Renovating 101: How to Get a Luxe Look for Less

Arguably, one of the biggest challenges renovators face is trying to achieve a lavish look while getting the most out of your budget. The key to making your dream home renovation a reality when working on a tight budget is knowing where to spend and where to save.

“There are many ways that DIYers — whether novices or pros — can capitalize on any sized budget and inject a little luxury to their homes,” says Beaumont Tiles Design Specialist, Christie Wood. “It’s all about being strategic with your choices to create that ‘no expense spared’ feeling minus the associated price tag.”

Read on for some clever tips to help you transform your home into a luxurious space, without breaking the bank.

Skip DIY disasters.

Renovation shows make it look easy, but for most of us, DIY results in messy, unfinished jobs. Instead, save time (and in many cases money), and find the right professional for the job the first-time around.

Hang new doors.

Updating internal doors and door handles makes a huge difference to the overall feel of a house. Invest in solid hardwood, or consider solid-core doors, which offer the same insulation properties as hardwood, but at a lower price point. Glass or metal doors can also be a cost effective solution if they suit the style of your home. Hanging doors is a job for the professionals, so call in your local carpenter. A good way to find trade workers in your area is to check out sites like Angie’s List.

Go faux for less.

Look-alike materials like vinyl, laminate, and bamboo flooring boast all the appeal of natural timber but at a far cheaper cost. Durable and hard-wearing, they can also be laid in one day.

Embrace industrial style.

Rather than pay thousands to conceal the bones of your home, give it an industrial feel by leaving timber beams, brick walls, and pipework exposed. Talk to a builder.

Add wow with wallpaper.

Statement wallpaper is an easy way to create a luxurious look without spending a fortune. Ideal in a guest bedroom, kid’s room, or ensuite bathroom, wallpaper will inject personality and style into any space. Be bold! Paper the whole room and hire a professional wallpaper person for a seamless result.

Engineer your countertops.

Engineered stone now comes in realistic marble- and granite-look finishes, but without the price tag or problems associated with natural stone (hello, stains). Laminate is another lower cost option that looks great.

Be smart with tiles.

If you’re updating a bathroom, balance your budget by choosing lower-cost tiles for the largest surfaces (usually the walls) and spend more on your floor tiles.

“Knowing what to splurge on and where will do wonders for your budget (and your home!). For the bathroom or kitchen, pair back styling by selecting one luxury feature. This will not only create a gorgeous focal point for your space, but it will also lift the entire feel of the room,” says Christie.

“Hexagons and penny rounds come in an array of shades and create a dramatic impact to any space. They’re easy to lay as they generally come on a meshed backing, making them perfect for DIY projects.”

“Subway tiles are another way to achieve a luxe look for less. The key is to use them in an unexpected way like laying them in herringbone or on an angle. For those who are daring, pair them with a colored grout like navy blue — perfect for a coastal chic or a global fusion inspired project,” says Christie.

Update your tapware.

Often called the “jewelry” of a bathroom or kitchen, new tapware is an instant space-change. Try swapping classic chrome for black, rose gold, or copper. A qualified plumber makes installation a cinch.

Light the way.

Nothing adds ambience to a room quite like lighting. Table and floor lamps turn a large, open-plan space into an intimate zone, while swapping old oyster fittings for downlights instantly updates a living space. Go with LED lighting for energy-efficiency, and choose the warm light for living areas. Your local electrician can help.