Two Change Challenge: Your Home Makeover Made Easy

Craving a renovation, but short on time and cash? You can makeover your home with our Two Change Challenge. The task: two changes in each room of the house. Tackle rooms one by one as your budget allows, or go all in and get it done. We share out tips below for maximal impact when it comes to reimaging your home when your renovation is limited.

• Kitchen

We all eat, so chances are your kitchen gets a workout. Update your space by replacing your splashback. Classic looks involve tiles or opt for an all-in-one laminate option. In terms of expense, your luxury option is glass, mid-range is tiles or acrylic, or on budget, you can choose laminates and pressed metal. Next, tackle the floor. You want durable and stylish. The next gen of waterproof self adhesive vinyl planks have superior glue and last well in the kitchen. Check out brands like Ustik which offer an intelligent self-stick range.

• Bathroom

Gotta start with the toilet. A new bowl changes the look of a bathroom and adds more space. Options include: wall faced, wall hung, rimless or Birmingham style. If on a budget, just replace the seat. Next, update your hardware.  New handles, taps, rails or showerheads will also give the eyes something to focus on in an older bathroom. Powder matte and metallics are in fashion, but polished vintage styles are also popular.

• Laundry

Upgrade your laundry bench. You may incorporate an inset sink as part of the upgrade, but a less onerous renovation is to install and a timber benchtop that extends from the edge of the sink to the wall. Make sure it’s sealed and able to handle water and things that may scratch (like laundry baskets). Now it’s time to tackle the storage – whether it’s replacing a cupboard or adding overhead shelving, an organised laundry only happens when there is space for enough space for everything. 

• Bedroom

Dress those windows – new blinds, curtains or spring for some plantation shutters. Window dressing will make older frames look less noticeable and you will be the thermal benefits of keeping warm in winter and the heat out in summer. Next, pay attention to the bed area. It might be a new bedhead from a more dramatic change or for a subtle upgrade, add a floor rug beneath your bed. Don’t be afraid to go bold with colour or pattern – most will be covered by the bed so it’s a great opportunity to use colours or textures that are otherwise OTT for the rest of the house.

• Living/lounge

Change those walls. If you can’t stretch for paint, go for greenery. You will be amazed how much a room is transformed by indoor plants and draws the eyes away from wall imperfections. Balance a dated lounge colour by offsetting with some hanging and floor pots. Bonus points for varieties that filter your air and keep toxins at bay. Next, upgrade your tech. It’s not necessary to get a new TV, but wall mount it if it’s not already to streamline the room, and sort out those darn cords with hooks, custom notches, tubing or snaked through the baseboard. Less clutter, safer and easier to clean!

Now you have some ideas, get out there and start planning your Two Change Challenge. Happy renovating!