Ideally, your home is everything sparkly and new.

Realistically? It’s also where the dog hair accumulates, and crayoned walls are the only artwork left – the typical signs of everyday life. But just because your home is lived in, doesn’t mean it has to look lived in. You can restore your scratched flooring and give your walls new life without breaking the bank. 

Ready to take your Melbourne abode from humdrum to haute couture? We have just some cool ideas for you.

1. Take Care of Your Flooring

Nothing screams “dated” more than chipped and scratched flooring. If you have little explorers in the family, accidents WILL happen – which is okay. What’s not okay is leaving that floor uncared for.

If you’re in a rented apartment, you’re likely dealing with an edge-to-edge carpeted floor. Aussies love the insulation and soft under-feet feel of carpets.

Do you know what else loves carpets? Stains! From ketchup squirts to coffee spills – carpet stains are unavoidable.

But you can’t let them become the highlight of your next big family gathering. Can you? So, hire professional carpet cleaners to help you get rid of them. If you plan to move out in a few months, look for the end of lease carpet cleaning services in your area. Perfect for killing two birds with one stone!

2. Bring in Some Plants:

You live in a city with Australia’s best parks and gardens. And with the abundance of stunning foliage everywhere, you’d want to bring some into your space. Please don’t resist the urge!

Plants are the ultimate multitaskers – they purify the air, give off that bright “fresh home” vibe, and are stunning.

Which plants do I get? Where do I place them?

Those are genuine concerns. Because no matter how many plants you fill in, if they aren’t the right ones in the right spots, they won’t do your ambiance any good.

So, get a gorgeous Monstera for the living room corner and a few fiddle leaf figs for the entrance. Also, some Golden Cane palms for the balcony and an aloe vera plant for the reading nook.

3. Update Your Lighting Fixtures:

Did you think you could get away with those dim flickering lights in the hallway? Not really. Outdated lighting fixtures can suck the life of even the most vibrant rooms.

And if you’re depending on ceiling lights for all the rooms, you’re doing it wrong. Lighting has the power to add oomph in the dullest of spaces. Use it well.

So, don’t settle for anything less stellar than layered lights.

Get some modernly-chic lighting fixtures to bring a sense of timelessness and drama to your place. Add a chandelier (not too fancy) in your living room. Focus on the task lighting in the kitchen area – above the sink and on the countertop. Put up some solar-powered string lights for your balcony and terrace.

4. Bring in New Accents:

Accents – the creative elements of your home. They’ll force a “wow” out of anyone.

Think of a warmly-hued throw blanket for your couch, a cozy ottoman in the corner of the room, or a wicker basket to keep random things away.

These inexpensive options can spruce up any space in a jiffy! Not to mention, these accents also offer a hint of your personality.

So, do what best reflects you. Add framed art wall hangings to create an interesting focal point in the living room. Hang a few bespoke mirrors in different shapes to add a touch of whimsy. Or, simply change your 90’s monotone upholstery to something more vivid and lively. 

The key is to keep the accents strong but minimal. You don’t want the space to feel cluttered.

5. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint:

Let’s talk about the simple adjustments with big impacts. And that’s a fresh coat of paint.

Painting your walls is like giving your home a personality transplant. Suddenly, it’s got a whole new vibe, and everyone’s noticing! A fresh coat of paint will cover up the scuffs and marks (if done right). So, grab a roller and get to work.

What colors should I choose? Is all-white still a thing?

You can’t just randomly pick out any shade when choosing a wall color. You need to make sure it goes with the vibe of your home.

Lighter shades like white, beige, blush pink, and off-white will help add brightness to the room. In contrast, darker colors like navy blue, charcoal grey, and olive green will ooze sophistication.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always experiment with ombre walls and moody wallpapers.

If you want your paint to stay longer, look for high-quality paints with added protection against mold and mildew, especially for the bathroom and kitchen.

6. Declutter and Organize:

Remove the Legos from the floor, tuck your bed linen back in the closet, and throw away all those empty boxes in the corner forever.

It’s time to say goodbye to clutter and chaos if you want to freshen up your home like a pro. Clutter looks, well, cluttery. And it upsets the balance.

Trust us; it makes you feel anxious and unrested.

So, organize your stuff into neat categories – group all the kitchen items, display books and magazines on shelves, and separate clothes according to color. It will make your home look much like a home and give you an idea of what’s missing.

The best way to go about it is to start small. Sort your drawers before you move on to the cluttered corner of the garage. Use baskets, trays, and boxes to keep things in order.

7. Reorganize your Furniture

Who said you always have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to revamp your home? Sometimes, all it takes is some muscle strength to slide your furniture around.

You can totally do it yourself; no hired help is required!

Change the layout to make it more open and inviting. For example, bring the coffee table in front of the couch to create a cozy sitting area. Or move your bookshelf to the wall adjacent to your bed for easy access. If you have a big living room, divide it into different sections to create multiple purposeful spots.

Bring home a sectional for a cozy family chat or maybe an area rug to create a separate sitting space. Don’t fall for it if someone tells you to “keep the symmetry” – your home should be a reflection of you, not an interior design magazine.

Final Thoughts

Say goodbye to all things rusty and dusty with the above-mentioned tips and tricks. We hope you’ll be able to push the refresh button and give your Melbourne home the much-needed facelift.

Remember, transformations don’t have to be expensive. Just a few minor changes can make a big difference. All you need is a vision, determination, and a bit of creativity!

Okay, maybe some professional help too. In case you need it.

Good luck!