STYLE SHORTCUTS FOR A ROOM BY ROOM REFRESH
Getting ready for market doesn’t have to mean blowing the budget. DIY design ideas may be all you need
Let’s face it, the past two years have been hard on us, our homes and our wallets, and we could all do with a fresh new look, regardless of whether we plan to stay or move. But with interest rates rising, now’s probably not the best time to be splashing the cash. A renovation is a sure way to empty the pockets quickly, so let’s stay away from that (for now). However, a modest makeover can make an incredible di erence to a sale if done just right. Here, we look at the best ways to get the job done without breaking the bank.
KITCHEN
The kitchen can be one of the most expensive spaces to renovate and, with such high use, it can quickly show signs of wear and tear. On average (seriously, who does average these days?), a kitchen renovation can cost anywhere upwards of $25,000, and that’s just for a run-of-the-mill build. But there are a few smaller changes you can make in this space that carry their fair share of weight.
One of them is new cabinet handles. They can revitalise a kitchen’s look on their own, especially if your current handles are tired and dated. Kethy carries a huge range of on-trend cabinetry handles and can give your kitchen a new look for less, especially when paired with a new paint job.
A new benchtop can also create a completely new look. For as little as a few thousand dollars, an engineered stone benchtop (think Caesarstone or Smartstone) can be installed using your existing cooktop and sink. Engineered stone is the beesknees when it comes to kitchen-counter performance, and an expensive e ect doesn’t always have to cost the earth. Once the old benchtop is removed, a stone professional will measure, cut and install the new material, often within the week.
This is also a great time to update the sink and cooktop if need be (usually for well under $1000 each), and to tick o a new splashback. Decent tiles start at about $60 per square metre and expect to pay $100 per square metre to lay them.
Another total transformer is paint, and for less than $100 you could give your cabinetry the facelift it deserves. However, preparation is key in this space and I would always recommend a water-based enamel (by Taubmans or Dulux) and to take your time. A rushed job always comes o second best, so paint in a peaceful, controlled and dust-free space and your handiwork will be top notch.
If painting really isn’t your thing, new doors and drawers can be replaced without committing to a full refit. Local company Ren Studio makes bespoke fronts, doors, drawers and cover panels for Ikea carcasses that would suit most standard sizes.
BATHROOMS
Like kitchens, bathrooms can be expensive to renovate, sometimes costing upwards of $20,000. Fortunately, though, some less pricey changes can still pack a decent punch.
The star attractions of a typical bathroom are the vanity and mirror, which, in most cases, can be easily swapped out for a more contemporary look. Mirrors are usually glued in with a few blobs of silicone, and demolition can sometimes be tricky. Be careful when applying a lot of pressure to a mirror or glass and always wear your PPE.
The cost of vanities varies, but a decent replacement mirror will set you back about $500.