The best reno secrets you should know about

Refresh your home by focusing on this one room, plus three surprising changes that make all the difference.

A contemporary luxury white bathroom complete with bathtub.

If you’re desperate to give your living space an update, but you can’t seem to make it happen, know this one thing – Wendy Moore does not judge.

The interior design expert and co-host of Foxtel’s Selling Houses Australia is only too aware of how overwhelming renovating and restyling a home can be, especially when it’s your own. “It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut and it happens to many, if not all, of us at some time or another,” she says.

“We want to change our environment, to update and move on, but we can’t see a way out, a place to start. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed by the task and we find ourselves paralysed and unable to begin.”

Wendy believes that the main driver behind this paralysis is we have so many options that we struggle to know where to start and furthermore, which style to adopt. She also believes the worldwide pandemic has upped our sense of insecurity making tackling change of any kind, even more daunting. There’s good news however and it’s this, when broken down into simple steps, renovating and/or restyling your home is easily managed, she says.

Renovating is a big deal, so take your time.

STEP BY STEP

Wendy empathises with the concept of ‘better the devil you know’ but cautions against adhering to this policy too closely for if you do, you risk missing out on living in a space that truly brings you joy.

 “It’s so easy to fall into the trap of just not doing anything,” she says. “It’s scary to put your trust in someone, a tradesman, an interior designer, but when you do and you get to live amongst the results ... you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to do it.”

 So where to start? Wendy recommends you focus on your bathroom first and foremost.

This move is an open secret amongst industry insiders and there’s several reasons for it.

 For starters, if you’re updating to sell, a fabulous fresh bathroom will be more appealing to prospective buyers than any other room within the house.

Everyone uses the bathroom, so renovate it first.

 Why? Because it means they can move straight in and renovate the rest of the home around them if needed whereas it’s incredibly difficult to redo a washroom with residents.  

Further, Wendy says bathrooms tend to be more classic in style with most holding their own in look and wear for at least a decade.  

“Bathroom trends tend to move relatively slowly and as long as your bathroom is calming and suits the existing style of your home then you’re good,” she says.

“Kitchens though, tend to be more personalised and the fact is they’re easier to renovate when you’re living in.”

Whether a new bathroom is for you or to add value for resale, it’s the smartest move you can make, says Wendy.  

In terms of fixtures and materials, we need a design that’s bespoke to our own needs and speaks to us as individuals but also has wider market appeal should you sell at a later date.

 

Plan what’s to be done next.

GET INSPIRED

Rebeka Morgan, co-founder of the BuildHer Collective, suggests that when trying to work out which trends or themes you love is to compile three inspirational images for your bathroom, plus any other room you plan to renovate.

 “Once aligned, these images will help you to explain to a design team and / or builder why you like certain materials, fixtures and finishes,” says Rebeka.

“Of course, it is totally fine to have a variety of fittings in your home, but if your goal is cohesion, then you need to think about the house as a whole and stick to your master plan as much as possible.”

 Once you’ve done this you can work from room to room at your own pace comfortable in the knowledge that the end result will look and feel beautiful and cohesive too. On that, if you wish to give your living space a fresh new look for less, there are the three distinct areas to focus on and they’re easy to tackle, even if you’re inexperienced, says Wendy. That magical trio is: a fresh coat of paint, new flooring treatment and appropriate window dressings.

“Do this and it will completely change your house,” says Wendy.

After that, tackle the living areas.

“It can be hard for people to visualise but when it’s done you will be thrilled by the results.” If you’re keen to keep going consider the kitchen, the living space and look at how to create a real connection between inside and outside.

“It doesn’t have to be hugely expensive,” says Wendy. “There are a lot of different ways to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. It will make a huge difference for resale value but also a huge difference to your own life should you remain in the home.”

 

Don’t forget the finishing touches.

And if renovating feels indulgent, Wendy has this to say.

“If you love where you live, everything becomes easier. When you feel you have a space that truly reflects who you are, you have a foundation for a happy life. There’s nothing better.”

Selling Houses Australia Season 14 is screening on Foxtel’s LifeStyle channel on Wednesdays at 8.30pm.