4 room Wabi Sabi themed house for <70K

Hi zesties!! 🍋

Sharing our home Reno break down for anyone that’s currently going through renovations too.

We opted for a more minimal theme and less built in & curves as we know these definitely includes additional charges and we wanted to save as much as possible.

It took about 3.5 months for the entire Reno process to be done but we are really pleasantly surprised by how it turned out! Have been staying in our little nest since Jan 2026 and no complains so far! We bought 80% of our furniture off Taobao & yes we also hacked two bedrooms to become 1 bedroom thus the wardrobe area is HUGE.

Ask away in the comments section for any furniture links or Reno tips and we’ll be happy to help!

#furnitures #firsthouse #bto #btoreno

Bishan
4 days agoEdited to

... Read moreUndertaking a Wabi Sabi-themed renovation within a budget of $70K is an achievable goal with careful planning and smart choices. The minimalist aesthetic, by its nature, emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and functional spaces, which often helps reduce unnecessary costs. For example, limiting built-in furniture and avoiding complex curved designs—as outlined in the renovation—contributes to cost savings while maintaining the Wabi Sabi essence. The detailed cost list from the renovation offers invaluable insights. Key expenditures such as flooring ($9,230), kitchen carpentry ($4,630), and wardrobe carpentry ($6,410) highlight where the major investments lie. Knowing these typical costs helps manage expectations and allocate funds appropriately. Moreover, the mention of purchasing 80% of the furniture from Taobao showcases how sourcing affordable, stylish furniture online can stretch the budget without sacrificing style. Merging two bedrooms into one to create a larger wardrobe space is a clever layout adjustment that adds functional value and aligns with the minimalist Wabi Sabi philosophy—prioritizing quality and purpose over quantity. Additionally, the renovation timeline of around 3.5 months is a realistic estimate that others can use for their project planning. For those considering similar renovations, embracing a pared-back design allows you to avoid costly custom builds and instead focus on enhancing natural textures and finishes. Also, involving yourself in selecting and installing certain elements like painting or simple carpentry work can reduce contractor expenses. Ultimately, the journey to revamping a home on a tight budget requires patience and creativity. This renovation proves that creating a cozy, aesthetically pleasing, and practical space is possible without overspending. Don't hesitate to explore local and online marketplaces like Taobao for affordable furniture and stay open to repurposing or modifying existing rooms to suit your needs better. Feel free to engage with others in the renovation community for tips, furniture links, or to share your own experiences—this not only enriches your project but also helps others embark on their home transformation journeys.

14 comments

Jiaqi.C's images
Jiaqi.C

love your sofa! able to share the link from TaoBao? 😊

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Ning's images
Ning

hi! is ur living area floor micro cement and the painting likewise?

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