You don’t have to break the bank to give your home a mini makeover. Here are 10 simple tricks from Barfoot & Thompson to help you instantly update a space
1. Choose some new window treatments
Tired curtains and blinds instantly let a room down. While they can be expensive to replace, it’s worth the investment as they add value to a home. If you’re on a budget, there are many readymade options that can be used cleverly and positioned correctly to make a space feel bigger and brighter. While window treatments aren’t normally focal points and are generally kept neutral, adding a decorative trim, tassel or fabric panel to plain curtains can work wonders.
Tired curtains and blinds
instantly let a room down
2. Add interest to your entranceway
The entryway is a makeover opportunity that’s often overlooked. This space is the first and sometimes only part of your home visitors see. Add a potted plant, buy some nice house numbers and get a new doormat. Instantly your entrance will feel more polished and welcoming.
3. Spruce up the bathroom
Bathrooms can get dirty and dingy quite quickly. The fastest way to spruce up this space is to give it a thorough cleaning. Once the room is clean, identify any outdated knobs, light fixtures, faucets, shower curtains or vanities. By simply changing out one or two of the most outdated items, you can make your bathroom look modern and new. A coat of paint can transform a bathroom, too.
4. Update your cushions
For instant gratification, switch out the throw pillows in your living room or family room. Try adding a round cushion to the mix and play with different sizes, patterns and colours. Getting new cushions is the quickest and most cost-effective makeover trick for your living space and will automatically change the appearance of the room.
5. Create a gallery wall
Have a spare blank wall in your home that you’re not sure what to do with? Consider creating a gallery wall of framed prints, your fave holiday snaps or treasured pictures of family and friends.
Depending on the style of your home, buy either a random assortment of frames in different shapes and sizes, or the same frames for a polished look. Gallery walls are a great talking point when people come to visit, and can be updated over time with new pictures and prints.
Gallery walls can be updated over time
with new pictures and prints
6. Choose the right lighting
Good lighting can truly bring a room to life. A poorly lit room looks small, dark and cramped; while a brightly lit room appears open, airy and welcoming. The key is to layer light at different levels. Strategically place a couple of tall floor lamps in dark corners and watch your room come alive. If your budget allows, replace any outdated ceiling fixtures with modern lights.
7. Think about wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great decorating tool which completely transforms a room or space. Consider covering the main wall behind your bed, or give the living room a new look with a geometric or large-print paper. Also consider brightening up spaces which are behind closed doors. Wallpaper looks great on the interior of a walk-in closet or linen cupboard. Normally these spaces only need a couple of rolls and you’ll smile every time you open the doors.
8. Add some greenery
One of the easiest things you can do to freshen up your home is add flowers, plants, branches and even leaves from your garden. Greenery is inexpensive and looks great, plus it adds texture and a natural element to any space.
Nothing dates kitchens more
than old fashioned, worn handles
9. The best handles for an instant update
Nothing dates kitchens and bathrooms more than old-fashioned, worn and dirty handles and knobs on cabinetry and doors. Even if you’re a DIY novice, updating handles is a simple, inexpensive task that can transform cabinetry.
10. Opt for a fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to makeover your home; however painting an entire room takes time and can be daunting for some. Try painting just the doors or framing for a quick update. Not only does this take less time and cost less money, but it can also add a focal point to the room if you use an eye-catching colour, or make the space seem larger if you opt for white.
For more information about presenting your home for sale head to Barfoot & Thompson
Words by: interior designer/stylist Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by: Felix Forest, Nick Scott, Armelle Habib and Mark Roper/bauersyndication.com.au.
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