There’s no better time than the new year to freshen up your tired décor and give your home a facelift. But if your bank accounts are looking a bit sad after Christmas, don’t worry. Updating your house or apartment is easier and more affordable than you might think – all it takes is a bit of DIY. Here are a few easy tips for transforming your home into an exciting new living space.

1. Clean the house thoroughly

It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference a thorough clean can make. We’re not just talking about a light dusting and vacuum, though. You need to get rid of carpet stains, wash the curtains, clean all your furniture, and basically, scrub the house from top to bottom. That includes light fixtures and windows, as well as cleaning pillows, appliances and any accessories with good quality cleaning products. You’ll feel a lot better about your property when it’s clean, and it will give you the chance to get rid of anything you no longer need or use.

2. Paint the walls a new colour

Giving the walls a fresh lick of paint is a great way to spruce up your house or apartment. A simple can of paint and some reasonably priced painting equipment is all you need to give any room a new look. Best of all, you can be as bold or subtle as you like with your new colour choices. Soft hues tend to work best for an elegant look, or you can go for something more dramatic to suit your personality. It’s up to you as to what colours you choose, but always be sure to opt for shades that complement the style of your property and existing furnishings.

3. Put new handles on your cabinets

You don’t actually need to replace your cabinets to give your home a makeover. Most home improvement stores stock a wonderful selection of handles and drawer knobs, meaning you can save yourself hundreds of dollars on freshening up your units. If you can, steer clear of cheap looking handles and hunt for elegant pieces that look more expensive than they are. Antique shops are particularly great for discovering unique and sophisticated pieces at much more affordable prices. You’ll be amazed by the transformation just a few new hardware finishes can make.

4. Update light fixtures

Light fixtures come in all shapes and sizes, and they can really add that wow-factor to your rooms. If you want to keep things simple, change your existing lampshades and bulbs to soften or enhance the light in your space. For the high-end look without the fancy price tag, have a browse around some second-hand shops to find truly unique light fixtures. You can even customise your modern, antique and retro purchases by giving them a buffing or new lick of paint. Flea markets are brilliant too, and you might be lucky enough to spot a designer fixture. 

5. Refresh tired timber floors

There’s nothing more stunning than pristine timber floors throughout a home. If your timber floors look tired and worn out, give them a new shiny finish to really vamp up their overall beauty. You can hire floor sanding equipment at most home improvement shops, and they’ll also be happy to offer advice on the best ways to give your floors a makeover.

6. Change the window dressings

Window dressings are one of the most inexpensive ways to add some distinction to your space – and as a bonus, they also provide extra shade and privacy. You can buy new curtains in various materials and patterns from all good furnishings stores, and even from some chain stores. Just be sure to opt for lined draperies to block out unwanted light. Alternatively, you can change from curtains to blinds to completely transform your windows and make them appear more elegant.    

7. Hang new photos or pictures on the wall

Personalise your walls with some new photos of family and friends, or hang up your favourite works of art. You can invest in some wonderful picture frames in a variety of colours and materials that don’t cost the earth. The key here is to add just enough pictures to achieve that personal touch, but not so many that your walls feel cluttered. Mirrors work just as well for adding new life to your walls, and come in many budget-friendly options. You can even rotate or change your pieces every few months or until you find the right look for your space.   

Feel inspired? For more cheap and cheerful DIY tips from interior designers near you, browse Yellow Pages today.