With an almost endless amount of options, renovating can be a daunting task. It can be especially tricky to know what you should be investing in and where you can save some dollars. To help you avoid some sleepless nights going over all the figures and options in your head, we’ve put together our top tips on where to save and where to splurge when renovating.

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• Laminate bench tops can be a third of the cost of a stone bench top and still boast heat and scratch resistance plus come in a range of beautiful finishes that often mimic a stone look. 

• You can save on benchtops by splurging on a wood or stone island to contrast the laminate bench in the rest of the kitchen.
  

• Invest in timeless, quality fittings, not just the cheapest available, as you want all your hard work to stand the test of time. Repairs and trade call-backs can get expensive.
  

• Look for energy efficient LED lighting options for your bathroom or kitchen as this will save you money long term.
  

• Don’t move existing plumbing or electrical fittings. Often it is changes to plumbing and electrical work behind walls that add complexity and cost to your renovation. On the flip side, a perfect layout adds value to your home, so if it absolutely needs to move, then move it!
  

• Opt for large format tiles. With large tiles there is less grout to keep clean making them the cleaner’s choice. They are also easier and cheaper to lay and can make your bathroom feel larger.

For cost effective, contemporary bathroom designs, check out our simple, fast and fun Shop The Look solutions!

The post Where to Save and Where to Splurge When Renovating appeared first on Designbx.

But why is it the most boring space in the house? Does it need to be ‘the space style forgot’? Here at Designbx we’ve decided to think about the humble laundry more laterally. Given the time we spend in that small room, shouldn’t we be making it as visually pleasing and functional as possible? Maybe all this time we’ve been torturing ourselves unnecessarily. Is it possible to actually want to spend time in the laundry? This was a challenge we had to accept!

Firstly, laundry fittings, plumbing and appliances have come a long way. Pull-down mixer taps, deep laundry sink bowls, mould-resistant wall finishes, and custom storage solutions are a few of the modern laundry items that are becoming the norm rather than the exceptions. Combine them with a fresh take on aesthetics, and suddenly you’ve got some unexpected bling that might make chores a little less challenging.

1. Modern laundry

Rather than distracting the eye from equipment, it’s the more functional items in this striking design that provide the pop and dazzle. The quality of curved chrome tapware, especially the pull-down tap, draw the eye and make a real impression while adding convenience. Custom cabinetry provides concealed storage, and the monochromatic colour scheme becomes a canvas where you can add your own bling courtesy of a floating shelf dressed with ornaments or plants.

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2. Scandi laundry

Everyone’s mad about Scandi this year and the interior design style’s love of minimalism is perfect for the laundry. The brushed rose tapware contrasts beautifully with matte black and chrome while the oak timber mirror, floating shelves and tough bench tops deliver the raw finishes that are a trademark element of the Scandi look. Last but not least, how about those geometric splashback tiles? Stone, timber and ceramic finishes, brought to life by a natural palette – that’s why we love Scandi.

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3. Traditional Chic laundry

You may not associate a laundry with elegance but this design is about to change your opinion. In fact, this space is about to become a real show-off and start demanding attention. Classic European décor and well-detailed pops of luxe combine to add an air of refinement. The sophisticated tapware goes beyond function to become a chic feature. Brushed rose, the patterned floor tiles and curved tapware become the focus. But it’s hard not to fall in love with that free-standing bath.

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4. Shop the Look Laundries – from bland to grand

Using the three styles above, it’s possible to take a room that begs you to close the door, and make it a dazzling space that you’ll gladly include in the tour when friends visit. From ugly duckling to beautiful swan, it’s time to stop hiding the laundry and give it the same design love applied to the rest of your home.
Visit Shop the Look for more ideas on pre-fabulous interior designs!

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