kind focal point.
Utilize Surplus Paint or Tiles
- Paint on the Inside – Line the cupboard’s interior with leftover paint to create a tailored splashback.
- Tiles as Accents – Repurpose spare tiles to add a subtle, decorative layer inside the wardrobe.
- Creative Repurposing – Avoid discarding materials; instead, integrate them into the wardrobe’s design as a bold, bespoke feature.
Key Takeaway
By lining the inner surfaces with paint or tiles, an unpainted plywood wardrobe can evolve into an eye‑catching, personalized centerpiece for any space.
Tip 3) A lick of paint is still your best friend.
Reimagining Small Spaces with Colour and Pattern
When a room feels cramped, the right colours can create a sense of depth and calm. Adding patterned accents can turn an ordinary hallway into a living art gallery.
Colour Strategies for Compact Rooms
- Soft monochrome tones – Light neutrals stretch visual space, allowing furniture to float more freely.
- Deep contrast washes – Dark accent walls or dramatic black details can disguise worn fixtures, lending a bold focal point.
- Pastel overlays – Subtle hues add warmth without overwhelming limited square footage.
Patterned Effects to Elevate Hallways
- Stripes – Narrow vertical bars lengthen the corridor, easing eye movement.
- Colour blocks – Chunky, blocky patterns give a hallway a curated, gallery‑like vibe.
- Geometric motifs – Angular shapes play with perspective, creating playful visual interest.
By blending deliberate colour choices with eye‑catching patterns, you can transform a cramped room into a spacious, stylish, and visually inspiring environment.
Tip 4) Can’t keep plants alive? You’re not alone.
Artificial Plants: A Cost-Effective Alternative
Artificial plants, notably faux olive trees, serve as a budget-friendly alternative—without the requirement for watering, the risk of wilting, and continuous concern.
- Watering not needed.
- Wilting not a concern.
- Continuous concern eliminated.
Advantages of Faux Olive Trees
- Consistent appearance over time.
- Zero maintenance cost.
- Seamless installation into any setting.
Tip 5) Hack your home like an influencer:
IkeaHack: A Goldmine for Flat‑Pack Flair
Unleashing Everyday Essentials Into Signature Features
- Change a basic footstool into a clever coffee table that combines lounging, storage, and style in one nifty piece.
- Originality often arrives not from bigger spending, but from brilliant making do.
“A beautiful home isn’t about square footage or postcode—it’s about pride, persistence, and a pot of paint.”
Celene’s Makeover: British Creativity at Its Finest
Her council house began tired and tatty, but a splash of paint coupled with a love of bargains turned it into something extraordinary.
