The bathrooms are one of the most used areas in a home. Though the value of your property is determined based on your entire property, key rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen are known to hold more worth. Hence, renovating your bathroom before putting your property on the market is an almost risk-free way of increasing its value.

1. Update taps, fixtures and fittings

Though taps, fixtures and fittings make up a small area of your bathroom as a whole, they
can play a large part in your bathroom aesthetic. Things like taps, towel rails and toilet roll
holders can all get rusty or dull after being in use for a long time.
Silver tap ware remains the go-to choice since it gives a clean, neutral look. If you’re hoping to increase the value of your property, it is important to ensure that your bathroom remains neutral-coloured so that it can appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.

Image reference Taps and fixtures

2. Upgrade to a larger mirror

Bathroom mirrors tend to be small and/or unattractive. Upgrading your mirror is a good idea if your mirror is scratched, worn or has water damage. Also, if your bathroom is small, switching to a larger mirror can give the illusion of more space.

Mirrors are also a design piece. Choosing a unique one can take your interior design to the next level. However, aim to choose a mirror that would appeal to most people. Otherwise, it could potentially make your home less valuable to prospective buyers.

Image reference Oversized Mirror

3. Paint or re-tile walls and floors

Refreshing outdated tiles whether it be on your walls or floors can make one of the most
significant changes to your bathroom. For your walls, you can use tile paint for a budget-
friendly and quick rejuvenation. Of course, if your budget and time allows for it, re-grouting or re-tiling completely can make your bathroom look brand new.
Unfortunately, bathroom floor tiles can’t be repainted. If your tiles are in relatively good
condition, a DIY re-grout might be enough. However, it might be worthwhile to have a
professional re-tile your floors. If you have a small bathroom, larger tiles help to make the
room seem more spacious.

Image Reference Update walls 

4. Replace toilet

Another relatively fast renovation you can complete over the weekend is replacing your
toilet. If you get a professional involved, the process will be smooth for you. However, this
would require a larger budget.

If you’re hoping to do something yourself or to save money, replacing the toilet seat alone
won’t leave a massive dent in your wallet. Plus, it’s relatively easy to do on your own or with the help of a friend.

5. Add storage solutions

Adding storage to your bathroom is an almost guaranteed way to make your bathroom more appealing. If you have a small bathroom, being able to add hidden storage such as storage cabinets with mirrors can add a lot of value.

Image reference Mirror Cabinet

Having a variety of storage solutions is important for bathrooms in particular. You can add
simple floating shelves to keep things off the floor, giving the illusion of more space. Extra
towel racks and hooks can also make the room more attractive.

Image Reference Floating shelving

Bathrooms renovations can range in difficulty and price. Some of these ideas can definitely be done on your own. However, you might want to hire some extra help for anything out of your skill range. They can still be quick! In terms of budget, the common rule of thumb to follow is to allocate no more that 2% of your current property value to a bathroom renovation.

Guest author: James Pointon is a Commercial Manager at OpenAgent.com.au, an online
agent comparison website helping Australians to sell, buy and own property.

The post 5 value-adding bathroom renovations you can complete this weekend appeared first on Designbx.

Bright Bazaar

http://www.brightbazaarblog.com

Refreshing take on color from one of the world’s leading interiors bloggers, Will Taylor of Bright Bazaar. What began as a popular blog attracting over 400,000 readers a month is now a one of Pinterest’s top influencers with over 2.4 million followers. One of the best blogs to take note on how to decorate with colour.

Decor 8

http://decor8blog.com

Holly Becker launched decor8 in 2004 as a small interior design studio in Boston. Nearly a decade later, the blog has become extremely popular for it’s well chosen photos and the personal touch in every post about home decor.

Design Sponge

http://www.designsponge.com

Design*Sponge is a design blog run by Grace Bonney. Launched in 2004, the blog attracts 1 million devoted readers across the globe for Its fresh and authentic stories, and practical ideas anyone can apply in his home.

Young House Love

http://www.younghouselove.com

Sherry and John live in Richmond, Virginia spending their days doing projects, photographing them, writing posts, and raising their daughter Clara and son Teddy. Readers love their obsession with DIY and how fun it is for them making this blog. The lively ideas and the their loyalty for this blog sure worth the follow.

Brit&Co

http://www.brit.co

Founded in late 2011, Brit&Co is a leading destination for the DIY generation, currently reaching over 10 million creatively-minded people each month. The blog provides tools to teach, inspire, and enable creativity among women and girls.

Its Over Flowing

Founded in 2008 by Aimee Lane who shares her inspiration for creating a simply inspired home. On the blog you will find a collection of house tours, photography tutorials, organisation tips, DIY projects, fabulous shopping finds and room makeovers.

Apartment Therapy

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

In April 2004, Maxwell, with his brother Oliver Ryan, launched Apartment Therapy, reviewing stores, offering tips, posting photos, becoming the most successful blog in America and the world over.

The Jungalow

http://www.thejungalow.com

Justinas bohemian aesthetic emerged out of her multicultural upbringing in Berkeley, California. With partnerships with brands from One Kings Lane to Anthropologie and a social-media following of over 1,300,000 people, her bohemian style, approachable voice and novel ideas inspire millions to get free spirited with their home decor.

Remodelista

http://www.remodelista.com

Remodelista.com is the go-to, undisputed authority for home design enthusiasts, remodelers, architects, and designers. Remodelista decodes the secrets to achieving this aesthetic, with in-depth tours and lessons.

Sanni Apell

http://www.saniapell.com/blog

Sania Pell, a talented writer created a place to share her favourite interior styling and great design; fine art and contemporary craft; exciting new products and flea market finds; handmade and homemade. You can read her articles in famous magazines such as Elle Decor. The blog is well known for her excellent taste and inspirational photos.

The Design Files

http://www.thedesignfiles.net/section/homes

The Design Files was established by Lucy Feagins, a stylist and set dresser, who works alongside InsideOut and Domain publishing design related news and advice. Gaining a large following to become one of The Time’s UK’s Top 50 design blogs across the world, their home archives offer insight into style trends, beautiful homes around the world and industry news. Not only do their articles cover interior design, but offer extensive information for creatives, foodies, gardeners and architects. 

Now, go forth and explore! Each blog from around the world offers unique and practical advice as a go-to bible for designers and creatives. By following Interior Design trends and news it sparks newfound inspiration and creativity that you can apply in your own homes and practices.

The post Global design blogs worth knowing about appeared first on Designbx.

What’s hiding in your attic? The attic usually functions as the main storage space in the house. All the memorabilia from your childhood, a dumping ground for stuff without a home or maybe even some wildlife! It’s actually a large space with unfulfilled potential. Attic conversions can transform a dead space into a functional area to match with your lifestyle. For the kids it’s the perfect hideaway and for the parents a great space to store all those toys!    

Before you launch into your renovation project, there are some safety and practical issues to consider, as well as some building codes to go over to make sure everything is done by the book:

1. Building codes

There are various types of codes to look out for, but remember not every code is applicable to you and your house, it depends on the area where you live. There are different local codes in different areas, so it is best to consult with a building inspector who will advise you on the proper codes and inspections you will need. The following three are most commonly applicable ones:

• Remodeling an attic into a living space generally requires 60 per cent of your attic space to be at least 2.4 metres high.
• Floor joists should be up to the local codes and able to support the additional weight when the remodel is done.
• According to the Building Code of Australia, an attic conversions must have a window and a staircase to the floor beneath.

2. Extending needed systems to the attic

Depending on the purpose of the remodel, think about which systems you want or need to extend to it. If it is going to be a children’s room or playroom then you will probably need both the electrical and plumbing systems.

When it comes to electricity, running wires to the attic should not be a problem. The only thing you have to make sure of is that your electrical panel can withstand the increased demands, and that it has enough room for more breakers.

Bathroom is not a must-have in attic conversions, especially if it is going to be a playroom. But you can always put in one, especially if you plan to turn it into a kids’ bedroom. In that case, you will need to add plumbing as well. Try to build it close to the main stack to reduce the length of the pipe.

3. What kind of roof system do you have?

The first thing you need to check is whether your roof is made up of rafters of trusses, because it makes a big difference to your project. If it is a conventional rafter system, then you have little to worry about. There will be enough space for your project, without any boards getting in the way. On the other hand, if you have a trussed system it will present a problem because it is unlikely that you will be able to remove any of them and realize your project. Trusses run between the roof and the floor forming triangles, they depend on each other and usually cannot be moved, but consult with an architect to be sure.

Now that you have the security and coding issues out of the way you can start designing a perfect place for your kids:

4. Lighting

There is always less light coming in the attic so it is inevitably darker than the rest of the house. Having at least one window is required by the code, but also think about adding a skylight or two. It will allow the much needed light to come in – just make sure to install it properly, figuring out the path of the sun. Installing additional windows may be a little more complicated due to the shape of the room and the roof, but creative thinking alongside a carpenter usually provides a solution.

5. Walls and flooring

When it comes to walls, it is important to add a lot of insulation, because during summer attic conversions can get especially warm and overheated, and, of course, you don’t want your kids to be cold during winter.

Since this is going to be a kid’s room, a playroom, then be smart when thinking about flooring. You’ll want something that is durable and easy to clean, for example laminate. It is an imitation of wood, so it looks nice and it is very easy to maintain and clean.

6. Make enough space

Make sure not to crowd the room with unnecessary furniture or decoration. It is a kids’ room and it will mostly be used for playing and having fun, so they will need as much space as they can get. With some custom built shelves or cabinets you will get some storage room as well as save some more space. Try to fit them in with the slanted ceilings, follow the lines of the roof and walls, and fill the small empty spaces where nothing else would fit.

8. Average costs of attic conversions

Creating a living space in your attic is not a small or a cheap project. It is estimated that a remodel can cost up to $60,000, so be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. The price depends on the square footage of your attic and the scope of work that needs to be done.

Putting in windows is the most expensive part, and can be anywhere between $3,000 and 18,000. A proper heating and cooling system is right after that, with the expected budget of at least $6,000. You can save some money on certain things that you can do yourself, such as insulation, but make sure to always choose quality over saving a few dollars.

By Matt Jambrovic

Attic conversions can be transformed into a truly functional space with the assistance of professional interior design. With a flat fee of $299 per room Designbx is the number one online interior design destination.  Check out our interior designer portfolio for inspiration!

The post Attic conversions – create a kids playroom appeared first on Designbx.

Herbs are sun loving little wonders. Most herbs need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Before you venture into the unknown, get yourself set up with some quality soil (one that has good drainage), pots or large garden beds and seeds or already sprouted herbs (if seeds are too adventurous just yet). It sounds simple, but without the basics, you are setting yourself up for disaster, so take note to make sure you don’t make last year’s mistakes.

The next thing to do is to decide where to put them and what exactly to put them in, but don’t worry, we have you covered!

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

You don’t have to spend hours finding the ‘perfect’ pots for your little herb garden. Save time and money by using old glasses, mugs and teapots to give new life to your old drinkware. Using mismatched pots can give a unique effect to your herb shelf. Try gathering mugs with different patterns and colours to make them stand out, or stick to one colour scheme to give the garden a more structured look. The plus side to using mugs and bowls is that they can withstand the weather, so they are perfect for indoor or can be used to improve your outdoor design.

TIP! Herbs flourish best in smaller pots. Mugs and pots with a diameter of 10 inches is ideal.

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2. Send them up the wall!

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Vertical gardens remain on trend – being both functional and beautiful. Try using recycled curtain rods and hook planters onto them, or on a larger scale check out these showstopping walls from Vertical Gardens Australia. When hanging vertically, you can replace the traditional vase with just about anything, from plastic bottles to mason jars. Herb garden ideas include utilising old wooden palettes to transform them into a herb garden frame! For a cheap yet rustic and stylish option, create a pallet herb garden by hanging them up, enclosing the bottom edges to create a box to plant in. Mix it up by planting flowers and other small plants along side your herbs.

TIP! When hanging herbs vertically, it is best to hang them outside as herbs require drainage.

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3. Just hangin’

Tie in with a coastal theme by hoisting your herbs up in a macrame planter. You don’t have to dig deep into the pockets for this one, as you can easily create a personalised macrame planter yourself. All you need is some rope, a rod of some sort (timber or metal) and a small pot, then simply follow a step-by-step guide such as Likely by seas DIY guide. Also try incorporating different coloured rope to match the theme of your house or outside area. These hangers can also be directly hung from the roof, using a ring at the top instead of a rod. Hanging them inside by a window will ensure they get enough sunlight. If you need help with your outdoor theme and design, Designbx offers affordable packages to give you a head start.

TIP! Don’t over water your herbs. They will only need watering when the top of the soil is dry, otherwise you risk rotting of the soil underneath.

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4. One pot wonder

Whether it be a large ornate garden pot, old ceramic cauldon or box planter, keeping your herbs in one spot makes watering easier and adds different textures to the one look. Herbs such as Basil, Rosemary and Mint can become quite large when they are thriving in the right conditions, so when planting them together, consider the size of each plant when they are fully grown. If you are going to grow herbs, you are going to need something to put the herbs on, so why not start a small vegetable garden at the same time. Large timber planter boxes are on trend, meaning you can get the best of both worlds. Split the planter down the middle and make one half vegetables and the other half herbs. Dinner is all in one place!

TIP! If they grow out of control you can always replant the herbs by splitting the soil vertically down the middle.

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5. Say goodbye to watering

Are you a culprit of starving your herbs? If you are the type of person to forget to water your herbs regularly (let’s be honest we all do it), then planting roots straight into water may be ideal for you. Grab some mason jars and fill them with spring water. Then all you need is a 6 inch trimming (removing bottom leaves) and submerge the root into water and let them grow. Herbs can stay in the water all year round, without any maintenance. Herbs such as Peppermint, Spearmint, Oregano, Basil, Sage, Stevia, Lemon Balm and Thyme grow best in water.

TIP! Roots tend to grow away from sunlight, so make the bottom half of the jar darker, to avoid you herbs growing lop sided.

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6. Sunken garden

Bring out the power tools and try your hand at custom creating a centrepiece for your dining table. Bring life to the old family dinner table by laying in large, sturdy containers to give it a modern and enviable re-vamp. This allows dinner guests to add their own garnishes! You can also try this technique with outdoor tables so herbs get maximum sun.

TIP! Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the soil so water can drain through and does not rot the herb roots.

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7. Topsy turvy

Make a statement piece for your kitchen and dining area by investing in some Sky Planters. By adding other foliage and greenery, this creates a wow-factor to otherwise average pot plants. This design utilises a locking disk and reservoir system that preserves water and keeps the soil in place. On the flip side, it saves floor space and you can easily access your herbs whilst adding a twist to traditional home interior styles.

TIP! When pruning herbs, take an even amount of both fresh and mature leaves and take leaves from a variety of places, not just the top.

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8. Glass jars

Wash out glass jars and canisters to create a cute DIY flowerpot. These can be used to also store herbs once dried! Glass jars can be placed in baskets to create a mobile herb garden, so you can chase the sun around the house, to keep your herbs happy. If your glass jars are nothing special then spice them up with some ribbon, twine and/or lace.

TIP! Make sure to label your jars as it can become confusing when herbs are planted all the same way.

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9. Sittin’ pretty

Utilise old book shelves and ladders for the perfect pot holder. These can be used for small spaces on balconies, porches or even in the dining room next to a large window to maximise vertical space. Shelves can also be used for a variety of small succulents and flowers to add colour. Place the shelves in a sunny area or by a window inside. Here’s another place where timber palettes come in. Stand the palette on its side, build in a few shelves and throw on a fresh coat of paint.

TIP! Place a gauze or mesh behind the shelves so herbs that like to wonder, can grow up the mesh instead of tangling themselves around other plants.

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For affordable help with redesigning your outdoor area to incorporate herb garden ideas such as a pallet herb garden, try interior design online. It’s the best way to transform your area from drab to fab!

The post Nine happy herb garden ideas appeared first on Designbx.

1. The heirloom

Whether it be a timeless leather couch, collector coffee table or pool table, figure out the central statement piece in your space and use it to determine your colour palette. Every man owns at least one trophy item that is a non-negotiable addition to the space, so make sure your design works seamlessly with the colour and style of your favourite items.

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2. Get your friends involved

You’ll be hosting poker nights and watching sport with your friends, so involve them in the design of your man cave to ensure it’s a space where they’ll feel comfortable. Ask for any unwanted art pieces, furniture items, building materials  or decor they might have lying around the house to recycle and keep the budget down. DIY Pallet furniture is a great way to get your friends involved and create a trendy versatile unit.

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3. Keep it clean

Invest in good storage units to store essential items like movies, games, electronics and collectors pieces. Floating shelves, trendy buffet units and hidden cupboards are great for stylishly keeping the Man Cave organised, tidy, stylish…and also keeping the wife happy.

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4. Raise the bar

Be the talk of the town with a state-of-the-art and stylish bar. No Man Cave is complete without a well stocked and equipped bar. Invest in a good set of glassware and use pieces like art deco bottles or a wine decanter for that unique touch. Art deco interior design is a great avenue for those gentleman that crave a bit more of a classier retreat.

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5. Rug up

Often man caves are set in a basement or garage space with harsh concrete flooring that becomes incredibly chilly in the cooler months. Warm up your space with a shaggy or oversized rug to ensure you can relax in comfort.

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6. Express yourself

Here is your chance to decorate your space how you like, and not how your partner may like it. Steer away from flowers, plants, soft furnishings, candles and picture frames. Instead, seek out vintage and antique stores for collectors pieces, artworks and metallic decor to achieve that grungy,  industrial interior design look.  Decor items can include antique globes, sport memorabilia, book collections, sculptures, faux deer heads and shadow boxes.

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7. Spark up

Lighting is everything in a Man Cave, as it’s usually created in a less desirable and unused space. Explore small living room designs and ensure you have enough natural lighting coming in from available windows, if not, ensure a warm tone is established through plenty of lighting. Get creative with lighting options. Pendants and light-up signage add a great unique touch.

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8. Textured walls

Use your skills and creativity to create a textured wall. This can act as a focal piece for the man cave as well as provide functionality, depending on the material, Cork can be used as a large notice board or backdrop for a game of darts.

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Show off your Mo and interior design mojo this Movember. If you’re looking for a quick but lavish overhaul, here’s a man cave design we prepared earlier. And don’t forget to get involved with the Movember Foundation. Let’s put our moustaches to good use.

The post Build a Man Cave worthy of that Mo! appeared first on Designbx.

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1. Scarily fresh foliage

Not many people think fresh foliage and Halloween go together but gothic floral arrangements are the perfect addition to any bench or table. Try scattering red or white roses, camellia branches or orange sunflowers around the home. Even floral prints can add character to the walls.

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2. Go monochromatic

Limiting your interior design colours will ensure your Halloween decorating flows perfectly, from one room to the next. Instead of painting pumpkins with scary faces, spray paint them with a solid colour such as black, orange, or red.

You can even glam up your pumpkins with jewels and patterns (who said Halloween wasn’t elegant?). Black is the easiest colour to stick to as you can decorate with black pumpkins, bats, candle holders, witches outfits and even black cupcakes. For a wall accessory that lasts longer than just Halloween, take a look at our black wall hanging.

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3. Set an eerie mood

You don’t want to scare your kids away with a dark haunted house, so add some fun into Halloween decorating with DIY lanterns. Gather together old glass jars and wrap them up in bandages with two googly eyes. Place a tea light candle inside and you have yourself a ghostly yet cute light. Lanterns and pumpkins also make good kid’s lights in small bedroom designs.  

For the adults, black candle holders are great for tables and definitely set the right mood. Designbx offers black candle stick holders, perfect for a haunted feast. Copper is also a great decorating colour to create a gothic yet modern Halloween look. Try copper lamps or cushions or go all out with this bold pendant to create a rustic interior design look. Also turn those empty wine bottles into candle stick holders for a cool effect.

4. Spooky snacks table and an adult-only grazing bench

After a long day of Halloween for kids and adults alike, it’s time to sit down to a feast made for a king (or should we say vampire?). Keep the kids quiet with their very own spooky candy land. Fill jars and copper vases with orange, black and white candy.

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Make a batch of Halloween themed cupcakes and give the kids a variety of spooky toppings like green M&Ms, edible eyes, and bat candy, to decorate their own cupcake with. Then quickly sneak away to your own adult wonderland. You might like to have red velvet cupcakes, cheese, red grapes and green pasta.

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5. Don’t forget the naughty potions and poisons

Mix up some devilish cocktails, using your favourite spirit blended with green or red coloured cordial. Add blood cherries, liquorice and poisoned green apples for decoration.

For the kids, give them a jug of red cordial with floating teeth lollies on top. You can even try glow-in-the-dark drinks using lemonade served in glass potion bottles.

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For more inspiration on designing your haunted house check out the Designbx blog! And remember to keep calm this Halloween.

The post So chic it’s scary! Styling the home for Halloween appeared first on Designbx.

Christmas can bring financial stress, with all the presents, food and home renovations you need to get done before your relatives take over your home. Perhaps your home only needs a few tweaks or maybe you need a completely new interior and exterior design, if Christmas is held at your place this year. The good news is, you can get a free interior design consultation with Designbx and also chose packages that don’t cost you the earth (leaving room for you to splurge on that Christmas ham).

Bessie Hassan is a money expert at Finder.com.au, and is here to help keep your budget in good shape, over this chaotic time.

“Whether it’s setting yourself a project timeline and budget, researching costs of materials and labor, or exploring your finance options, there are many ways you can ensure you’re financially prepared for your next renovation.” Bessie Hassan.

“If you’re looking for cost-effective jobs that will add value to your home, consider jobs that will improve your kerb appeal. This could mean installing a new fence, sprucing up your outdoor landscaping, or installing new lighting” says Bessie.

1.Ring fencing your kerb appeal

Cheap fences can be easily obtained from your local Bunnings and can be painted to match your exterior design. When choosing a fence, consider the look you want and the lifetime of the material. Timber fences create a great natural look but may root if not treated properly, whereas Vinyl fences last 10+ years without fading, but comes in limited colours.

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2. Build square garden beds

Landscaping may seem like it will cost an arm and leg, but there are affordable ways to achieve great results. Instead of filling large garden beds with soil and a variety of plants, limit the size of your gardens by building square garden beds. Again, Bunnings is your best friend, as you can get cheap timber to make a garden box or buy an already assembled garden bed. This way you don’t have to spend as much on plants and your outdoor area remains tidy. You can even make one into a vegetable or herb garden so you’re saving money on plants and food over the Christmas break.

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3. Add some garden twinkle

Bring a mystical feel to your outdoor area by adding fairy lights. These are cheap alternatives to those large outdoor lights that chew up electricity like it’s going out of style. Drape a string of fairy lights over the fences or pin them up on the roof and fence so they dangle above you in the air. For an even cheaper alternative, you can place tealight candle in glass jars and hang them from the fence, pergola or off the walls of the house. Another option is to place led strip lights along seat edges, fences, around door ways and along patio floors to give an illuminating look.

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4. Get your flooring up to scratch

When there is going to be a stampede of relatives arriving for Christmas, you will want to make sure your flooring can withstand the wear and tear. Squeaky floorboards and torn carpet, may not pass the relative test, and chances are you will get an earful of how to fix up your home! Carpet is not the best option as high traffic can cause flattening in some areas. If you want to stick to carpet, try modular carpet which comes in tile pieces, which makes replacing sections easy. Timber flooring is by far the most popular option at the moment and is super easy to clean. If you don’t have the money to spend on real timber floorboards, try vinyl flooring or floating timber floors, which give the illusion of a real wood floor but are half the price.

A helpful tip from Bessie, “Although you can be meticulous with your budgeting, it’s likely that there will be delays or issues outside your control. To mitigate this, have a contingency buffer of funds in place to cope with any unforeseen costs. Generally, you should set aside 5-10% of your renovation budget to allow for a contingency.”

5. Prepare your bathrooms for the stampede

When you have 20 or 30 people at your house, your bathroom is going to get a workout. If it’s not in top shape, then prepare yourself for a whole lot of mess. The first thing to ask yourself is, do you have enough toilet paper? And the next question is, where to put it all? If you don’t have enough cupboard space then buy a cheap laundry basket and place it in the corner of the bathroom.

The next thing to consider is where are all the bath towels going to hang? It’s easy to put together a few timber shelves in the bathroom to keep clean towels on, or drill in some hooks either behind the door in the bathroom or spare bedroom.

The last thing is where are they going to put their soap and toothbrush? If you don’t want your relatives using all your stuff, then get them their own rack for in the shower. Get shelves that can be simply hooked over the shower door.

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6. Make the small things count

You don’t have to renovate your whole home to give it that WOW look. Small things like giving rooms a fresh coat of paint, a new Manchester, hanging up some family photos, and placing some nice smelling candles around the place, will delight your guests.
Bessie says, “Replacing cupboard handles is another smart (and easy) way to create a modern look in your kitchen or bathroom for minimal cost.”

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7. Bessie’s other helpful tips for budgeting this Christmas

Be savvy with your finances: “Other ways to budget for Christmas festivities include consolidating personal debt to save on interest costs and considering alternate payment methods like Zip Money, Afterpay or in-store finance when shopping.”
Be creative with your family activities: “Finding ways to entertain the kids for free is another good way to cut back on costs. From going on a bike ride to visiting the pool to checking out a local museum or art gallery, there are many activities that will entertain the kids without breaking the bank.”

For an affordable way to design or style your home for Xmas, look no further! Chat to our professional commercial interior design team at Designbx with our free styling consultation.

The post 7 Affordable home renovation ideas: Getting ready for Xmas appeared first on Designbx.

Though we’re both passionate about providing custom solutions, we also know that half the fun is doing the work yourself! DIY home renovations can create a lifetime of memories, as you work alongside the ones you love to create something that will be special to you for decades. That’s why today, we’re teaming up with Australian Heritage Homes to share fun projects that you can cross off the list yourself!

1. Tile your own floor

It’s easier than you think. Thanks to modern technology, like that of our site, it’s easier than ever to bring your vision to life. But do us a favour—explore the product. Head to your local hardware or home improvement store and get your hands on the different styles of tiles and flooring options. New and enhanced choices come out every season—each more sustainable, durable and easily cleanable than the last. Finally, you can take comfort in choosing the exact look and feel you want, and rest easily knowing that there are no trade-offs.

2. Design a family mural

One of the biggest rumours that we’d like to dispel is that you have to have a tonne of creative talent in order to contribute to anything painted. Not so, say both the AHH team and the Designbx interior design team. In fact, a mural will have much more sentimental value if you know that everyone in the family or your group of friends added their own flavour. This is a great way to spruce up a wall, or multiple walls, that are peeling or have seen better days.

3. Oversee your own landscaping

We recommend keeping this project weather friendly, but who says you need to hire an expert to oversee your weed-whacking and flower planting? Again, use the digital tools at your disposal to draw up your dream garden, and then let’s bring it to life! There are so many projects that only take a couple of hours or a half-day and can quickly equate to a backyard fit for any soiree. Projects to consider include laying a patio, planting flowers, seeding grass, or even watering existing plants.

There’s a common theme with the above—and it’s the people that you surround yourself with. Obviously there are larger-scale projects that we recommend bringing in the experts for. Not sure of the scale of the work ahead? Give Designbx a shout! And be sure to check out the Australian Heritage Homes site and our blog for more interior and exterior inspiration.

The post DIY Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Designbx.