Beautiful on a Budget Is the Motto for This Influencer's Amsterdam Apartment
You don't need to own a house to have a home, you can easily make your rental feel like your dream space with just a bit of imagination and renter-friendly updates.
We're highlighting renters that have gone above and beyond to make their rental home the place of their dreams, even if just for a short time. Chissola Miguel is an interior design student who is originally from Angola but currently lives in Amsterdam in an 839-square-foot two-bedroom apartment.
Meet the Expert
Chissola Miguel is an influencer and interior design student living in Amsterdam. She has lived in her two-bedroom apartment for two years and loves making renter-friendly upgrades on a budget. Though she lives in a rental, she has the opportunity to buy her apartment if she wishes so some of her upgrades are more full-scale.
What were the greatest finds or DIY projects in your home?
My greatest DIY project was re-doing my bathroom floors. The new floorboards are such a beautiful add-on and the total cost was €100—very budget-friendly.
How would you describe your style and approach to decorating your apartment?
I get help from one of my handymen on the harder things like my kitchen counter and cinewall. I'd describe my style as hotel chic and a combination of the beautiful aesthetics in Amsterdam. I love it out here!
What was the most challenging part of making your apartment a home?
Upgrading my kitchen countertops and adding in the cinewall. My handyman did the upgrades and I keep the old countertop in the basement. I really love the end results.
RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS
Favorite part of your apartment? My hallway...my room...my living room. Actually, I love every corner of my apartment.
What's something you absolutely had to get rid of to make your apartment feel more personal? My old kitchen counter and one door leading to the living room. It created a beautiful luxury look on a budget, not everything beautiful has to be expensive.
Biggest challenge when decorating? The bathroom because those are the smallest room and needs a really good eye to give it the feel I wanted.
Biggest splurge when decorating? My hallway transformation and kitchen upgrade.
Who or what are your biggest design inspirations?
I get a lot of inspiration from influencers on Instagram and TikTok, especially @everythingeryn. I get inspired from YouTube as well but I never forget to add my own creativity.
How long did it take you to get your apartment to where it is today? Is there anything else major that you’d like to do to your apartment?
It took me a year and a half. I was almost finished back in August 2022 but there was some flooding, so I had to have my floor and rug replaced. I'm much happier with the new, lighter color. It's amazing taking your time creating your dream rental apartment, your home will not be ready in just a few months. The only major thing I would love to change is the toilet and some other small things here and there in the bathroom and bedroom.
Apartments, for most, are temporary. How did you juggle the idea of “this could be a temporary space” with wanting to make it as personal as possible?
This apartment can be temporary but I also have the opportunity to own it and stay as long as I want I love that because, to create your dream rental space, you have to do everything in a renter-friendly way so it helps to be creative! Most of my changes are renter-friendly but having the opportunity to own allows me to remove and replace things easier.
What's your biggest tip for anyone trying to turn their rental into their dream home?
It’s always possible to create your rental into your dream apartment—and on a budget. Don't rush things and take your time to make your house feel like home. Have faith and be patient. Baby steps and still steps and it's amazing to be happy with the results of the changes you already made. Home is wherever your heart connects and peace is found.
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