Simple Renovation Projects

by Carly Ogborne (subscribe)

If you've got a spare weekend, a space that looks tired and dated and a modicum of practical talent, these simple and inexpensive DIY projects are for you. Unless a specific store is referenced, Bunnings and Ikea will have all the materials you need. Of course, you should always shop around to get the best price.

Bedroom

Home-owner
Storage is often the biggest problem in any bedroom. Wall shelving is easy to install and can hold everything from books to ornaments and even clothing. The space over the doorway is the perfect spot for a bookshelf.

Make the most of your built in closet by adding more poles, shoe racks and storage bags and replace swinging doors with sliding doors.

Renter
Get a new bed head. Paint your furniture. Re-arrange your wardrobe. Purchase a full length mirror to make a small space look twice as big.

Bathroom

Home-owner
Because the bathroom is such a small room, you can paint as often as once a year without breaking the bank. This way, you can change your entire decorative scheme whenever the mood suits you.

For a touch of luxury, consider installing a heated towel rail.

Renter
When it comes to decorating, the bathroom is often the most forgotten room in the house. Spruce up your bathroom by hanging some wall art, placing a vase of flowers on the vanity and buying hand towels to match the new decor. Ugly floor tiles can be covered with a large bathroom rug.

Kitchen

Home-owner
If a whole new kitchen is out of your budget, you can still brighten your kitchen with a splash of paint and some new fixtures. Make a small kitchen seem larger by choosing a light colour. Replace outdated cupboard handles, faucets and taps with shiny new ones. If you've got a bit of DIY skill, try adding a splashback against your stove for a simple tiling project.

Renter
The key word here is removable. Utilise your wall space with these 3M products; decorate your walls with removable decals; and grow your own herb garden in pot plants for fresh herbs with every meal.

Lounge room

Home-owner
A feature wall adds immediate interest to a large space. You can use block colours, patterns, tiles, wallpaper, a mural... the only limit is your imagination.

Renter
Replace dirty, faded curtains. Timber blinds go with nearly everything and you don't have to look far to find cheap, faux timber blinds that look like the real thing. Otherwise, scout out some fresh, breezy fabric and pull out the sewing machine. Buy or make matching cushion covers for your couch.

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Why? Spruce up the old homestead

When: Over a weekend

Where: Your house

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