How to update your home with just $200 and a weekend

YOU don’t have to spend a fortune to spruce up tired old spaces. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference.

A makeover doesn’t have to be expensive and can be as simple as updating your bed linen. This room is styled with Kmart homewares. Picture: Kmart

IT’S what every homeowner wants — a little (big) bucket of extra cash to spruce up some tired, old spaces. So how do you makeover your home for under $10,000? The key is to dream big — but start small.

Like with a paintbrush.

ALL IT TAKES IS $200 AND A WEEKEND

The Block’s WA contestants Ronnie and Georgia Caceres say a fresh coat of paint — that you can do yourself — is an incredible way to freshen up old homes in need of a facelift.

“A fresh coat of paint on a house can really do wonders — it blows my mind that people will live in a house with horrible walls,” Georgia told news.com.au

“And you can do it yourself. “It’s $200 and a weekend to paint, and it’s over — and makes a huge difference.”

And to refresh a dated bathroom, she said to use tile paint to create a whole new look for very little expense.

“There is an amazing tile paint you can get for bathrooms, and there is a grout pen you can use to make the grout white again, which can really make a big difference,” she said.

“And painting your kitchen cupboards is the best thing ever — but they tend to chip so you really have to sand and prep before you paint.

“Spend the time and do it properly to get the longevity out of it.

“Painting joinery and changing knobs can really refresh a room.”

Start your makeover at the front door. Picture: iStock

MAKE CHEAP LOOK EXPENSIVE

Invest in a few signature furniture pieces, and style with cost effective trinkets from cheap decorator havens like Kmart.

Look out for pieces like this velvet chair from the new Kmart range for $39. Picture: Kmart

“There are some really great cost effective places out there — go to the Kmart’s and the Targets of the world that offer on trend, stylish homewares,” Georgia continued.

“Have a couple of signature pieces that are expensive and amazing and then balance that with the cheaper stuff to make the cheap stuff look expensive.

“Throw in a few styling things from Kmart and use cheaper elements to style the furniture.

“I also love love love window furnishings but custom window treatments can be expensive, so go to Kmart or Spotlight and get some off the shelf ones that brings texture into a room.

“Or if you hate your kitchen bench tops go to Ikea, they have these cool composite wood bench tops that would really transform a space, and they cost like $200.”

Work top from Ikea. Picture: ikea.com.au

Fellow interior designer Natalie Bacic said another inexpensive idea to update your home could be as simple as rearranging existing furniture and replacing a few key items.

“For the bedroom, a new doona cover and cushions teamed up with a pot plant or two, can totally transform a space — as can a new laundry basket and new towels in the bathroom and laundry,” she said.

“Flooring is one of the most important features — old or outdated carpet should be removed and replaced, or underlying floorboards polished if possible.

“Tiles are also extremely versatile and come in an abundance of patterns and colours that can suit everyone’s budget and taste.”

MAKE FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

Laura Ugarte, senior stylist from Spatial Property Styling, said attention to detail and investing in a few small changes can have a big impact on the visual appeal of your home, and ultimately it’s sale price.

“Make a positive first impression by ensuring your entrance is inviting, clean and tidy,” Ms Ugarte said.

“Paint the front door, replace any damaged hardware and add an attractive welcome mat.

“Paint your walls a neutral colour in a matte finish.

“A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a tired home and bold or bright colours have the potential to deter potential buyers.

“Light fixtures, bathroom mirrors, chips in bath tubs or sinks, leaky taps and showers, cabinet hardware, damaged frames and skirting can be repaired or replaced inexpensively and these small details make a huge difference to the overall picture.

“And engage a professional — a property stylist is an inexpensive way to transform your home.

“They will advise you on the best ways showcase your space and then provide the required furniture and the finishing touches, including artwork and decorative accessories.”

TIRED OLD HOME? TIME TO UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE

Fellow Sydney interior designer Libby Winberg, of Libby Winberg Interiors, said there were lots of inexpensive cosmetic changes that could update a home — and make you want to stay there forever. Or at least until you’re given another magical little (big) bucket of money to do it all over again.

A rug can update a room. This one is from Fab Habitat. Picture: Fab Habitat

“Updating light fittings throughout the home and installing pendant lighting can be the facelift your home needs, without having to spend a fortune,” she said.

“You can replace floor coverings in living spaces — a beautiful rug can be the hero of a room and doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

“Update art with beautiful prints and have them custom framed, while updating cushions and bed linen.

“Another game changer is updating the window coverings — if you have dated venations or roller blinds, you might look to update with plantation shutters or a roller blind in a more contemporary fabric.

“It could also help to replace the carpet in bedrooms if the budget stretches that far.”

Originally published as How to update your home with just $200 and a weekend