DIY Home Updates

If your current space is needing a bit of freshening up, there are some simple and easy DIY updates that you can do, without having to do a full-blown renovation.

These projects are quick, easy and will have your home looking refreshed in no time.

Bedroom

A new bedhead is a great way to switch up your space. Go DIY by sourcing a sturdy piece of timber than either painting it, staining it or covering it in fabric.

If opting for the fabric you need to ensure it’s the right type of fabric – it needs to have some weight behind it and needs a tight, firm pull, so pick one that allows for extra tension. For a relaxed look, go for a heavy linen or cotton drill. For something plusher, stick to luxe velvets or chenille.

Bathroom

Bring your dated bathroom into 2021, with a simple swap of tapware, showerhead and cupboards or handles for an immediate rejuvenation.

It’s said that stainless steel will continue to rise in popularity, and another popular choice for home renovators is champagne-tones and brushed nickel tapware.

Be a savvy purchaser and switch to a water-efficient showerhead to save you cash down the track, too.

Love them or hate them, modernising a shower curtain is an inexpensive and easy way to add some style or colour to a tired bathroom. Opt for bright hues or patterns for a pop of colour. Pair with a waterproof liner to evade spills and mildew build-up.

Kitchen

The heart of the home, it’s arguably somewhere you spend most of your time.

Swapping benchtops is a modest way to refresh an older kitchen without committing to a full renovation, but beware, this is a bit tougher on the DIY scale so calling in the experts might be a safer bet. Timber, laminate and composite stone are adaptable and affordable options.

Swapping tapware and cupboard handles is a smaller-scale update, but bound to make an impact, too.

Dining Room

Those old dining chairs of yours have probably seen better days, yes? Grab some sandpaper, sand them back and paint them in a bright hue to freshen up your space. Doing two coats will give you a fuller look and much better coverage.

It’s always important to test the colour you are thinking of with a sample pot – it’ll be the best $5 ever spent. Let it sit for a few days too, making sure you like it within the space, especially if you are going for something less traditional – bright or pastel colours.

Living Room

Believe it or not, lounge covers are a great way to change colours and textures within your living room, without the big expense of a new couch.

Or if going for a smaller DIY task, why not jazz up the old occasional chair with an on-trend fabric or even get yourself some new (or extra) couch cushions. You can incorporate textures and even perhaps get a decorative throw to warm up your space.

Office

Your “home office” might just be a spare bedroom or a sunroom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work as a functional space.

Improve your storage game by installing some floating shelves – these come in various sizes and option to match your aesthetic and space size.

Once they’re up, add some greenery, some books, a candle, a photo or two and stack folders neatly in a dedicated section.

Laundry

Is there nothing a lick of paint can’t fix? A pop of colour in an otherwise plain room will work wonders – and could even make you enjoy doing the washing and ironing.

Again, preparation is key here, so make sure you do a test patch and see how the colour looks at different times of the day before finalising your chosen hue.

Front yard

First impressions count, and this has never been truer for the street appeal of your home.

Create something you enjoy driving home to every day, by giving your front entrance some TLC by either a new front door or restoring the current one with a new paint colour.

Try tidying up the garden as well, repotting and replanting, or even small touches such as a new doormat.

Your neighbours will be envious of your house looking the newest and best on the street.