Paint the front door, layer the lighting: interior designers on affordable ways to update your home | Interiors

Refreshing your home doesn’t have to involve a Grand Designs-scale renovation which, predictably, always goes over time and over budget. Small, thoughtful changes can refine your design and transform a room’s atmosphere. Whether it’s introducing a table lamp or swapping out your light switches, these simple updates from experts can infuse new life into a tired space without breaking the bank.

Freshen up the front door

Never underestimate the difference a coat of paint can make to your home’s curb appeal. Changing the colour of your front door is one of the easiest ways to update and create a friendly welcome every time you come home. “I’d always work with the existing colours of your walls, roof windows and trims, but try to be bold for a dramatic makeover,” says NSW Central Coast interior designer James Treble. “For our front door I have [used a] gloss to really make a statement.” He created a Palm Springs-inspired shade of yellow for a paint company, quipping, “I named it Umina Springs!”

Update power points and light switches

Replacing tired or yellowing light switches and power points can instantly refresh your home and bring it bang up to date. “I’ve done this on multiple renos over the years, it’s like a budget facelift of the house,” says Treble. You can make easy updates with colour changes to existing power points at a good price: “You don’t need an electrician and at about $6.50 each, you can go crazy and update the whole home on a budget.” Always check the brand and style of your power points before purchasing new fitting skins.

Layer your lighting

Incorporating two or three different light sources in a room is a technique often used by interior designers to create a sense of depth and warmth. “Lamps can instantly change the mood of a room,” says Jenna Densten, a Rutherglen-based interior designer. She prefers a combination of floor and table lamps “to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere without requiring major changes”. Ambient or overhead lighting offers general illumination, while task lighting, such as bedside lamps and under-cabinet lights, focuses on specific areas. Use accent lights such as wall sconces and floor lamps to highlight artwork or architectural features, enhancing the overall appeal of the space.

Change your curtains

Swapping blinds for floor-length curtains not only softens a room but also creates an illusion of height, making ceilings appear taller and windows seem larger. This simple addition can elevate the overall feel of your space, adding comfort and character. “They’re a fantastic way to balance hard surfaces like timber or tile,” says Densten. Choose curtain rods that extend beyond the window frame; this technique not only makes your windows look larger but also allows more light to flood in when the curtains are drawn back. Make sure your curtains are hung at the right height – they should skim the floor or puddle slightly for a luxe look. Fabrics like linen or soft velvet can add visual interest to your space, while allowing for a beautiful balance of light and texture.

Streamline your dining room

“Incorporating a bench seat or banquette is one of my favourite space-saving solutions in a home”, says Sydney interior designer Jono Fleming. He notes that while some may find this addition impractical, “in small, hard to arrange rooms, it can really help with layout.”

This affordable option not only transforms your dining area but also allows you to save on chairs, as you only need two or three to complement the bench. For those feeling creative, a DIY project can elevate the look even further, adding a backrest with foam and quality fabric to make the seating feel more integrated. “It’s not for everyone nor is it for every space, but this is a great, easy way to bring that elevated restaurant-dining vibe to your home without a huge expense,” he adds.

Don’t forget to frame your artwork

“If you’ve ever bought a print and said to yourself, ‘I’ll frame this one day,’ this one’s for you,” says Fleming. Many of us have prints sitting unframed, or worse, Blu-Tacked to our walls. Creating an art wall showcases your style, and framing elevates it. While professional framing can be pricey, affordable options (such as Ikea and Freedom) require minimal effort.

Fleming advises against buying matchy-matchy frames; instead “play with different shapes, colours and tones of timber to give that lived-in eclectic feeling.”

“It’s worth it in the long run and will extend the longevity of your artwork.”