Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts

Sunday, 15 November 2015

Renovating your kitchen on a budget

Renovating your kitchen on a budget


The kitchen is usually at the top of the list when you start renovating. However it can be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate. If you're on a budget, there are lots of simple things you can do to refresh and renovate the space.

Here are our top six tips for renovating your kitchen on a budget.

1. You don't need to replace everything in the kitchen for it to appear new and fresh. You can use the current cupboards and drawers and replace the bench tops, cupboard fronts and handles. If you like the cupboard doors, then try painting them in a different colour. This will instantly transform your kitchen for minimal cost.

2. If your kitchen is small, consider using bench-level windows. These will instantly make your small kitchen feel much larger. For windowless walls, try to use as much vertical storage as possible and remember to keep it light and bright' when you're renovating.

4. Choosing the right colours can have a big impact. Gloss finishes on benches and cabinets are ideal because of their reflective properties and give the illusion of light and space.

5. If you have polished timber floors include a brushed aluminum kickboard for a floating effect. This will also make the space feel a lot bigger.

6. Choose your kitchen appliances before you start designing your space because you may find that the new design doesn't work. Design around your appliances so the style you decide to go with is carried throughout. Buying new appliances for your kitchen can also lift the space.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to give your kitchen a fresh new look and to make it a really inviting space that your family will love.

Reproduced with permission from Century 21 Life @ Home



Sunday, 29 March 2015

Decorate your home on a budget - up date by up-cycling

Decorate your home on a budget - up date by up-cycling

When money is scarce, it is time to be more resourceful and creative. Updating your home interior need not be expensive - re-purposing objects in the home, displaying found objects or even adding a feature wall can breath new life to your home.



Here are some affordable ideas to injecting some new style to your home without breaking the bank!



  • Vintage tea chests and crates (left) can become a personalised storage system with industrial-style character. Arrange heavier chests at the bottom for better balance. The entire display is held together with red, ratchet tie-downs.
  • Fresh paint brightens anything, so salvage a seat with a new hue. Remember to spray-paint in a well-ventilated room and apply from a good distance, to avoid patchiness.
  • Collect mismatching door handles to use as decorative coat hooks. It's a good idea to select handles with a similar size and shape, to balance the overall look.
  • Open your mind to possibilities: frames don't just have to hold artworks, they can display almost anything you like. Particularly effective are pieces collected on traveling.
  • A patterned panel will add glamour and the impression of an elongated space - a more affordable change than a renovation! You could use a panel of wall stickers or wallpaper to create the panel.
  • Don't banish your kitchen paraphernalia to the back of the cupboard - a painted peg board allows your pots and pans to be out and proud. Ensure you hang your board on a frame away from the wall and use stainless steel S-hooks.