Quick home updates you can do before the holidays

Get your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned

Carpets and upholstery act as magnets for dust, allergens, and bacteria which professional cleaning can remove (taking odours and dirt with them.)

Even the most vigilant and thorough of cleaning regimes can benefit from an occasional professional clean, which can offer many additional benefits. Look for a provider that offers a comprehensive deep cleaning process that goes beyond surface-level dirt removal to include sanitising and the application of protective treatments.

As well as looking and smelling great, professional cleaning helps maintain the integrity and prolong the lifespan of your carpets and upholstery – the removal of dirt and debris prevents premature wear and tear, extending their lifespan.

Find a cleaner

A fresh coat of paint

If a thorough sugar soaping doesn’t bring your walls back to their best, one of the most impactful and budget-friendly ways to revitalise your home is with a fresh coat of paint.

If you’re pulling out the paintbrushes, it’s also a great opportunity to change up the look of your space – go for a colour palette that resonates with your style and personality, whether it’s calming neutrals, vibrant hues, or trendy accent walls. Don’t forget the power of paint in transforming furniture – a newly painted side table or bookshelf can make a world of difference in the overall aesthetic.

If you’re considering hiring an interior painting professional, interior painters in Australia charge between $10 and $30 per square metre, depending on your location, their experience and other factors. – meaning you’re looking at $1000-$1500 for a few rooms in a small home, to $5000-$6000 for a large home with multiple rooms.

When you consider the cost of paint, tools and your time, investing in some expertise could well be worth the outlay to secure a professional, long wearing finish.

Install new curtains or blinds

Updating your window treatments can instantly change the vibe of a room – for example, give a more modern look by swapping out heavy drapes for sleek Romans, create a more Hamptons, beachy vibe with white shutters or create a cohesive look by adding timber Venetian blinds throughout your home if you have a mix of timber, carpeted or tiled flooring.

As well as creating a fresh look, curtains and blinds offer other benefits. The right window coverings can effectively reduce noise, block out the light, help with temperature control, or even help manage allergies – all of which can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Bring the outdoors in with greenery

A timeless design strategy, bringing the outdoors in by introducing plants and flowers into your living spaces not only adds a touch of nature but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not blessed with a green thumb. Well-chosen planters or hanging baskets can add a decorative element to your home. Before you go shopping, take a look at the space they’ll be living in for design cues to create a more cohesive look.

Bear in mind that different plants thrive (or conversely, struggle to survive) in different environments. If in doubt, chat to your nursery or garden centre experts about the room they will be living in – think about the range of temperature the room experiences, how much light they’ll have access to, and the size of the pot that will fit the space.

Update your handles

They may be small, but the impact cupboard and drawer handles and knobs can have on the look of a room can be mighty– and the great news is, switching them up is relatively inexpensive. From the bathroom to the kitchen, choosing the right handle can help update and modernise the overall look.

When it comes to making your selection, look for a finish that complements your existing colour scheme, whether it’s matte black for a contemporary look or brass for a touch of elegance.

While you’re shopping for handles, it’s a good opportunity to take a look at the internal door handles around the house – are they still in great shape, do you need new features (for example, privacy locks) or are they dating the look of your home?

New light fittings

Lighting is a crucial element in setting the tone of a room, and thanks to LED and smart tech advancement, the various options have come a long way in a short space of time.

There are many benefits of LED lighting, and from a style perspective, this eco-friendly alternative can be used to create subtle highlighting– think under-cabinet, strip lighting around mirrors or to light staircases or artwork, or take it outdoors and create patterns in your swimming pool or gazebo area. The addition of smart lighting functionality means being able to remotely switch lights on (great for when you’re coming home late!) or dim them throughout the day to help your body adjust for sleep.

Style wise, whether it’s a statement pendant light in the dining area, modern sconces in the hallway, or a chic chandelier in the bedroom, the right lighting can elevate the entire atmosphere of your home. Lamps are another great way to add style and functional lighting to your spaces. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices or not sure what you can DIY versus requires an electrician to install, a lighting designer can help.