Five ways to revamp your home without spending a fortune

When looking for ways to give your home a refresh, it’s important to remember that impactful changes don’t necessarily require a lot of money. The secret is knowing what needs an overhaul and how best to spend your budget.

Style experts give an insider look at the clever, creative and inexpensive tricks they use for an instant home revamp. 

1. Declutter

An uncluttered space is a luxurious one, says organiser Robyn Amott from Bless This Mess.

“Consider what items are distracting from your home’s overall appeal,” she says. “Too many free-standing items consume it and reduce air flow, making it feel dark and small.” 

An effective method is identifying groups of items, like piles of books that are taking up space. 

“By removing them you are allowing statement objects, like a sofa and art, to become focal points because the eye will be naturally drawn to them rather than the clutter,” she says. 

2. Fresh paint

“New paint makes a space look clean and crisp,” says Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr. “It adds polish and personalises your home, so ensure it’s a colour you love that connects with you from an emotional perspective.” 

White remains a classic choice and is the perfect backdrop for sharp styling and home decor. 

A kitchen makeover using Dulux’s Renovation Range paints:

After

Before

“Different whites trend,” says Sally Satriani from Beautiful Home Renovations. “The white on your walls from 2014 is a different shade to what is in fashion now, so repainting can bring your home up to speed instantly.”

Lucena-Orr agrees and adds that grey, a popular trending colour, is also making way for more natural tones and feel-good shades.

“The Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 indicates that brown is the new grey,” says Lucena-Orr. “Or try greige, a blend of grey and beige. It contrasts beautifully with soft neutrals, earthy tones, and greens. They all look beautiful next to a warmer white.” 

Update a tired kitchen, laundry or bathroom with a colour makeover that won’t break the bank.

“Painting is an easy DIY so you don’t need a tradesman,” says Lucena-Orr. 

“Formulations like the Dulux Renovation Range are designed to be applied in just two coats using a brush, roller or spray gun. It makes it easy to rejuvenate old cabinetry, benchtops or any tiled surface.” 

3. Upgrade hardware

Replace dated fittings and give doors and old cabinetry a modern look.

“It’s an instant refresh often overlooked because it’s a small detail,” says Sarah Elshaug from Maitland Street Interiors. “New hardware is an instant update for minimal investment.” 

Don’t worry about choosing high-end brands. Look for styles that appeal to your personal aesthetic. 

“It could be a hand-turned sustainable timber handle or leather version with contemporary styling. Whatever works in your space and suits your home,” she says. 

4. Update lighting

Make your home functional and mood lifting with statement lighting or by simply switching bulbs. 

“Achieving the right balance between style and functionality is transformative,” says Elshaug. “It can be as easy as switching globes to soften the mood with globes around 2000K, or energising your space with a whiter light and 4000K globes.”

Add beautiful statement lighting to the mix for instant elegance. 

“Ensure they complement your space for visual impact,” she says. “Scale is important so consider how your light’s size relates to the objects around it. Achieve this by choosing a light a third of the size of the item closest to it. It makes for perfect balance.”  

5. Add plants

Greenery does so much more than cover up unsightly corners. It can elevate your home into a stylish environment that supports wellness and adds vibrancy.  

“Plants are good for the soul and essential for healthy living,” agrees Elshaug. 

They are also an easy and inexpensive styling tool. 

“Create an indoor garden that provides texture, colour and scale,” she says. “Use colourful pots that are easy to manoeuvre and be guided by indoor garden specialists with plenty of expertise. Then you are free to style with ease.”