Charlene Bonnici, a mother of two who works as a cleaner, has become an online sensation for her budget-friendly renovations of her South London council flat. 'I haven't got enough money for another tin of paint, so only half of my living room is pink at the moment,' she confesses. 'One side of my kitchen isn't tiled, but I only video the part that is. I've still got a really grotty bathroom – that's my next project.'
A Mission to Change Perceptions
Since moving into her council home eight years ago with her two daughters, Charlene has been slowly renovating the space. She began sharing her DIY tricks online in 2024, aiming to alter public views on social housing and inspire other tenants to decorate affordably. 'Sometimes people come in and they say “wow, this doesn’t look like a council house!”. I don’t love that to be honest,' she tells Metro. 'There’s a real stigma – people hear council housing and they think Benefit Britain, with staff outside and people drinking beer outside the house on an old sofa.'
Charlene emphasizes that most of her neighbors take great pride in their homes, a fact she believes is underrepresented. 'We should have the right to make our home beautiful, within our means,' she asserts.
From Hostels to Homeownership
Having lived in social housing most of her life, Charlene moved from private housing in Hampshire to London with her single mother before her teenage years. 'I had quite a hard upbringing, if I'm honest,' says the 38-year-old. 'But no matter where we lived, I would always be moving the furniture in my room around. We didn't really have much, but I was always making the space my own.'
After having her first child at 19, Charlene spent years in hostels. 'It’s not easy getting any sort of social housing,' she explains. 'I went through a lot of difficulty with the instability of where I was living, with two babies after I gave birth to my second. But after 11 years, finally I got my council home.' She describes the moment as feeling like winning the lottery. 'It was a feeling of utter happiness, and I was just so, so grateful. I still am. Even though it’s a council estate and not the prettiest outside. I’m just so thankful for my space and where I am, especially being in central London.'
Creative Budget Renovations
From day one, Charlene saved and hunted for bargains on Google, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace. 'You wouldn’t believe some of the bargains you can get. It’s funny – some people say to me “oh, wow, how can you afford that?”, and I say “I actually got it for free off Facebook.”' For pricier items, like an IKEA bed frame costing around £200, she saved for eight months.
Charlene is private about her finances but emphasizes her approach: spend as little as possible. 'I get a lot of people questioning how I can afford to renovate when I live in a council house – I explain I don’t have a lot of money, but I’m creative and have a passion, so I always find a way.' She elevates cheap furniture with DIY touches, like adding brass doorknobs to a TV cabinet and acquiring free tiles from a skip.
She never sets a budget, working on the flat when she can afford it. 'The focus was on creating a home I loved without spending a huge amount of money, and it’s happened gradually.' She reuses old paint cans and painted her front door bright pink with leftover paint. The checkered hallway, a favorite among her 23,700 Instagram followers, was done 'on a whim.'
Overcoming Challenges
While tenants must check their contracts before making changes, Charlene has had no issues. 'I speak a lot with my housing officer. They’re not really bothered about it to be honest, and last time she came over she said the inside of my door looked great.' She even discovered parquet flooring under old laminate, which she sanded and varnished.
The renovation has been therapeutic for Charlene, who struggles with anxiety and depression. 'Creating a safe haven for me and my family through our home is quite therapeutic. It’s been healing. I’m kind of addicted to it, really.' She describes the space as 'very feminine' and 'a safe space' that brings her peace.
Recognition and Advice
Charlene’s efforts have earned her nominations in three categories at the Ufurnish Home Awards: Best Home, Best Use of Colour, and Best Interior Content Creator. Online voting is open until June 22. 'Being shortlisted for the awards feels incredibly special and quite emotional,' she says. 'Every room has been a labour of love and has evolved over time through patience, creativity and making the most of what I had.'
She hopes to challenge stereotypes about council housing. 'This feels like recognition that beautiful, personal homes can be created on any budget and in any type of property, including a council flat.' Her advice to others: 'Be patient with yourself and your space. Home making is a journey, not a race. Focus on adding things that you genuinely love, even if it’s one small item at a time and don’t feel pressured to keep up with trends or what you see on social media.' She stresses avoiding comparison, as it can impact mental health. 'Your home should reflect you, your personality and what makes you feel comfortable and happy. The most meaningful homes aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones — they’re the ones filled with love, memories and are made by the people who live in them.'
