Throw a splashback on it

Throw a splashback on it
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A DIY splashback is great for jazzing up a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room without breaking the bank. A tile splashback is an inexpensive way to add an expensive look. Try subway tile, which is an affordable option that doesn’t go out of style.

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Update window treatments

Update window treatments
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Those drab curtains have to go. Bring an instant update to a room with new window treatments – curtains, Roman shades or blinds. Or, if you have attractive window trim and privacy shades of some kind and you like the minimalist look, you can skip window treatments all together.

Add visual space with a mirror or two

Add visual space with a mirror or two
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Your eyes – and potential buyers’ eyes – will be tricked into thinking a space is larger than it actually is with some sneaky mirror placement. Large mirrors will reflect the room back, making it appear more spacious – even twice its actual size.

Get rid of something super old or ugly

Get rid of something super old or ugly
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If a dated light fixture or piece of furniture constantly makes you groan, get rid of it. The project doesn’t have to break the budget: drab wall colours can easily be painted, and outdated knobs and hardware can be inexpensively replaced. Even dated kitchen cabinets can be painted white and instantly brought out of the ’80s.

Use bookshelves for more than books

Use bookshelves for more than books
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Lines of books don’t have to look like a stuffy library. “Intersperse them with a few framed photos and interesting bookends,” says design expert Ana Cummings. “Make sure it is neat and tidy – that alone speaks volumes.”

Add a rug

Add a rug
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An area rug can transform and pull a room together. “Rugs help ground furniture groupings, define rooms and add more interest to an area,” Jillian says. You don’t have to pay a lot, but look for rugs that will last even with heavy foot traffic and in colours that complement the space.

Make walls shine

Make walls shine
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Lustrous wallpaper adds dimension to an otherwise flat area. Go for just a hint of shine with a semi-gloss or lustre sheen to keep it classy, not gaudy, says Reiner. “Stick to simple neutral or semi-neutral colours, but look for a paper with a hint of a shine the light can bounce off,” she says.

Stick to classic neutral walls

Stick to classic neutral walls
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When in doubt on paint colour, choose a classic neutral. Colours like beige, grey and yellow will always look fresh and on trend. What’s more, they pair well with everything. Limit bold accent colours to accessories and you’ll never have to repaint an entire room because a bright colour choice got to be too much.

Choose deep colours

Choose deep colours
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If neutral colours aren’t your thing, bold colours can scream ‘elegant’ with a bigger punch, says interior designer Douglas Graneto. “Deep hues with shiny finishes are the way to go,” he says. “For example, a deep navy wall with gold and purple contrast within the decor can exude a glamorous energy that for sure can feel luxurious.”

Don’t match finishes perfectly, coordinate them

Don’t match finishes perfectly, coordinate them
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Certain stains and finishes play well with others, but the vast majority do not. If you’re looking to match your floor to your cabinets, or your taps to your doorknobs, go for an exact match, or make a real contrast; aim for at least three shades darker or lighter. An almost match has the tendency to look cheap.

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