Five £500 Home Makeover Tips..

Spring and summer are popular seasons a home makeover, and after a year of lockdowns, many of us are yearning to spruce up our homes! However, DIY projects can easily become overwhelming with an ever-rising task list and snowballing expenditure, even with the best intentions. 

At Parry’s, we believe that great interior design does not require a hefty price tag. We are here to help with some simple, affordable, and effective home makeover tips that promise to transform a room and give guaranteed results that make you smile!  

Five Room Design Tips For Less Than £500

Front Door

The front door is vital when it comes to first impressions. Brighten up the entrance to your house with these design ideas:

• A lick of paint is a simple way to refresh the door itself or the entryway, and while the weather’s warm, it’s the perfect time to get this done. 
• New door furniture in a striking metallic shade can add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
• Hanging baskets and potted plants by the porch will add a splash of colour and create an inviting, nature-inspired vibe.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a stylish space to cook, eat, and socialise is important. Luckily, you do not need a brand new fitted kitchen to give this room a revamp:  

• A bright splashback and range of over counter tiles will transform the space entirely.
• Give the appearance of a new kitchen by replacing cupboard door handles or painting the units an on-trend colour.
• Replace tired, worn countertops with butcher block surfacing. This contemporary finish has gained popularity over recent years.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are frequently the last room in a new house to be updated due to the complexity of plumbing and the mess of gutting before refitting. With these simple tips, you can brighten up your bathroom effectively and affordably:

• A new over bath shower and screen adds a contemporary sparkle and reflects light. 
• A luminous over sink mirror will create an illusion of space and give a luxurious impression with the addition of an in-built de-mister.
• Replacing the flooring can be a costly mission, so we highly recommend researching high-quality lino tiles. Their rising popularity is down to the impressive range of designs and easy to fit but hard-wearing nature. 

Living Room

The living room is used for a multitude of purposes and is one of the easiest spaces to alter aesthetically. This is probably one of the areas you will spend the most time in, so it’s essential this room is relaxing, comfortable, and welcoming. A touch of decadence doesn’t go amiss here either:

• If the walls are neutral, choose a new colour palette through vibrant decorative accents and accessories. A room can be entirely transformed by adding new soft furnishings, curtains, and a rug. 
• Create a new feature wall by hanging striking wallpaper, repainting the fireplace, or installing stylish open storage.  
• Splash out on a painting or antique furniture you would normally talk yourself out of as too expensive. Large dramatic wall art or feature furniture that creates a central focal point makes for a dynamic, chic space. 

Garden

This outdoor room can be a daunting space to change, but fear not! There is no need to dig up the turf or level the patio to make impressive alterations to your outside space:

• Invest in colourful, multi-season, flowering plants such as winter geraniums, pansies, or perennials to brighten up your garden all year round.
• Transform your dining area with a sophisticated rattan lounge set and chiminea. These one-off investments will create a cosy, inviting space for friends to relax, share food, and stay warm outdoors when the sun goes down.
• Go wild with accessories! Eco-friendly washable outdoor rugs, funky tableware, solar-powered fairy lights, and garden ornaments all add a finishing touch that makes your space your own. 

Top Tips to Stay on Budget

• Research, research, research! Compare prices online and scout out at second-hand stores and clearance sections before you make your final choices. You may find a few choice items you can upcycle too.
• Ensure you plan out your costs before you start, including those bits and bobs it’s easy to overlook, such as screws, filler, sandpaper, and masking tape.
• Add in a 10% contingency allowance in case you go over budget.
• Before purchasing new tools, check to see if friends or neighbours have any you can borrow. 
• For the jobs that need professional help, do not be afraid to discuss options and set out your budget prior to their quote. Often simple suggestions from a workman can help keep a project on budget. 

The key to renovating on a budget without compromising on design is planning and researching the entire project effectively. What changes would you make to your home with £500?