Most couples who are starting to grow their family dreams of having a house they could call their own. But for some who need to make ends meet while raising kids seem impossible to achieve. Just like this couple from the Philippines who transformed an old and musky space into a dreamy minimalist house.
In an email interview with SmartParenting.com.ph, husband and wife Aaron and Dancyl Nalzaro shared how a small budget leads them to live in a light, airy, and comfortable house that they have always dreamed of.
According to the couple, it took them years of renting out different apartments before they were finally able to save up and renovate an old house gifted by Dancyl's parents. Her father convinced them to transform the hopeless space into a liveable apartment to raise their two kids.
"He offered to help us with the expenses as a gift, but I think he just wanted to see his grandchildren often," Dancyl shared.
"I realized it's more practical to just have it renovated rather than renting because we pay around Php25,000 monthly for the apartment plus electricity, water, and groceries. It also makes me feel at ease [knowing] I get to see my parents every day because they are just within the compound," she added.
Challenging Home Renovation
Despite having money on hand to proceed with the renovation, the home transformation did not come easy. Dancyl put her game face on and maximized the opportunity to turn an old house into a peaceful sanctuary.
"I really wanted to have a minimalist kind of home - not too many things and not too many colors," the mother said.
Dancyl also explained that her son's playhouse made of wood pallets is the main inspiration for the home renovation.
"I was very specific on what I want and that is the walls to be white, the furniture wood just like Jace's playhouse and for it to be filled with greens or plants," she added.
We are beyond grateful for God's outpouring blessings to our family. To our generous Tatay who sponsored the renovation... Posted by Dancyl Lumbab Nalzaro on Tuesday, 20 October 2020
Dream Minimalist House Achieved
After months of careful planning and renovation, Dancyl and Aaron achieved a dreamy minimalist home featuring a white interior with a touch of wood and grey accents.
Most of the new house stuff was recycled from their old place, including the sofa, dining table, and other appliances.
"I asked my Tito Leo from L.A. Upcycled to make all the furniture that we needed for the house. I chose the design and I was really happy with the outcome," Dancyl said.
The mom-of-two made a Montessori-inspired bed frame for the kids' bedroom, which can easily transform into a play area with a little creative imagination. The kids' room also features a custom cabinet and wall-painted mural like the ones you see on mall play areas.
On the other hand, the masters' bedroom features a bed frame made of paleta, which she decorated with fairy lights for a little romantic vibe. The couple also made an indoor hangout spot with wood benches, plants, and fairy lights, perfect for date nights at home.
Renovation Cost
For just $7,300, the couple was able to transform the apartment with three bedrooms, one bathroom, spacious living room, dining area, kitchen, and service room.
The couple successfully sticks to their budget by recycling items they can still reuse and buying decors and accessories online.
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