Home makeovers on a budget

Sometimes homeowners yearn for a fresh interior look but the budget doesn’t allow for a major overhaul. If your home needs a facelift but you’re low on funds, here are some affordable ways to give your living space a makeover.

1. Update your window treatments. Pick out new curtains in a pattern you love or opt for shades or blinds that complement the style of your home. Curtain fabrics and blinds vary enormously in price but by shopping wisely at stores such as

The Warehouse, Spotlight and more, it’s possible to source ready-made curtains or fabrics extremely reasonably. 2. Refinish your cabinets. Wood cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere can be stripped, sanded and stained or painted to give a fresh appearance. Swap out knobs and handles to further change their look or, perhaps the budget will stretch to new doors if the inner shelving is still in good order. This is less expensive than installing a whole new kitchen. 3. Paint and re-caulk the bathroom. Fresh paint goes a long way to brightening a room but so does applying caulking in the space around the tub and between the toilet and floor. It’s a small detail which can make a big difference. If the bath has yellowed, but there is no budget for a new one, ask about re-surfacing the old one. 4. Redo the flooring. There are budgetfriendly flooring options including vinyl, carpet, laminate and even tiles. Look for sale days. Unlike timber and stone, these products can be fairly easy to install on your own if you are handy when it comes to DIY jobs. 5. Replace light fixtures. Look for affordable but timeless fixtures or consider investing in a statement piece for your front entrance Don’t be afraid to check out pre-loved items in op shops and second hand stores. These days most such stores have many quality items, some not even out of the original purchase box.

or living room. You can find the materials you need at hardware, lighting and home decor stores. It’s amazing how a new light can change the look of a room.

6. Swap out worn cushions and throws for

new ones. Regardless of your main colour scheme you are bound to find cushions in a new shade or pattern which will still tie in with your overall scheme yet will succeed in giving the room a new look.

7. Don’t be afraid to check out pre-loved

items in op shops and second hand stores. These days most such stores have many quality items, some not even out of the original purchase box. You’ll be surprised what ‘treasures’ can be found to effect an attractive but low budget interior upgrade.

CARPETLAND

Established 1981

CARPETLAND HOWICK

PH 09 534 4000 EMAIL info@carpetland.co.nz HOURS Mon-Fri 8.30-5, Sat 9am-1pm WEBSITE carpetland.co.nz Visit our showroom located 121 Vincent Street, Howick

EAST AUCKLAND’S ORIGINAL FLOORING PROVIDER

Your local specialists in the supply and installation of carpet, vinyl, laminate and timber flooring.