Update the decor without breaking the bank
Sidestep the expense of hiring tradesmen and decorators and refresh your home with some furniture updates instead. Jessica Dale tells you how.
If your current space is looking a bit dated, your mind might wander to a full-blown renovation to spruce things up. Alas, there are few solutions that don’t involve knocking down walls and replacing flooring. But these projects are quick, easy and will have your furniture and home looking refreshed in no time.
The bedroom
A new bedhead is a great way to switch up your space. Go DIY by sourcing a piece of sturdy timber from a hardware store and then either painting it, staining it or covering it in fabric.
‘‘To upholster a bedhead you need to have the right type of fabric – it needs to have some weight behind it and it will need a tight, firm pull, so you must pick a fabric that allows for that extra tension,’’ says designer Anna Giannis of Anna Giannis Interiors.
Giannis says to allow for a 10-centimetre overhang to ensure there’s enough material to cover the top and sides of the bedhead.
For a relaxed look, Giannis suggests a heavy linen or cotton drill. For something plusher, stick to luxe velvets or chenille.
The bathroom
Bathroom looking a little dated? Bring it into 2021 with a simple swap of the tapware, shower head and cupboards or handles for an instant refresh.
According to David Richardson, buyer of bathroom ware at Beaumont Tiles, stainless steel will continue to rise in popularity, and champagnetoned and brushed-nickel tapware will be a popular choice for home renovators.
‘‘Soft finishes give it a delicacy that complements many trending style narratives,’’ he says.
‘‘For vanities, it’s all about the painted look, coupled with routed doors and drawers, as well as the fluted vanity in an oak finish.
‘‘When it comes to mirrors and shavers, the top on-trend shapes are the arch shape and elliptical, as people seek a bit of a refresher on the typical circular shape while still looking for something timeless.’’
Love them or hate them, updating a shower curtain is a cheap and easy way to add some style or colour to a tired bathroom.
Opt for bright hues or patterns for a pop of colour or, for something a little more luxurious, try linen. Pair with a waterproof liner to avoid spills and mildew buildup.
The kitchen
Undoubtedly the hub of the home, the kitchen is somewhere you arguably spend the most time.
Replacing benchtops is a simple way to refresh an older kitchen without committing to a full renovation, but beware, this is a bit harder on the DIY scale so calling in the experts might be a safer bet. This job also needs a bit more preparation, so allow ample time for it.
Updating tapware and cupboard handles is smaller-scale, but bound to make an impact, too.
The dining room
Got some old dining chairs that have seen better days? Why not grab some sandpaper, sand them back then paint them in a bright hue to liven the space.
Giannis says preparation is key. ‘‘Test the colour with a sample pot – it’s the best $5 you’ll spend. Let it sit for a day too, to make sure you like it, especially if you’re going into non-traditional colours – very bright or pastel colours.’’
Do two coats of paint for a fuller look and better coverage.
Giannis says you can apply this same principle to any other unloved furniture items you may have lying around – give an old TV unit, coffee table or buffet a new lease of life.
The living room
Giannis says using covers in the lounge area is a great way to change colours and textures without the expense of buying a new couch.
If the thought of battling with three-seater oversized couch cushions and covers is just too much, why not jazz up that old occasional chair with an on-trend fabric?
You can do this one yourself, but outsourcing the task will ensure you get more of a tailor-made look.
Likewise, you can give your walls the gallery treatment by investing in some stand-out artworks or opt for a DIY photo wall.
‘‘Art can make a huge difference to a living room so make sure you love the piece, as it’s something that you’ll have for a long time. If you’re unsure, you don’t buy,’’ Giannis says.
The home office
Your ‘‘home office’’ might just be a spare bedroom, a sunroom or a ‘‘cloffice’’, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work as a functional space.
Up the storage factor by installing some floating shelves. There are many options to choose from to suit the aesthetic and size of your space.
‘‘Once they’re up, style them,’’ Giannis says. ‘‘Add a bit of greenery, some books, a candle, a photo. Stack folders neatly in a dedicated section.’’
Grab a paintbrush and try a new colour scheme, or opt for removable wallpapers to refresh your work zone.