My 1 BHK Flat Makeover Story You Have to See
When I first moved into my 1 BHK flat, it felt more like a matchbox than a home. The rooms were dim, the layout awkward, and the storage a nightmare. Fast-forward three months, and the space feels completely transformed—modern, airy, and three times more functional. Here’s the full story of my 1 BHK makeover, including budget hacks, design decisions, and what I wish I had known earlier.
🔴 Before: Dull, Cramped & Non-Functional
- Walls were painted off-white, giving the space a tired, yellow hue.
- The kitchen had old cabinets and poor lighting.
- The living room had mismatched furniture, no storage.
- The bedroom lacked wardrobe space, and the bed ate up half the floor area.
It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t mine either. I needed it to reflect my lifestyle, taste, and practical needs.
✅ After: Bright, Cohesive, and Tailored for Everyday Life
🛋️ Living Room: From Chaos to Calm
Before: Dark sofa, no natural light, scattered decor.
After:
- Light-toned L-shaped sofa for more seating
- Wall-mounted TV unit with storage
- Floating shelves with minimal decor
- Soft curtains + warm LED ceiling lights
Cost: ~₹60,000
Design Tip: Use lighter shades and wall-mounted furniture to make a small living room feel spacious.
🍽️ Kitchen: From Cluttered to Smart Modular
Before: Laminate peeling off, no proper drawers.
After:
- Compact modular layout with base and wall units
- Glossy laminate for easy cleaning
- Pull-out storage baskets and a tall pantry
Cost: ~₹75,000
Pro Tip: Don’t skip soft-close hardware. It’s a small luxury that goes a long way.
🛏️ Bedroom: From Cramped to Cozy
Before: Bulky bed, no wardrobe, odd paint color.
After:
- Queen-size hydraulic bed with storage
- Sliding door wardrobe with mirrored shutter
- Single color wall + soft indirect lighting
Cost: ~₹90,000
Hack: Use mirrors and neutral paint to visually expand small rooms.
🚿 Bathroom: From Basic to Boutique Feel
Before: Old fittings and no storage.
After:
- New basin cabinet + mirror cabinet
- Towel rods and a glass shelf
- Anti-skid tiles + wall tiles up to the ceiling
Cost: ~₹40,000
Quick Tip: Matte-finish tiles look better longer and are safer.
🌿 Balcony: From Forgotten to Favorite Spot
Before: Dirty tiles, unused space
After:
- Interlocking wooden deck tiles
- Foldable chair + vertical garden
Cost: ₹10,000
Hack: A small balcony can double up as your morning coffee corner or evening chill zone with minimal effort.
💸 Total Cost: ₹2.75 lakhs (including paint, lights, and curtains)
| Area | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Living Room | ₹60,000 |
| Kitchen | ₹75,000 |
| Bedroom | ₹90,000 |
| Bathroom | ₹40,000 |
| Balcony | ₹10,000 |
| Total | ₹2,75,000 |
What I Learned
- Planning saves money. Listing items and visualizing layouts upfront helped avoid impulse buys.
- Focus on storage. Every room now has hidden or vertical storage.
- Consistency matters. Keeping a color palette throughout made the space feel more cohesive.
- You don’t need to spend big to transform. Smart furniture and lighting changes did most of the heavy lifting.
Final Thought: A 1 BHK makeover doesn’t have to be massive or expensive. It just has to reflect you. Whether you’re renting or owning, even small upgrades can have a big emotional payoff.
Harish Yadav is the founder of Interio Group App. It is an Home-Interiors Marketplace where customers can hire Interior businesses and designers directly. Customers can get quotes for their interior needs.