renovation Archives - Designbx Online interior design Sat, 28 Aug 2021 15:16:07 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://designbx.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Designbx-Logo-512px-1-32x32.png renovation Archives - Designbx 32 32 Lifting the lid on Designbx https://designbx.com/blog/lifting-the-lid-on-designbx/ https://designbx.com/blog/lifting-the-lid-on-designbx/#respond Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:01:37 +0000 https://designbx.com/?p=15887   Home is where the heart is. It may be cliche, but nothing could be more accurate about the Designbx journey – the online interior design business founded by Kerena Berry and Kylie Pratt to give every Australian the chance to create a home they can be proud of.  It’s been three years since Designbx…

The post Lifting the lid on Designbx appeared first on Designbx.

]]>
 

Home is where the heart is. It may be cliche, but nothing could be more accurate about the Designbx journey – the online interior design business founded by Kerena Berry and Kylie Pratt to give every Australian the chance to create a home they can be proud of. 

It’s been three years since Designbx disrupted the interior design industry by introducing the concept of ‘e-decorating’. The business was founded on the wholehearted belief that everyone deserves a beautiful home that reflects their own unique sense of style. The women who founded Designbx could never have imagined – all those days, weeks and months ago – the impact such an offering would have on the lives of their clients. Or themselves for that matter.

“I found myself part of an industry that had the ability to have a real impact on peoples’ well being and sense of self, yet was still very much unattainable, expensive and intimidating to many. And unlike most industries, interior design had not yet found a way online. We didn’t anticipate how empowered and excited our clients would feel, and how the transformation of their homes would positively impact the rest of their lives and ours,” Kerena says.

Designbx was a collision of two booming trends – ecommerce and interior design. Long considered an indulgence of the affluent, interior design was not something accessible, nor affordable, for the average consumer. But spurred on by the Australian house-proud mentality; buoyed by the enormous popularity of home renovation shows; and fired up with the passion to merge everyday living with beautifully designed homes, Designbx was born. Early on, Kerena and Kylie knew they were onto something special.

  “I wanted to be part of something that changed the way people live their lives. From a business sense, Designbx just made sense. I knew so many people interested in design who were renovating, relocating or just wanting a nice place to call home. But they were also too time poor to engage a professional to meet with constantly at home or spend their weekends traipsing around furniture stores, or evenings trawling Pinterest for inspiration,” Kylie says.

Today both women get personal and reflect on the last three years of blood, sweat, tears and textiles on their journey to reimagine interior design for every Australian. And all the while they consider, where to next?

 

Having an idea is one thing, but bringing it to life is something else altogether. How did you get started?

Kerena: I recall feeling extremely overwhelmed at where to begin. Being first to market with a concept comes with many challenges, and trail-blazing is riddled with more lows than highs. Grasping how to learn quickly from your mistakes and keep the ball rolling is key. There is no room for pride when in start-up mode, and we were very much novices in many areas. But we believed wholeheartedly in what we were doing, and there was a real sense of purpose that we could make a change. I personally had to learn to ask for help, which is something I’ve never been good at. But I saw that people genuinely wanted to back us up and see us succeed.   

Kylie: There were a lot of days when I asked myself, “What are we doing?” Starting a business from just an idea is hard. Going in we were a little like a deer in the headlights; especially coming from corporate backgrounds where support,  systems and budget were readily available to manage the day-to-day practicalities of business, like

“Who will process these receipts?” “Who will update that data sheet?” “Who will make that sales call?” The answer to everything early on is, “Me”.  But looking back, that environment breeds a deep understanding and appreciation for every part of your business, what your customers really want, what they need and how to respond quickly when things shift. Being at the coal face is a good thing, but it’s also dirty work!

 

What has challenged you the most along the way?

Kerena: It’s a fine line between the wind and the weeds, and we’ve learnt that to be successful business owners we need to do both at times. Maintaining a wide view of the industry, trends and what’s on the horizon is key. But at the same time, we have to keep a finger on the customer pulse. That often means working closely with designers on each project to ensure we’re meeting the client brief, but also pushing boundaries and delivering truly creative solutions that are true to our name: Out of the box. We’ve learnt that having a team of people working on each project leads to better design outcomes and happier clients – which at the end of the day is what we’re all about. 

It has been a challenge educating the market on what ‘online interior design’ is, and at the same time breaking down the long-held belief that it’s expensive, intimidating and only accessible to the wealthy or incredibly stylish. Personally, achieving that nirvana of work/ life balance is still a work in progress. When you absolutely love what you do it’s very hard to switch off; but Designbx came with the long-term dream of having more time with my babies. So it’s an ongoing juggle and one I’m so lucky and grateful to have. 

 

Kylie: With a new-to-market concept there was a lot of guessing at the start. Despite both mine and Kerena’s backgrounds – knowing how the industry worked and how people generally want to engage in such services – bringing this reality to the online world was a challenge. Being online removes the human element of the offering, and this provided a steep learning curve, and resulted in us rethinking a few elements to reintroduce more of the human touch back into the business. The home is a personal and safe space – a haven – and it’s important for people to feel the humanity behind what we do so that we can deliver the best experience and results possible. 

We never lose sight of how lucky we are to have people invite us into their homes and allow us to help create incredible spaces that tell their story and truly merge their life with design. 

Much like Kerena, the work/life balance piece is still very challenging, but I have learnt a few key things along the way. That balance looks and feels completely different to every single person, so it was really important to figure out what that landscape looked like for me – and to commit to living it the best way possible. For me, that’s a career and business that gives me the opportunity to explore my passion for travel, people, culture and philanthropy, while working with my two fur-babies at my feet!

I’m also about to become a mum for the first time this year. So having a career I love and a business I’ve invested my heart and soul into, that also allows me to me to embrace and enjoy motherhood in a way the corporate world does not always allow, was a big part of the Designbx plan. 

 

Kerena, Amelia and Hugo 

What are your most memorable and proudest moments from the last three years?

Kerena: I’m so proud that we truly understand our clients and have created a platform that helps every Australian access world-class interior design. Attending the Telstra Business Awards as nominees was a real highlight – the businesses in the room that night warmed my heart to no end. I realised then, more than ever, that you truly need to be filled with passion and purpose to be successful, and we have that in droves. I love what I do every day and I truly believe we are making a positive change in people’s lives through design.

 

Kylie: Rarely do we just stop and reflect on our achievements. Leaving my full time career to run this business is a real highlight for me. For anyone who has left a secure paying job to start a new business will know it’s one of the scariest things you will ever do.  But, if you are passionate, you have the idea and the drive – and the ability to silence that little voice in your head! – you might just change your life. 

Reading what our customers say about us gives me a real buzz. I personally speak with every client at some stage throughout the process, and I adore hearing how Designbx has helped them overcome their challenges. Seeing them go through the full design process and loving the end result, and then seeing a beautiful review at the end, blows my mind every time. We genuinely love our clients so much and we’re so grateful they give us a glimpse into their homes and lives, and allow us to make a difference. 

 

Kerena & Kylie at the Telstra Business Awards

 

There are so many industry and economic factors that can affect a business – especially small business. How has the market evolved since you began and how you have responded to remain relevant?

Kerena: There are now a number of new outfits exploring online interior design, which is brilliant. More noise in the market is a huge gain for us. Educating the market on what and how to ‘do’ digital interior design continues to be a hurdle for us, so we love so-called ‘competitors’ and welcome them as they strengthen the conversation. There are millions of homes in need of design help, so the more the merrier. 

The Australian supplier chain has seen some lows over the last few years, with many companies doing it tough and closing up – some online, but predominantly bricks and mortar. This has taken some navigation and created some challenges. However, we are grateful to have extremely long-standing relationships with a number of core suppliers, and have the passion, contacts and zest behind us to be forever on the hunt for new and up and coming designers and companies to ensure we have everything at our fingertips to create the perfect designs for our clients. Business after all, is all about people and relationships. 

Customers have a lot of power now; they are educated on suppliers and price and have the ability to shop around.  Customers are incredibly savvy. But we don’t fear this, as through our relationships we’re able to drive competitive trade discounts with our suppliers, which we pass onto our clients. We pride ourselves on being competitive on price but stand by our 100 percent happiness guarantee.

If we’ve learned anything in our time in the industry it’s that a positive, fun, and trusted design experience superseeds saving every single time – that’s just a bonus!

Kylie: The market landscape has changed significantly since we launched, but we’re dedicated to keeping our finger on the pulse. As Kerena said, we view competition as positive – with any new idea, a collective effort to educate the market is important. We can all learn a lot from each other and have even reached out to a number of our competitors to discuss industry challenges. A positive change to the industry has been new freight and delivery startups giving Australians more delivery options at better prices. That’s certainly an area that’s needed a shake up for some time, so fingers crossed it continues to improve.

 

Designbx is such a unique concept. How do you ensure you continue to push the envelope and shape the industry as a whole?

Kerena: I feel we are continuing to create and refine a solution that people feel ‘at home’ with. It fits in with their life.  Being online means clients can view designs, collaborate with their designers and sign off products all through their devices – any time of day or night. Being able to design on the go keeps the process achievable, and ultimately enjoyable, as it doesn’t become just another job to get done. We’re creating a real-world way to design, and making sure we keep the love alive.

Our clientele are diverse – in age, style and living arrangements. And we see this as a truly unique attribute of our business. With spaces ever-evolving and the housing market morphing – more people are renting than ever before – we are incredibly conscious of creating designs that are flexible and transportable. I like to think we’re creating a fluid approach to interior design.

Now, more than ever, people need their homes to be their sanctuary – a safe and tranquil place that allows them to reflect and decompress. Life is busy and people are feeling the pinch and I don’t see that changing in the immediate future. We’re so proud and honoured to be able to help create these havens for our clients.

 

Kylie: We’re educating the market in a way neither of us predicted, or intended, at the start. Apart from the obvious stuff like trends and guidance on how to place a rug or hang artwork,

we are showing the industry that a home needs to wholely represent the people living in it – not the person who designed it. There’s no room for ego at Designbx: We design for the client, not ourselves.

We empower our clients with this belief the whole way through the process, and really encourage them to speak up – which can be a lot easier for them online versus face-to-face.

We have also found a big misunderstanding in the market around what an interior designer actually does, when to engage one and what value they can add to a project. For example, one of the custom services we offer is to review architectural plans at the start of a project. Architects and designers wear very different hats.  On several projects we have made suggestions to our clients to change the architectural layout of the plans prior to any building starting, to allow for function and the style they want to achieve with the interiors once they reach that phase. Engaging a designer early in the process can be hugely beneficial for clients, and ultimately end up saving them a lot of money.

 

In a small business it’s all hands on deck. So what do you love about your roles?

Kerena: I predominantly oversee the design arm of the business and support with the creative and marketing strategy and implementation. I’m what we call the ‘crayon department’! I love doing our shoots – whether its inhouse or at a client’s home – and I’ll be there with all my props buzzing around like a chook with its head cut off, squeezing as many shots into a session as possible. I just love getting ‘on the tools’, and it’s the most enjoyable part of my role. 

But most importantly it’s the working relationship I have with Kylie that cements that love for what we’re doing. We’re equally committed to being across everything Designbx, and yet we have total trust in each other – our individual roles, unique skills (and weaknesses!) – to get in and get it done. As in life, in business it’s healthy and helpful to share, ask for help and get a different point of view. For me, I love feeling supported when I throw out new ideas, knowing there is no judgement – just a safe space to explore new things. We both are equally invested and it’s our partnership that means we stay ahead of the game and get to feel absolutely fulfilled at the same time.

 

Kylie: I’m always heard and trusted by my business partner. As owners, we are both continually coming up with new hare-brained schemes; some of which are solid, and some that don’t bear repeating! But to have a safe environment to voice our ideas is absolutely imperative to a successful business and a harmonious working relationship. I know how lucky I am to have such a passionate, clever and talented partner who always drives me and the business towards success. Knowing you have someone that is always giving 200 percent makes it easy to do the same. 

 

Out of pure curiosity, take us through an average day for the Designbx team.

Kerena: An average day? Well, no two days are the same! And that’s one of the reasons I love it so much. Our project list is so varied; we always have a mixed basket of styles, house sizes and budgets on the books; and we are constantly positively challenged by our diverse projects, which keeps the creative juices flowing. My day generally starts around 6am – I sit with a cup of tea and clear the inbox and draw up my to do list for the day. It could then be briefing for a residential or commercial client, meeting with potential partners to explore collaborations, photo shoots, marketing strategy sessions, product designing and sourcing, website development and sneaky coffee breaks. Being online not only brings ease and comfort to our clients but allows the team to work on the go, respond swiftly to questions, design changes and general support. We can weave our work around personal commitments and know that we are still always there for our clients.  

 

Kylie: Every day is different, but the focus is always the same for me. Anything that is going to affect a client outcome or experience with Designbx is my number one priority and takes precedence over 99 percent of other things. Usually I’m up at 6am and do an hour of emails and planning for the day. If I need to do any writing this is the best time for me. Then I really love to go for a walk with one of my dogs Sophie in the morning – it gets the blood flowing and gets me amped for the day. Then I have breakfast and I’m straight into anything project and product related, talking to clients and suppliers, investigating business development opportunities and the operational side of the business. Mix that all in with some business finances and a daily catch up with Kerena and that’s pretty much the day. I must confess that I’m a serial offender for having 20 or more tabs open on my computer towards the end of the day, which can be quite counter-productive… but I’m deeply curious and I love absorbing knowledge from all the interesting business stories that come through my inbox during the day. 

Kylie and the family (one on the way!)

 

In the face of industry challenges and changes; incoming and up-and-coming competitors; a shifting real estate landscape; and balancing that ever-difficult collision of work and life, one thing is for certain… Designbx is no longer a start-up. The two women at the helm of this e-decorating offering are making waves in an industry that has long been plagued by a lack of access for ordinary people. And if it’s even possible, they remain more passionate and driven today than when the journey began three years ago. Fuelled by a vision and desire to give every Australian the means to create a home they can be proud of, and a space they want to come home to, Designbx is set for big things – watch this space.

 

“Great design is a brilliant collection of beautiful ideas”

– M. Cobanli

 

 

The post Lifting the lid on Designbx appeared first on Designbx.

]]>
https://designbx.com/blog/lifting-the-lid-on-designbx/feed/ 0
5 value-adding bathroom renovations you can complete this weekend https://designbx.com/blog/5-value-adding-bathroom-renovations-you-can-complete-this-weekend/ https://designbx.com/blog/5-value-adding-bathroom-renovations-you-can-complete-this-weekend/#respond Sun, 31 Mar 2019 06:33:35 +0000 https://designbx.com/?p=13027   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…

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

]]>
 

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.

]]>
https://designbx.com/blog/5-value-adding-bathroom-renovations-you-can-complete-this-weekend/feed/ 0
7 Affordable home renovation ideas: Getting ready for Xmas https://designbx.com/blog/affordable-home-renovation-ideas-getting-ready-xmas/ https://designbx.com/blog/affordable-home-renovation-ideas-getting-ready-xmas/#respond Sat, 30 Sep 2017 00:48:22 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=4346 Can you believe we are just 6 weeks out from the festive season? It seems like only yesterday we were packing down the Christmas tree and cleaning up from celebrations. 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.…

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

]]>
Can you believe we are just 6 weeks out from the festive season? It seems like only yesterday we were packing down the Christmas tree and cleaning up from celebrations.

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.

home renovation ideas black fence

Image Reference

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.

home renovation ideas square garden bed

Image Reference

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.

home renovation ideas backyard fairy lights

Image Reference

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.”

home renovation ideas lounge with rug and wooden flooring

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.

home renovation ideas bathroom shelves

Image Reference

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.”

home renovation ideas grey bathroom cupboards

Image Reference

getting ready for xmas candle with flowers

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.

Home interior styles - style quiz

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

]]>
https://designbx.com/blog/affordable-home-renovation-ideas-getting-ready-xmas/feed/ 0
DIY Home Renovation Projects https://designbx.com/blog/diy-home-renovation-projects/ https://designbx.com/blog/diy-home-renovation-projects/#respond Wed, 26 Jul 2017 12:15:16 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=4048 As you may have figured out by now, Designbx is all about you, and what makes you an individual. We feel that this directly correlates to the environments that you create for yourself at home. At the end of a long and stressful day, you want to come home to a house that speaks your…

The post DIY Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Designbx.

]]>
As you may have figured out by now, Designbx is all about you, and what makes you an individual. We feel that this directly correlates to the environments that you create for yourself at home. At the end of a long and stressful day, you want to come home to a house that speaks your language, and makes you feel comfortable and happy. That’s why so many of our tips and tools are dedicated towards sussing out your individual style. Australian Heritage Homes is another local company, dedicated to you and your vision. They’ve been building custom homes for decades and have pretty much seen it all. Their philosophy is to provide you with the options, and then let you take the wheel as the customer—see any alignment here?

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

DIY Tiles Designbx

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

DIY Family Mural_Designbx

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.

Designbx - Shop The Look now!

The post DIY Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Designbx.

]]>
https://designbx.com/blog/diy-home-renovation-projects/feed/ 0
5 ways to add value without renovating https://designbx.com/blog/5-ways-add-value-without-renovating/ https://designbx.com/blog/5-ways-add-value-without-renovating/#respond Tue, 30 May 2017 02:10:26 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=3597 Australians have a love affair with renovation that’s easy to see from the popularity of shows like The Block and House Rules. Renovating your home, particularly when you’re looking to sell, can be a great way to add value. But renovation can also be a very costly enterprise. The average cost of a full-home renovation…

The post 5 ways to add value without renovating appeared first on Designbx.

]]>
Australians have a love affair with renovation that’s easy to see from the popularity of shows like The Block and House Rules. Renovating your home, particularly when you’re looking to sell, can be a great way to add value.

But renovation can also be a very costly enterprise. The average cost of a full-home renovation project can run close to $200,000. Not everyone has that kind of cash to splash, particularly for a home you’re trying to sell.

The good news is that you can add serious value to your home without even picking up a hammer.

Home interior styles - black cabin in woods

Image Reference

If you want to boost your home’s value but don’t want to break the bank, there are some remarkably simple ways to get started.

1. Work on your kerb appeal


First impressions are incredibly important. A 2012 Texas Tech University study found that good kerb appeal could boost a home’s value by 17%.

Start by putting yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes. As you approach your home from the street, what are your impressions? Is the landscaping tidy and inviting, and does it showcase the front of your home or just serve to obscure it? Does the front of the home itself look appealing?

Home interior styles - yellow front door

Image Reference

Good kerb appeal can add measurable value to your home, while poor kerb appeal can scare potential buyers away before they even set foot inside. A fresh coat of paint, some new door hardware and a bit of landscaping won’t set you back much, but they’ll have a serious impact on your home’s saleability.

2. Tidy things up

No matter how nicely constructed your home may be, a dirty house will make a poor impression on potential buyers. Think back to your renting days and the dreaded end-of-lease inspections. That’s the standard of cleanliness you want to strive for.

Even the neatest amongst us can overlook a few nooks and crannies when we’re cleaning. If you’re hosting an open home, it’s worth paying the money to have your house cleaned professionally. You may not notice a few bits of grime, but a potential buyer might.

3. Get rid of the clutter

This may sound a little redundant after the previous tip, but de-cluttering is about more than general cleanliness. It’s about creating an open, flowing space for potential buyers.

Small living room ideas - large mirror and clutter-free

Image Reference

Have a look at the layout of your home and the way you have your furniture arranged. Is it hard to navigate through the rooms? Do they feel cramped and claustrophobic? You want buyers to be able to walk through your home with ease, and for the rooms to feel open and spacious. Getting rid of or rearranging some pieces of furniture can greatly improve the flow of your home, and a few well-placed mirrors can make rooms feel larger than they are.

4. Keep it light

Make sure your home looks bright and open. Open up the shades and shutters to let in as much natural light as you can. If you don’t get a lot of natural light, consider opting for some brighter bulbs in your fixtures to give the illusion of more natural light.

Keeping your home light goes beyond just your windows and fixtures, though. It also includes your design choices. The goal in showing your home is to create an environment that potential buyers can picture themselves in. Choosing more neutral colours will better allow buyers to imagine their own furniture and belongings in the home.

5. Make it cosy

Add the finishing touches with some accessories. These little details make your home warm and inviting. Small touches like coffee table books, artwork, flowers or candles can make your house feel like a home.

Small living room ideas - coffee table decor

Image Reference

This article is written by Adam Smith, Home Loans Editor at Finder.

 

The post 5 ways to add value without renovating appeared first on Designbx.

]]>
https://designbx.com/blog/5-ways-add-value-without-renovating/feed/ 0