In the past 20 years, the cost of home decoration has increased dramatically, with some homeowners experiencing a staggering 30-fold rise in expenses. Mr. Su, who has lived in the same city for over 50 years, has moved homes three times and gone through three major renovations, each reflecting the evolving trends and costs of home improvement.
His first renovation took place in 1993 when he moved into a small apartment of over 50 square meters. He worked with a local decoration team, bought his own tiles, plywood, and paint, and completed the project in under a month. He recalls spending less than 5,000 yuan on the renovation itself, but then spent an additional 5,000 yuan on a TV, stereo, refrigerator, and washing machine—four essential appliances at the time. The total cost was around 10,000 yuan, which seemed like a lot back then, but now looks modest compared to later projects.
By 2001, Mr. Su had upgraded to a larger space—over 80 square meters with a three-bedroom layout. This time, the renovation lasted more than two months. Instead of building custom furniture, many items were purchased as ready-made products. Appliances alone cost around 60,000 yuan, which was considered average for that era.
His most recent renovation in 2010 involved a 120-square-meter commercial apartment. The total cost soared to nearly 300,000 yuan. The house featured underfloor heating, ceramic tiles, wooden flooring, and built-in cabinets. Everything was branded, and even the lighting design cost around 10,000 yuan—something that hadn’t been part of previous renovations.
Flooring trends have also evolved significantly. In the early 1990s, “floor leather†(a type of vinyl flooring) was common, but it gradually gave way to ceramic tiles. At the time, tiles were smaller, typically 50 cm x 50 cm or 60 cm x 60 cm, and priced between 5 to 20 yuan each. A square meter of tile cost under 100 yuan, making it affordable for most families.
By the mid- to late 1990s, wooden flooring became more popular, though solid wood was expensive. By the early 2000s, laminate flooring emerged and quickly became the dominant choice. Wood floors began to be used more in bedrooms, while tiles remained popular in living rooms and dining areas. Today, the debate between floor and tile continues, especially in high-traffic zones.
Soft furnishings have also seen a transformation. In the early days, home decoration was more about heavy-duty furniture and basic setups. But by the 1990s, people started adding personal touches—posters, handmade cabinets, and decorative items. As time passed, the concept of soft packaging—such as curtains, rugs, and decorative accessories—became more important.
By 2004, the demand for personalized interiors grew, and the idea of "light and heavy" versus "soft" decoration became popular. A well-decorated home needed soft furnishings to truly come to life. Over time, the focus shifted from heavy furniture to flexible, seasonal decor that could change with mood or trend. Today, soft packaging is no longer just about selling products—it's about offering full-service interior design, creating spaces that reflect individual style and personality.
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