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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. Renovating

Reader project: It only cost $200 to transform this fireplace

And she did it in two days! - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 23 Jun 2020

When self-confessed “reno junkie” Jess Micallef first laid eyes on her dark and dreary living room, all she could see was its potential.

“We were really lucky to already have such a good space to work with, including a textured brick wall and panelling,” she told Better Homes and Gardens Online.

But the dank fireplace was another matter.

WATCH: Coastal living room magic makeover

“There was no life and no love to it. The brick work had previously been rendered over but had dirt drips running through it and there was a powerpoint in the fireplace with red and white tape over it, which screamed, ‘Do not touch me!’ It was quite scary!” Jess said.

Original living room

Before: Dark and dreary

Renovated living room

After: a light-filled sanctuary

So when she was challenged on Instagram to a 2-day $200 room makeover, Jess drew upon her creative talents and DIY skills to transform the fireplace, creating a luxurious new living zone for herself and partner Izzie.

“The aim of the renovation was to show that you don’t need to spend top dollar to make a space beautiful, you just need a creative mind and be willing to take a risk,” she said.

Here, Jess talks us through her two-day fireplace project.

What kind of look were you after?

We were after not so much a look but more of a feel. Starting with a neutral foundation of white walls always makes the space feel that little bit luxurious while also creating a fresh and bright space. Then we wanted to bring the white walls to life by adding in warm and earthy tones. Think raw woods, vintage pieces, layered rugs, textured decor and anything with tassels.
We love all things coastal and bohemian. The aim was to create a carefree and relaxed home; a reflection of who we are as people; so you’re coming home to your favorite place.

Living room makeover

Biggest challenge?

Embracing the unknown. Every time we sit down to plan a room to renovate, we get ideas and bounce them off each other and sometimes we take a chance on an idea that has the potential to be a complete failure or a real success. With this reno, it was spraying the actual fireplace black. It was one of those things that could have looked like an epic DIY failure; which is also completely OK because it’s how you learn. Lucky for us this one worked!

I was watching a video on how to upcycle a BBQ and came across someone using a spray paint to respray their BBQ to make it look brand new but it also had a heat resistant element to it. It was actually made to spray engines. We had looked into replacing it for a new version that looked like real fire but we were looking at $7000. So we took the chance and loved the result. Especially for under $200! 

Fireplace makeover

Budget breakdown

We got most of our products from Bunnings
Shelving (We got 2 long lengths of timber and cut to desired size): $24
Masonary Kit (enables you to drill into brick): $7
L brackets x12: $36
Screws: $5
Skirt: $20
Quad: $20
Engine enamel (black spray paint) x3: $57
White spray paint for DIY mirror hack: $8
Parfix White Gap filler: $7
Sandpaper: $11
Total cost: $195

Favourite part?

Probably spraying the heater. We were so unsure of how it would turn out. Our living room turned into a scene from Dexter to prep the space! But it was a little bit of a thrill taking a chance on something we weren’t sure would workout. I had to close my eyes a little on the first few sprays!

You might also like:

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  • DIY
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Living Room Ideas
  • Lounge Room Ideas
Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Before and after: a gorgeous caravan transformation

Before and after: a gorgeous caravan transformation

Tara’s tiny laundry makeover

Tara’s tiny laundry makeover

Johanna and Charlie give a backyard a spring makeover

Johanna and Charlie give a backyard a spring makeover

Reader reno: A Scandi-style budget laundry makeover for $1300

Reader reno: A Scandi-style budget laundry makeover for $1300

{headline}

{headline}

How one mum made her son a cubby house bed for under $400

How one mum made her son a cubby house bed for under $400

How one mum created an enchanted garden for her daughter

How one mum created an enchanted garden for her daughter

Reader project: A $300 magic staircase makeover

Reader project: A $300 magic staircase makeover

{headline}

{headline}

Reader project: A Hamptons-style dining table makeover

Reader project: A Hamptons-style dining table makeover

Reader project: A simple cabinet makeover with striking results

Reader project: A simple cabinet makeover with striking results

Reader reno: A luxe bathroom facelift on a budget

Reader reno: A luxe bathroom facelift on a budget

Reader reno: A gorgeous $700 laundry makeover

Reader reno: A gorgeous $700 laundry makeover

5 tips for getting a fair price from a tradie

5 tips for getting a fair price from a tradie

How to transform a shipping container into a stunning holiday house

How to transform a shipping container into a stunning holiday house

21 different deck lighting ideas

21 different deck lighting ideas

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