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The prospect of a mini home transformation is enticingly close! Seize the opportunity of a long weekend to revamp some of your home’s more uninspiring areas. With as little as a tin of paint, a set of stylish drawer handles or a new lampshade, you can change a space from ‘worn out’ to ‘wow’ in a matter of hours.
Painting projects are ideal long-weekend tasks that give maximum impact. For an instant infusion of drama in smaller areas, try embracing the colour-drenching trend, suggests interior designer Charlotte Minty. “This means painting everything the same colour, including skirting boards, walls and woodwork,” she explains.
Painting the front door can also provide fresh street appeal. “The colour could be influenced by the architecture of your home, its surrounding garden or the interior,” says Charlotte. Giving the door its very own colour also helps create an identity for your home, she says.
Dated furniture can be revived with a punchy coat of colour. “Also, painting the back of a bookshelf or a vintage sideboard or cupboard with detailing will draw the eye better than before,” suggests Charlotte.
On a smaller scale, painting a picture frame, a little nook or interior doors are all doable projects over the weekend. “If you don’t want to paint the whole door, you can add a bright shot of colour on the edges, which produces a nice surprise when it is open,” says Charlotte. Equally, painting a faux headboard can breathe new life into the bedroom.
Soft furnishings add texture and can immediately make a space feel more homely. Introducing a rug, for example, provides welcome insulation and also grounds furniture visually, says Charlotte. “With rugs, bigger is best – at the minimum, the front legs of your furniture should be sitting on it,” she says. “Consider colour and texture to tie in or contrast with existing furnishings.”
For windows, try enhancing existing curtains and blinds by adding trims or using fabric paint. Or, if you want to put up new curtains, Charlotte suggests choosing a fabric with texture that will create interest and make a room feel cosier and more layered in cooler months.
Upgrading handles is an easy, cost-effective way to revitalise a kitchen or bathroom, says Kaboodle Kitchen’s Giorgia Manenti. Consider sleek designs in matt black or brushed brass for a modern vibe, or look at brushed nickel, chrome or stainless steel for a traditional look. “It’s important to consider the style of your kitchen and its colour palette,” says Giorgia. “And choose handles that match the surface area of the ones you’re replacing, to prevent revealing holes in the cabinetry from previous handles.”
Swapping out a dated light fitting can be a simple D.I.Y. job that can make a huge style difference. “Shades can be changed on floor lamps, table lamps and sconces,” says Charlotte. “You can use colours and patterns that will bring warmth to the spaces during the cooler season.” Other possible long-weekend updates include swapping out the faceplates on switches and sockets, especially if they are broken or discoloured. Always call on the services of a licensed electrician if any wiring is required.
Shelving offers both practical advantages and significant design benefits. Jessica Haslem of Flexi Storage says this allows you to create visually captivating spaces. “By selecting shelves that align with your decorative vision, you can complete a space with a more homely feel, making it inviting and personalised.” Shelves are a great way to display books, artwork or decorative pieces – and even plants – helping to create a focal point that adds character.
Open shelving can work well as a room divider. “Strategically placed shelving can delineate different areas within a room, providing a sense of structure without sacrificing an open feel,” Jessica says.
From tropical designs to floral and tiled looks, wallpaper can have a dramatic impact. Bedrooms and powder rooms can easily be revamped with it over the course of a long weekend. Key to making this work is having the right tools and putting in the prep work. To achieve a quicker, cleaner transformation, stylist Paula Taylor at Graham & Brown advises, “Opt for paste-the-wall wallpaper, especially in smaller spaces.”
Use the weekend to tackle a tech upgrade. There are now plenty of affordable and sophisticated D.I.Y. security systems you can install yourself. Battery or solar cameras with motion-activated spotlights, wireless functionality, night vision, movement sensors and alarms can be installed in hours. Many also offer live video access via an app. If you want to up the ante, video doorbells are also an easy self-install.
Introduce some pattern to your walls with this guide to hanging wallpaper.
Photo Credit: Dulux Australia/Lisa Cohen, British Paints, John Downs, Kaboodle Kitchen, Brigid Arnott
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
