I live in a council house but you could never tell thanks to my DIY skills – sorting my radiators was just the start
A YOUNG woman has shared five budget ways to turn your home from drab to fab, without breaking the bank.
So if you’re on a budget, but want to give your home some TLC, you’ll need to listen up.
25-year-old Celene Francis, a single mother who lives in a two-bedroom house in Rotherham with her young daughter, has shared how she gave her home a stylish glow up on the cheap.
With not much money to spare, the student midwife and mental health support worker shared the five tricks that elevated her home – from panelling to painting her radiators.
Not only does she think that painting your radiators black will add glamour to your space, but she also swears by stair rods too.
Sharing her advice on social media, Celene said: “If you’re new here, my name is Celene, I’m 26 and I live in a council house.
“I wanted to do a video on a couple of ways that you can transform your home on a budget.”
PANELLING
Firstly, Celene shared her thoughts on panelling, as she advised: “If you have not got any panelling in your home yet, just do it.
“It’s super easy and it actually really does transform the space.
“I’m here for panelling, it gives a different feel to your home.”
SHELVES
Not only this, but she praised floating shelves, as she added: “I absolutely love, love adding shelves.
“It is just the one.”
STAIR RODS
Similarly, the DIY enthusiast swore by stair rods, as she continued: “If you’ve got a stair runner, just add stair rods.
“Again, it will literally elevate the space.”
BLACK RADIATORS
Not only this, but she claimed that sorting out your radiators is key, as she advised: “Paint your radiators black, if you like black, obviously.
“But honestly, this again can just transform your space.”
How to do your council house up on the cheap
- Take inspiration from pricier shops and head to B&M, Home Bargains for interior decorations.
- Head to YouTube for easy to follow tutorials on how to decorate rather than paying for professionals.
- For a quick glow-up for your floors or anywhere with tiles, opt for stick-on vinyl to save on costs.
- A lick of paint does wonders to make a room feel brand-new.
- Switch out kitchen cupboard knobs for modern ones instead of buying brand-new cupboards.
GET PAINTING
Finally, not only should you paint your radiators, but you should experience with paint too, as Celene concluded: “Have a bit of fun with paint.
“Don’t think that you need to be set to paint all the walls one colour.
“Paint your kitchen cabinets.”
How can I get a council house?
To apply for a council home, you need to fill out and hand in an application to your local authority.
To find your local authority, simply use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
Once you have access to your local council’s website, it should offer you guidelines on how to complete your application.
After applying, you’ll most likely have to join a waiting list.
Bear in mind, even if you are put on a waiting list, this doesn’t guarantee you a council house offer.
Your council should also offer you advice on how to stay in your current home and solve any issues you might have, such as problems with a private landlord or mortgage.
You are eligible to apply for council housing if you are a British citizen living in the UK providing have not lived abroad recently.
Each council has its own local rules about who qualifies to go on the housing register in its area, but it is based on “points” or a “banding” system.
For example, you’re likely to be offered housing first if you:
- are homeless
- live in cramped conditions
- have a medical condition made worse by your current home
- are seeking to escape domestic violence
Once you are high enough on a council’s waiting list, it will contact you when a property is available.
Some councils let people apply at the age of 18, while others let you apply even sooner at 16-year-olds.
EU workers and their families and refugees may also be eligible.
A council house is reached through a points system, so depending on your housing needs, you may be considered low priority.
The council will contact you about any available property once you are high enough on the waiting list.
There is no limit on how long you can expect to be on the waiting list.
DIY FANS REACT
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @61thecouncilhouse, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 25,700 views.
Your house is beautiful
TikTok user
Social media users were thankful for Celene’s tips and tricks and many took to the comments to express this.
One person said: “Great tips – thank you.”
Another added: “Your house is beautiful.”
A third commented: “I LOVE your frame and picture light. It’s absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing.”
Meanwhile, someone else beamed: “I wanna do my own panelling.”
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