I live in a council house but you could never tell thanks to my DIY kitchen makeover – Primark & Ikea are lifesavers
A WOMAN has revealed that she lives in a council house and has given the kitchen a mega makeover, whilst on a budget.
So if you want to give your home a total transformation, then you’ll need to check this out.
Mum-of-two Sumaya, 23, who lives in the UK, took to social media to share a before and after look of her council house kitchen, leaving many open-mouthed.
Sumaya shared the short clip with the caption ‘Redecorating my council house kitchen’.
The savvy mum explained: “I still have a few things to do but pleased with how it’s turning out.
“It’s actually taken me so long to get to this because [of] kids, uni, and work – your girl [is] busy.”
What was once a very plain room has since been given a mega makeover and is now incredibly bright and modern.
The dull beige flooring has since been replaced with stylish white tiles, making the space feel bigger and fresh.
Not only this, but the once black counter tops have been given a new lease of life with a wooden effect, adding chic and class to this kitchen.
The silver cupboard handles are nowhere in sight and now, the kitchen is incredibly trendy and stylish.
Sumaya later confirmed that she got her kitchen from Ikea, her flooring from B&Q and her utensil holder from Primark.
She shared that she had help to install the kitchen and in total, the makeover cost her £8,000.
The content creator beamed: “Picked everything out myself and had someone install it.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @sumaya.hmxx, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 62,600 views.
This is great inspiration!
TikTok user
Social media users were stunned at the kitchen’s new look and many took to the comments to express this.
One person said: “This is actually amazing.”
Rules on transforming your council house
According to Gov, the kind of improvements you can make to your council property depends on the type of tenancy you have.
Introductory tenants are usually limited to minor improvements like redecorating inside.
If you’re a secure tenant, you have the right to carry out improvements to your property. These include:
- installing a new bathroom or kitchen
- building an extension
- putting up a garden shed or greenhouse
- installing a new gas fire or fireplace
- cavity wall insulation
- redecorating the outside of a house
- fitting an aerial or satellite dish
You might need your council’s written permission for work you do. Contact your council if you’re not sure.
Another added: “My boyfriend is also redecorating his council flat and this is great inspiration!”
A third commented: “This is lovely!!”
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.
Whilst someone else beamed: “This is STUNNING!”
At the same time, one user asked: “Wait, [are] you allowed to do that with council houses?”
To this, Sumaya wrote back and shared: “Usually you need to get permission but I did it without.”
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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.