How to instantly update the look of each room in your home

Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that have the biggest impact on the look and functionality of a home.

If your home is in need of an upgrade, but you’re without the time or money required for a full interior renovation, try the following projects for an instant facelift.

Replace bathroom surfaces

Bathrooms contain several surfaces that can be easily updated to suit current colour and style trends.

According to renovation expert Cherie Barber, all cosmetic bathroom renovations will add value, but updating the cabinetry is among the most cost-effective changes homeowners can make.

“If all the components are in good shape, use products like laminate paint, tile paint, benchtop resurfacing and even appliance paint to go straight over the top of dated surfaces,” Barber says.

“The transformation is startling and will only cost a few hundred dollars and a weekend of DIY, allowing for drying time between coats.”

Light timber is currently a popular material for creating both a natural and contemporary feel in small bathroom spaces.

“If you wish to have the look of real timber but want to limit the cost, Laminex Impressions has a stunning range of decors that reflect the most popular timber palettes,” says Catherine Valente, design marketing manager at Laminex Australia.

In terms of colours, think concrete tones and cool white walls.

“What’s out is feature strip metallic wall tiles and floor standing vanity cabinets. If you can incorporate a floating vanity, your bathroom will look even more on-trend,” says Justine Stedman, director of Vault Interiors.

Photo: Laminex

Add extra storage

While you’re in the bathroom, install some shelves above the bath in a matching laminate or material to the cabinetry.

“This will draw your eye across the room to help balance the impact of new items, especially if older elements such as dated or worn tiling are remaining,” Valente says.

Another tip is to replace the bathroom mirror with a storage cabinet.

“By removing the mirror and replacing it with a shaving cabinet with side panels that match the other cabinetry, you will create a unified look,” Valente says.

Create a study nook

The rise of the at-home worker has made home offices a highly sought-after commodity.

If your home is lacking a defined study space, try creating a study nook.

“Our homes require more of us now, and there are spaces in our home that we don’t utilise effectively,” Valente says.

Small areas near the kitchen or living room can often be easily converted into a study nook created out of laminate or essastone. 

“If you want it to feel more like a traditional desk or a piece of furniture, choose a laminate that is similar to your dining table, coffee table or entertainment unit for a seamless flow,” Valente says.

Complete this area with some overhead shelves about 250mm deep to store books or display homewares.

“Make sure that there are ample power and data points, and task lighting is also important,” Stedman says.

For a space that reflects current styles, director of The Real Estate Stylist Sara Chamberlain suggests injecting some greenery into the space with indoor plants, adding a corkboard and incorporating touches of copper or matte black.

“Offices are also an excellent place to add a feature product that’s a bit on-trend, such as a velvet ottoman, that would be harder to match with your main living areas,” Chamberlain says.

Photographer: Annette O’Brien, Styling: Julia Green, Campaign: The Style School Series 2

Complete a cosmetic kitchen makeover

The kitchen is another space that lends itself well to a cosmetic makeover.

Try changing the cabinets, benchtops, handles and door knobs to a more contemporary style.

“Get rid of old mismatched brushed silver and create your own door handles with leather straps. IKEA has excellent black options at the moment too,” Chamberlain says.

Barber advises not to go overboard on using expensive materials, finishes and appliances in this room, as these can quickly add up.

“Remember, for a cosmetic renovation, you don’t want to spend more than 10 per cent of the total value of the property,” Barber says.

“So the finishes you choose for a $3 million home are going to be very different to those you choose for a $500,000 rental property in an outlying suburb. Always match the quality of finish to your target market.”

Update lighting

Lighting is a generally overlooked element when renovating, but rarely does an upgrade go unnoticed.  

“Finally I am convinced that pendants can change your life (yes, you need these installed by a pro),” says Chamberlain.

“Consider making your own with larger than life tassels on a drum pendant…These add a total talking point and designer edge to your space, and you can get rid of them as fast as the install when you tire of them.”

A recent survey by financial comparison site Mozo.com.au found that poor natural lighting is a major turnoff for 34 per cent of home buyers.

“To improve the buyer appeal of your home, think about installing a modern skylight or clever indoor lighting to brighten your home up. If you have existing windows that don’t seem to be letting in as much natural light as you’d like, the fix may be as simple as giving them a good clean, or pruning surrounding trees or bushes,” says Steve Jovcevski, property expert at Mozo.

Paint the front door

Upgrading your home’s street appeal is as simple as painting the front door to a bold gloss colour such as red, black, yellow or pastel pink.

This trick can be continued indoors, and easily updated over time to suit changing trends.

“I’m all about doors about the moment,” Chamberlain says.

“Don’t be afraid to pick a strong colour like navy for a complete surprise and a new piece of artwork that everyone will notice.”

Photo: Whiting Architects