R efreshing your home doesn’t have to involve a Grand Designs-scale renovation which, predictably, always goes over time and over budget. Small, thoughtful changes can refine your design and transform a room’s atmosphere. Whether it’s introducing a table lamp or swapping out your light switches, these simple updates from experts can infuse new life into a tired space without breaking the bank.
Never underestimate the difference a coat of paint can make to your home’s curb appeal. Changing the colour of your front door is one of the easiest ways to update and create a friendly welcome every time you come home. “I’d always work with the existing colours of your walls, roof windows and trims, but try to be bold for a dramatic makeover,” says NSW Central Coast interior designer James Treble.
“For our front door I have [used a] gloss to really make a statement.” He created a Palm Springs-inspired shade of yellow for a paint company, quipping, “I named it Umina Springs!” Replacing tired or yellowing light switches and power points can instantly refresh your home and bring it bang up to date. “I’ve done this on multiple renos over the years, it’s like a budget facelift of the house,” says Treble.
You can make easy updates with colour changes to existing power points at a good price: “You don’t need an electrician and at about $6.50 each, you can go crazy and update the whole home on a budget.” Always check the brand and style of your power points .