Five do-it-in-a-day renovation projects

Reality renovation shows are all the rage but in ‘actual’ reality fewer Australians are renovating — or intend to do so — since four years ago.

Roy Morgan Research revealed Australians are becoming lazy when it comes to picking up a paint brush, with the amount of Aussies aged 14 years or older who have “improved their home within the past year” dropping steadily since 2010.

But there are some renovation projects that don’t require the spend – or the effort – that goes into these major television renovation programs.

Hang new curtains

Roy Morgan Research found that 16 percent of Australians redecorated or refurbished items such as curtains or carpet over the last 12 months.

If your living room’s in need of some colour, consider adding vibrancy with new curtains in shades like cobalt or deep amythest. Alternatively, you might opt for a more neutral vibe, with cream, tan or navy curtains throughout. 

Sand your deck

If you’ve got an outdoor deck that’s looking a little drab, consider sanding it then applying an oil stain to revive it.

Consider borrowing rather than buying a commercial sander to keep your credit card balance in check, following the directions carefully to get an even finish.

Alternatively, ditch the sanding process if necessary and simply wash the deck before applying a wood stain of your choice. Not only will this protect the wood, but it will also add colour, making your outdoor space look fantastic. 

Create a luxury bedroom

Finally, who doesn’t love the idea of a luxurious bedroom space?

You can turn your bedroom into a divine space within a day. Paint a feature wall in the morning — pick a soothing shade like taupe or cerulean — and keep the remaining walls traditional white or cream. While the paint’s drying, pick up some crisp, white waffle bed sheets and plush pillows. 

You might like to hang new curtains or blinds in the space and replace the light bulbs to ensure a warm glow throughout the room.

Replace your taps

Shiny tapware can make all the difference in your home.

From the kitchen to the bathroom and ensuite, it’s well worth spending the day replacing old with new to ensure your home looks modern and tidy. While you can do this yourself, if you’re uncertain, contact a plumber.

Paint the spare room

If you’ve got a spare room or rarely used home office, consider picking up some paint and giving the space a facelift.

You’ll need a pail of paint – think off-white or slate if you’re after classic sophistication – as well as rollers, a paint tray and a drop cloth to protect the floor. It’s worth picking up a roll of builder’s tape too, which will protect skirting boards and crown moulding. 

Once you’ve set the area up, pour the paint into the paint tray. Bring the roller through the paint, then get rid of any excess by dragging the roller across the ribbed area of the tray. Paint one entire wall before moving onto the next, and make sure your drop cloth is in place to catch any spills.

Not all renovation projects have to be hard-core make-overs. Sometimes it’s the little things that have the biggest impact. So get creative and enjoy working at your own pace.

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