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Modern Minimalist, Cream Style, and French Retro Interior Design Styles – Classic, Timeless, and Popular Home Decor Options with Flexible Budget Wall Solutions

Just like the following three styles: Modern Minimalist, Cream Style, and French Retro. They are all classic, not easy to go out of style, and currently popular. Moreover, they can be implemented with varying costs, from high to low, and the effects are very impressive. If you have a limited budget, you can selectively work on the walls, such as using wall panels, or switch to artistic paint or latex paint.

Modern Minimalist DesignCream Style InteriorFrench Retro Design

Smart Home Renovation Guide: Budget Tips on Where to Save and Splurge for Quality, Safety, and Eco-Friendly Living in 2023

When renovating your home, it’s crucial to balance your budget wisely to avoid overspending while ensuring quality and safety. For example, you can save on tiles by choosing affordable options from Guangdong, as they are durable and eco-friendly, but never compromise on wood flooring—opt for big brands with ENF grade to prevent formaldehyde issues. Similarly, use budget-friendly latex paint from reputable brands, but invest in high-quality putty powder to avoid cracks and environmental hazards. With water filtration, a basic pre-filter with backwash function is sufficient for most homes, but splurge on an RO under-sink purifier for direct drinking water. TVs can be economical as technology is mature, but projectors require higher investment for clear visuals. Save on integrated ceilings with aluminum panels, but choose reliable bath heaters for safety and comfort. For custom cabinets, focus on design and materials rather than brands, but always use premium hardware to ensure longevity and avoid frequent repairs.

10 Essential DIY Home Renovation Materials to Avoid Common Pitfalls and Ensure Quality Control for a Hassle-Free Upgrade

When renovating your home, even if you choose a full-package service, there are certain renovation materials that you should purchase yourself. This is because decoration companies often seek profits from every building material, and more importantly, if low-quality materials are used improperly, the homeowner will inevitably face issues.

Additionally, some materials only reveal their problems after you move in. Therefore, this guide focuses on avoiding common pitfalls by summarizing 10 types of renovation materials that you should buy yourself to ensure quality and prevent unnecessary problems.

Silicone sealant application in bathroomClose-up of silicone sealant use

Many people might overlook silicone sealant, as it seems minor. However, experienced homeowners know it’s used in many areas: around washbasins, toilet bases, cabinets, baseboards, etc. For a 100-square-meter home, about 7-8 tubes are needed.

This isn’t a small amount! Beyond cost, its mold resistance and durability directly impact your living experience.

Mold growth on poor-quality silicone sealantDifficulty in cleaning moldy sealant

In practice, many workers bring silicone sealant without eco-certifications or mold resistance. These inferior products may not show issues initially, but over time, mold spots appear. Cleaning moldy sealant is tough, and redoing it adds extra costs, making it a hassle.

Electrical box hidden in wallInstallation of electrical boxes

Electrical boxes, though not a major material, are crucial as they’re hidden in walls and used for decades. They must be high-quality to avoid issues. During electrical work, many points need new boxes, so it’s essential to check the material and brand if provided by the company.

High-quality electrical box example

Buying them yourself ensures better control over quality, and they’re affordable for a whole house.

Putty powder for wall preparation

Wall finishing relies heavily on putty powder, with paint being secondary. Poor-quality putty can peel, mold, or pose environmental risks. It’s best to buy it yourself or verify the brand provided has certifications like the China Environmental Label (Ten Ring) and is waterproof and mold-resistant.

Also, ensure workers mix putty with water only, not glue, as glue can release formaldehyde.

Angle valve installation issue

Have you experienced an angle valve breaking inside the wall during faucet installation? That’s due to poor quality! Angle valves are hidden fittings installed in walls, and if low-quality, problems emerge later.

Durable angle valve example

So, always buy angle valves yourself rather than using the worker’s. A high-quality one, as shown, can last decades without issues.

Waterproof coating application

For full-package renovations, waterproof coating is often handled by the company, but don’t take it lightly. Poor-quality coating can cause major troubles, like leaks.

Improper waterproofing technique

Also, monitor the application: some workers rush, applying second coats before the first dries or skipping layers to save time. In bathrooms, the wet area should have a coating height of 1.8 meters; insufficient height leads to leaks.

Floor drain in bathroom

Whether in bathrooms or balconies, floor drain quality is key. Features like rust resistance, anti-odor, and fast drainage affect daily life. Many company-specified drains don’t meet standards or perform poorly, so insist on high-quality ones or buy them yourself.

Premium floor drain design

Especially in bathroom wet areas, choose anti-odor and rust-resistant brand products. Cheap drains cost around ten dollars but perform poorly; investing in good ones, like my 700-800 yuan set, ensures no problems.

Sound insulation cotton for pipes

Sound insulation cotton’s effectiveness is only known after neighbors move in. Check the thickness and performance of company-provided cotton; otherwise, wrapping pipes with inferior material is useless.

For better soundproofing, add damping sheets in bathrooms—damping sheets plus insulation cotton work best. In kitchens, insulation cotton alone suffices.

Range hood check valve installationInternal mechanism of check valve

Before kitchen ceiling work, buy a range hood check valve. Without it or with a low-quality one, your home will smell neighbors’ cooking. The valve has a small flap that opens to vent smoke into the shared duct and closes to prevent backflow. It’s a must-have, so choose a high-quality product!

Switches and sockets safety

Most companies list switch and socket brands, so it’s generally safe. However, small firms may offer free, low-quality products as gifts, which pose safety hazards. Since these affect life safety, ensure quality by verifying brands or buying them yourself to avoid risks.

Latex paint varieties and quality

Latex paint prices vary widely, from tens to hundreds per bucket. Without attention, workers might use inferior or counterfeit products. Popular colors like Space Walk, Gray Blue, Brown Coral, and Milk Coffee have many versions with differing quality.

So, prioritize paint quality: opt for eco-friendly grades above E1, smooth texture, mold resistance, and strong coverage for a superior finish.

Smart Home Renovation Guide: Save Money on Tiles, Splurge on Flooring, Paint, Filters, TV, Ceiling, and Cabinets with Budget Tips

For ordinary home renovations, even if you have plenty of money, there are nine items you shouldn’t spend too much on; and of course, there are nine items you shouldn’t skimp on, even if you’re on a tight budget. Home renovation is all about balancing savings and splurges—don’t end up wasting your money unnecessarily.

1. Save on tiles, but don’t save on wood flooring. Tiles don’t need to be expensive; just choose ones from Guangdong origin, as the quality is generally similar. Focus on patterns, textures, and ensure they are flat—cheap tiles won’t wear out easily. However, wood flooring is where you shouldn’t cut costs, mainly due to environmental concerns like formaldehyde emissions. Always opt for reputable brands with ENF-grade certifications for safety.

2. Save on latex paint, but don’t save on primer. There’s no need to go for imported or children’s paint; apart from slightly lower VOC levels, the application effect is similar to domestic paints. Stick to basic versions from well-known brands, costing around 500 yuan per bucket. For primer, avoid unknown brands—poor quality often requires adding glue, leading to formaldehyde issues. Choose branded ready-mixed primers to prevent cracking and ensure eco-friendliness without glue.

3. Save on pre-filters, but don’t save on under-sink water purifiers. Pre-filters have minimal impact in new homes, acting as coarse sieves; they’re only somewhat useful in older homes or areas with poor water quality. A model with backflush function for 300-400 yuan is sufficient. For drinking water, invest in an RO reverse osmosis system paired with a pipeline machine to boost quality of life. Always select brands with genuine RO membranes and universal filters.

4. Save on TVs, but don’t save on projectors. LCD TV technology is mature, so high-end models aren’t necessary—they’re often just decorative in living rooms. A 65 or 75-inch brand TV for 3,000-4,000 yuan is enough. Projectors, however, aren’t as advanced; cheaper ones have poor image quality, blurring in daylight or dim light. Avoid models under 5,000 yuan to prevent frustration.

5. Save on integrated ceilings, but don’t save on bath heaters. For kitchen and bathroom ceilings, use aluminum panels in 300 specifications, costing over 100 yuan per square meter—they’re durable and won’t break easily. Choose thickness above 0.6 to avoid noise from wind. Bath heaters, being high-power appliances, affect comfort and safety; good ones offer better heat dissipation and longevity for a pleasant shower experience.

6. Save on custom cabinets, but don’t save on hardware. Custom cabinets don’t require brand names—quality depends on materials and design, not the brand. Buy panels locally, have them processed by factories, and assembled on-site. Hardware, like hinges and handles, must be high-quality to ensure cabinet longevity; cheap options lead to rust, breakage, and constant issues, causing annoyance.

Top 10 Essential DIY Renovation Materials: Avoid Common Home Decoration Pitfalls by Purchasing Quality Items Yourself for Long-Term Satisfaction

When renovating your home, even with full-package services, it’s crucial to purchase certain materials yourself to avoid quality issues and common pitfalls. Decoration companies often prioritize profits, which can lead to the use of substandard products. This guide highlights 10 essential renovation materials that homeowners should buy to ensure durability, safety, and a better living experience.

Silicone Sealant

1. Silicone Sealant: Used in areas like sinks, toilets, and cabinets, it must be mildew-resistant and durable. Low-quality sealants can cause mold growth and require costly repairs.

Electrical Junction Box

2. Electrical Junction Box: Hidden in walls, it’s essential for safety and longevity. Ensure it’s made of high-quality materials to prevent electrical hazards.

Wall Putty

3. Wall Putty: Critical for smooth surfaces, it should be eco-certified and waterproof. Avoid products with added glue to reduce formaldehyde risks.

Angle Valve

4. Angle Valve: Installed in walls for faucets, it must be corrosion-resistant. Poor-quality valves can break and cause leaks.

Waterproof Coating

5. Waterproof Coating: Vital for wet areas, it should be applied correctly with proper drying time. Substandard coatings lead to moisture damage and leaks.

Drain

6. Drain: Choose rust-proof and anti-odor models for bathrooms and balconies. Low-quality drains cause slow drainage and unpleasant smells.

Soundproof Cotton

7. Soundproof Cotton: Used on pipes to reduce noise, it should be thick and effective. Combine with damping sheets for better performance in bathrooms.

Range Hood Damper

8. Range Hood Damper: Prevents cooking odors from entering your kitchen. Install a high-quality damper to avoid cross-contamination from neighbors.

Switches and Sockets

9. Switches and Sockets: Essential for safety, they must meet quality standards to prevent electrical fires and ensure reliability.

Latex Paint

10. Latex Paint: Opt for eco-friendly, mold-resistant, and smooth-finish options. Avoid counterfeit products to maintain air quality and aesthetics.

Ultimate Guide to Choosing Home Renovation Materials: Expert Tips for Tiles, Paint, Doors, Flooring, and Lighting Selection

Young people today often have good economic conditions for home renovation and seek advice on selecting main materials. Actually, it’s not difficult; it depends on the consumer’s needs and budget.

For those with ample budget, choose plain matte tiles with matching grout for a seamless look. For limited budget, choose glossy tiles as they are affordable and easy to clean. Avoid matte tiles as they are too hard to clean.

In terms of size, 800×800 is standard. If funds are sufficient, 150×75 is better with fewer seams, making it more grand. But avoid 120×60 for floors as it looks ugly no matter how laid; it’s more suitable for kitchen and bathroom walls.

The quality and eco-friendliness of domestic latex paint already far meet the needs of home renovation, so there’s no need to choose so-called imported latex paint. If you don’t believe it, you can look into it and find that imported latex paint is also produced domestically, using domestic raw materials, and some are even less eco-friendly than domestic ones.

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Additionally, any claims such as children’s bamboo charcoal, odor-free anti-mold, Blue Angel certification, or A+ certification are marketing tactics for laypeople; more selling points mean more money spent.

When choosing latex paint, only focus on two points: for eco-friendliness, look for the Ten-ring certification; for quality grade, prefer premium grade, then first-grade.

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Lastly, the purchase channel should be online official flagship stores.

For those who prioritize appearance, choose painted doors; for practicality, lacquer-free doors are a good choice. Whether choosing painted or lacquer-free, solid wood composite doors are correct.

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Pure solid wood doors are more eco-friendly but expensive and have risks of cracking and deformation, not as stable as solid wood composite doors. Door core prefer wood block filling, then bridge structure; honeycomb paper filling should not be taken even if free.

For door hinges, choose flat-opening over mother-child as they have better load-bearing.

Ordinary families are not recommended to use pure solid wood flooring because it is not only expensive but also difficult to maintain and prone to problems later. If you are in a villa or large flat, pure solid wood flooring is the best choice.

For ordinary residences, multi-layer solid wood is recommended. If there is underfloor heating, choose 7 or 9 layers for high stability; the disadvantage is that the surface is thin and not very wear-resistant. If no underfloor heating, three-layer solid wood is better, more eco-friendly, and the surface is thick enough.

If using laminate flooring, eco-friendliness must be prioritized, and be sure to choose big brands.

Actually, for lighting, it can be completely purchased online. Choose shipment from Zhongshan, Guangdong for quality assurance, and the price will be much cheaper. Merchants will include delivery, installation, and after-sales, so no worries at all.

For size, don’t guess blindly. There’s a simple method: add the room length and width, divide by 12, and you can pick the most suitable size.

For living room, choose 4000 to 4500K color temperature; for dining room, choose 3000 to 3500K soft light; for bedroom, choose 3000K to help sleep well. As for brightness, it’s simpler: room area multiplied by 3 to 5 watts, e.g., for a 10 sqm bedroom, choose about 30 watts.

These 5 main materials are used in every home renovation, so do enough homework, understand clearly, to avoid being cheated.

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