Speaking to Hoa Hoc Tro Online, the owner of this apartment, Tran Dol (born 1998, Ho Chi Minh City), shared: “I found this apartment for rent at a reasonable price and in a central location. Initially, I intended to rent it as a studio space only. As a KOL and content creator, I mostly work from home, and I wanted to change my work environment to find inspiration.”
The journey of renovating this old house by Dol. Photo: @dol.20s
Dol started the apartment’s renovation from small details: a corner of the house was cleaned up, the old wall was repainted, and a few lights were installed to enhance the lighting. Although these changes were simple, they contributed to a completely different atmosphere, making the living space cozier, neater, and imbued with personal touches.
The living room was transformed into a relaxing area with a compact rattan chair, a soft rug for rainy afternoons, and delicate decorative items. Each piece was carefully chosen with a purpose, considering functionality, aesthetics, and, most importantly, creating a comfortable and welcoming ambiance for the occupant.
The staircase area before and after the renovation. Photo: @dol.20s
Dol undertook all the work himself, from painting the walls to electrical wiring, flooring, and arranging each piece of furniture. “I already had a clear vision in my mind, so I started working on it as soon as I got the keys. For anything I didn’t know, I would research and learn online and then do it myself. Only when specialized skills were required would I call for professional help,” Dol added.
This house is not just a place to live but also a source of inspiration for life and work. Photo: @dol.20s
Previously, Dol had lived in spacious and modern apartments, but they lacked the sense of “home.” The vast spaces made this Gen Z individual feel “cold,” and due to his work in content creation, which often involved testing products, the accumulation of items created a sense of heaviness.
This old apartment building, once home to three generations, has now become a new beginning for Dol. The use of old furniture was not only economical but also carried personal significance. “I often use student or second-hand furniture because they feel familiar and approachable. When students watch my videos, they can relate and possibly emulate, which brings me the most joy.”
Initially, Dol had no plans to share this journey on social media. However, he eventually decided to document and post it as a way of staying true to himself, and it unexpectedly received a warm response from his followers. Many teenagers commented that they felt motivated to give their rooms a makeover after seeing his transformation.
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