A top architect has shared five inexpensive improvements you can make without renovating that will renew the style of your home.
Georgina Wilson, who runs her own business in Sydney, said there are small changes style enthusiasts can make to their home that won’t cost a lot of money but will take their space to the next level.
She said refinishing the bathroom’s grout will make it feel brand new again and changing kitchen cabinets can not only change the color of the room but also solve minor problems without replacing the joinery.
Georgina also recommended replacing old light fixtures, getting rid of ‘tangled’ curtains and covering outdated worktops with granite veneer.
In a videothe architect revealed her ‘five low-cost, high-impact cakes, for when you’re not quite ready for a full renovation but you need something to get by’.
Sydney architect Georgina Wilson (pictured) shared the five low-cost, high-impact changes people can make to their homes to refresh their space without breaking the bank
First, she said that applying new grout to bathroom tiles can cost a few hundred dollars and have such a “dramatic effect” that it feels like a new space.
Georgina said the tricks are perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much on something they plan to knock down for renovation in the future, but want to give their home ‘some TLC’.
First, she said that applying new grout to bathroom tiles can cost a few hundred dollars and have such a “dramatic effect” that it feels like a new space.
Secondly, Georgina recommended replacing the kitchen cabinet fronts.
“This can be aesthetically and functionally transformative,” she said.
‘Not only will this update the color of your kitchen, but it will also solve problems such as hanging hinges, water damage and doors that swing the wrong way, without having to renew all your joinery.’
Secondly, Georgina recommended replacing the kitchen cabinet fronts. “This can be aesthetically and functionally transformative,” she said
Another easy change homeowners can make is replacing ‘old and disheveled’ curtains with clean, fresh curtains. Georgina added that curtains should always reach the floor
Another easy change people can make to their home is replacing their old curtains.
“Removing old, disheveled and dusty window treatments and replacing them with clean, fresh curtains is an easy win,” Georgina said.
“Make sure the curtain goes all the way to the floor.”
Georgina said she cannot overstate the impact that updating lighting features, such as new pendants, wall sconces or lampshades on existing fixtures, has in a home.
‘Number five granite veneer worktops: they are thin 7mm sheets that are fitted over your existing worktops with seamless joints,’ explains Georgina.
‘Number five granite veneer worktops: they are thin 7mm sheets that are fitted over your existing worktops with seamless joints,’ explains Georgina
“When installed, it looks like a solid piece of granite. It creates a new clean, durable work surface that feels substantial and looks great.”
Many home design enthusiasts were grateful for Georgina’s ‘great advice’ and some shared their own cheap hacks that can brighten up a space.
‘Replaced all old appliances and cover plates. New screwless outlets and switches are cheap, but they brighten up the space and provide an extra clean look and feel,” one viewer suggested.
‘And also new sealing around the laundry area in the kitchen and bathroom. It made my very tired and grimy silicone caulk feel fresh by replacing it,” another explained and a third agreed: “You forgot to reapply seals in bathrooms and kitchen; I do the auction preparations and this is always number one.’
“Taps are also a good idea,” someone else adds.