(Photography: Will Horner)
It’s easy to get into a design rut at home. Sure, you have the essentials, but who can really afford a full stylish upgrade right now – whether it be restyling a living room, bedroom or kitchen? We took on that challenge, giving ourselves a budget of $300 to make over each of those rooms.
The result? It’s quite amazing how much of a difference some easy DIY and affordable accessories can make. Keep reading to find budget room makeover ideas.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- We transformed three rooms: a bedroom, lounge room and kitchen, each for under $300
- We brought more colour, character and beauty to each space
- All the products we used are linked – just in case you want to re-create these spaces in your home!
1. Curating character in the lounge room
For this lounge room upgrade, we painted bold stripes on the walls with the help of careful measuring, painter’s tape and a spirit level. New curtains, cushions and a throw were added, all in cohesive green tones. We also added some flowersin a minimalist vase.
Spent: $294.89
Here’s what was used for this transformation:
- Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen paint in Rich Loam, $84.90/2L.
- Tibast curtains, $59.99 per pair, from IKEA.
- Drew abstract weave cushion, $59, from Early Settler.
- L’Avenue Sunvale cushion in fern, $29, from Harvey Norman.
- Anko ribbed smoke glass vase, $10, from Target.
- L’Avenue Lifestyle Collection Lyon throw in sage, $39, from Harvey Norman.
- Fresh flowers, $13, from Woolworths.
2. Fresh reset in the kitchen
A new colour scheme can lift everything. Fall in love with your kitchen again by adding your favourite colour to the walls and cabinets, and give your tiled splashback a facelift with easy-to-apply stick-on tiles. Don’t forget accents – cupboard handles can go a long way to elevate a space.
Spent: $285.50.
Here’s what was used for this transformation:
- Morcart stick-on tiles, 30x30cm, five-pack $29.95 (x2), from Amazon Australia.
- Pebble knobs in burgundy, $24 each (3), from Lo & Co Interiors.
- Porter’s Eggshell Finish paint in Explorer Blue, $76.80/1L (x2), from Porter’s Paints.
3. Luxe for less in the bedroom
Here we’ve taken our neutral bedroom base and added a floral feature wall with affordable textured wallpaper, DIY art and warm acccents in curtains, a pendant lamp, cushions and throw. The personality has changed from dull to full of character and charm
Spent: $293.99
Here’s what was used for this transformation:
- Silverlönn sheer curtains, $29.99 per pair, from IKEA.
- Cecilia wallpaper, $90 per roll (x2), from Wallpaper Direct (how much wallpaper you need depends on the room’s size).
- Sinnerlig pendant lamp, 27cm, $49, from IKEA.
- Lagerpoppel cushion covers, $5 each, from IKEA.
- Issy chenille throw in cumin, $25, from Target.
- DIY artwork, free.
Watch our DIY frame tutorial
