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Refreshing outdated tiles whether it be on your walls or floors can make one of the most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.

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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.

Luckily, we’re here to help you out! Here are our tips for finding the right flooring without breaking the bank.  Just remember to learn the little things, such as how to clean wooden floors, and what cleaners you can use before making your decision!

1. Budget Materials for Durable Flooring

In areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, you need durable flooring that’s moisture resistant and still looks the part. We’ve fallen head-over-heels for ceramic tiles, which fit all those requirements and can look totally gorgeous- if you pick wisely! There are tonnes of colours, patterns and shapes to choose from.

Whilst it may not necessarily spring to mind as your best flooring option, concrete is also a material we’ve been envying. It’s super cheap, incredibly durable and so easy to clean that using it is a no-brainer. You can also paint over it to jazz it up, so let your creative juices run wild!

Vinyl is also a retro material many people won’t consider at first, but it’s actually a great choice. In recent years, the manufacture of vinyl floorings upped its game, so now yours can be quality made and there’s a tonne of choice for style.

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2. Renovation Considerations

When it comes to picking your flooring, there are a number of things you need to consider, including how it functions and how it looks – it can be way too easy to get absorbed in the latter! Here are some things you should be thinking about:

• Foundations – The foundations you’re laying your flooring on may restrict your options.
• Lifestyle and function – Consider how your flooring needs to work and what it’ll have to deal with. For example, pets and children mean easy-to-clean floors are definitely your best choice.
• Colour – Light colours can open up small spaces which can be a blessing for little homes. If you’re renovating to sell, go for a safe, neutral tone that’ll appeal to everyone.
• Single floor – Picking one floor to use throughout your home can really open up your home and improve the flow, making it seem larger

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3. Things to Think About with Timber

Timber flooring is a very popular choice due to the wide range available and its organic and timeless appeal. The material and style you choose can be a relief or strain on your budget. Floating floors in veneer, bamboo and laminate are going to be kinder to your bank account and create the lasting look of timber without the hassle and cost.

If you opt for timber, make sure you know how to clean hardwood floors to keep yours looking smarter for longer!

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4. Statement Flooring

While grey timber appear to be the best flooring choice at the moment, sometimes it’s nice to go against the trends and pick something that’s a bit more unique. If you’re on a budget, something simple like a marble effect or tiling can change things up a bit and create a more bespoke look. By shaping timber flooring, you can fit tiles in different patterns and shapes, and brass can be inlaid in concrete floors to create gorgeous contrasting patterns.

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Flooring doesn’t have to be expensive to look great and last a lifetime, as long as you know what you should be looking for! Take the time to research and find something that’s going to suit your home before investing and you should be fine.

The post 4 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Flooring on a Budget 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.

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.

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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

When you want to revamp your home on a tight budget  you may be wondering what to do. We all feel like a fresh start at the beginning of a new year and one sure method is to revamp your environment. It’s a more profound change than a new outfit and certainly lasts much longer than most resolutions! Unfortunately just at the time you’d most like to shake things up, the piggy bank is usually rather roomy after the revelling and generosity that go hand in hand with the silly season. Hopes are high and budgets are low. The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to get more out of your home’s interiors.

One effective trick to revamp your home is to create a sense of scale by using the full width and height of your rooms. You can highlight dimensions by leaning prints on high cabinets, building multiple book stacks high or using an oversized pendent.

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Don’t relegate your beautiful pot plants to the floor-level. Elevate them by mounting them on surfaces to add height and make your greenery feel more opulent Use a mantle, buffet, picture rail, or bookshelf to create vignettes. All it takes is a themed collection of complementary items.

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These arrangements of loved objects can be grouped according to colour, style or theme, and will present a striking feature. What may have been disparate objects in assorted locations around the house suddenly build a feature that will create a definite visual impact.

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Gallery walls are another example of bringing together existing items to make a dramatic impact. In most cases, we’ve all accumulated plenty of inspiring visuals although you may want to add a signature piece. It may simply be a matter of framing and arrangement to create a striking effect. Don’t be afraid to combine an eclectic collection and range of sizes. In many cases, even the most diverse images work together. From family photos to illustration, there are no hard and fast rules. The only consideration is your space’s style. Does your room suit more textured, subtle finishes or does your contemporary space need a high gloss print?

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We’ve all done a spring clean and rearranged the existing furniture in a room, but why not break free from your traditional perception of where furniture should be placed? A quick swap can mix things up and give your space a new lease on life. Make your hall table a dresser, bring the spare chairs from the dining room into the bedroom for bedsides, or move the bookcases into the dining room from the study to give an opulent and cosy feel. Completely swap bedrooms, taking the colour palette from one room to another. You’ll be amazed by the difference.

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A little spending on paint can go a long way. From flourishes and finesse, like painting parts of furniture and insides of bookshelves, to highlighting a key architectural feature, don’t feel limited to the classic idea of repainting a room. If you decide to take the plunge, consider changing atmosphere from airy to moody or vice versa. And of course, why focus on the walls? Perhaps a new colour and finish for the floor could reinvent the space.

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Adding greenery not only provides more colour and fresh scents to a room; a space with well selected and arranged plants always provides a greater sense of wellbeing. Scale, colours, shape…there’s so much plants can offer.

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It may not be the time for more significant investments like new furniture, but it doesn’t take much to revamp your soft furnishings. Pillows and cushions can often be the most vibrant items in a room while the addition or removal of rug may change a room’s personality completely.

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Garnish, rearrange, re-colour, reinvent! A new look for a new year may be right in front of you. Time to open your mind to possibilities without opening your wallet. Want your home to have a fresh vibe for the New Year but money and time is thin? Here are some great simple changes you can make to feel a sense of new.

Designbx |  “7 quick ways to revamp your home on a budget”  | designbx.com

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