10 simple ways to update your home in a weekend

Easter is almost here and the four-day break is the perfect time to tackle some simple projects that have the potential to make a big impact.

Bunnings merchandise manager Tracey Lefebure says the week leading up to and including Easter is traditionally a busy period for home improvements.

“Easter is one of our busiest times of year with lots of people using the long weekend to get jobs done around the home,” she says.

“Long weekends are a great time for people to get busy around the house or garden as they have some extra time up their sleeves to do so.

“Easter is especially convenient for home improvement projects not only because it’s an extra-long weekend and the weather is nice and mild, but also because it backs on to the Anzac Day public holiday.

“By taking a few days of annual leave in between weekends, many people may find themselves with a 10-day break to get those bigger jobs done.”

Try these 10 tasks to freshen up your style and add value to your home this long weekend.

• ONE

A four-day weekend is plenty of time to Kondo your clutter.

“Spring cleaning has always been a popular time to organise the home but sometimes it can be tricky to find the time towards the busier end of the year,” Tracey Lefebure says.

“Use the Easter long weekend to reorganise and clean up the home and even the garage. You can make a huge difference in the garage especially by grouping similar items together, creating specific areas for different things, and creating more space by stacking items and hanging them up.”

• TWO

Don’t underestimate the power of lighting.

Swapping out dated fixtures is guaranteed to transform a room’s look and feel.

“Be bold with a pendant light to add some drama,” Perth Style Co director Sara James suggests.

“Updating globes or your downlights can make a huge impact to the visuals of your space. Pay a visit to your favourite homewares or lighting store for some inspiration, and be sure to seek advice from an electrician if you’re unsure about what you can do.”

• THREE

Whether you’re an indoor-plant novice or your current greenery is in need of an update, a new crop of plants will have your home feeling fresh.

“Indoor plants are a great way to bring the outside in,” Sara James says.

“Trendy plants include bird of paradise, fiddle leaf fig, philodendron. Cacti or succulents are foolproof and last throughout all seasons. Hit the plant nursery this long weekend and pick out your favourites.”

• FOUR

Want to ensure your home makes a good first impression?

“Outdoor fences can be easily forgotten when the house updates begin but can make a big impact on street appeal,” Dulux’s Andrea Lucena-Orr says.

“Choose a colour that is either the same or complementary with your trims to give it a cohesive look and feel.”

For best results, she recommends starting by brushing and sanding the fence to remove any imperfections or peeling paint, then applying an anti-moss product to help combat mould.

• FIVE

Looking for a DIY project to sink your teeth into?

Try installing a wall panel system such as Carpet Court’s new Elevate range.

“Wooden wall panels can help elevate a room lacking atmosphere, as well as add a little formality to new and modern homes,” interior designer Darren Palmer — a Carpet Court ambassador and judge on The Block — says.

“The panels are perfect for ‘zoning’ open plan homes, such as reception areas like hallways and stairways; as well as living spaces like dining areas. For an understated approach, the panelling can add visual interest on the risers of a kitchen island bench, or act as a natural bedhead feature in a bedroom. Best of all, they can hide ... imperfections, such as uneven surfaces and are strong enough to hold your valued pictures and artwork.”

• SIX

The weather may be cooling but that doesn’t mean your outdoor area needs to be put into hibernation.

“A deck is a great way to extend your living area to the outdoors and is something you can build yourself, especially if you have some extra time on your hands,” Tracey Lefebure says.

“For renters who aren’t wanting to make any structural changes to the space, a prefabricated modular decking system is the perfect alternative to enhance your outdoor space.”

She also suggests using the weekend to get an outdoor living space winter-ready by buying a new outdoor setting, outdoor heating or fire pit.

• SEVEN

For a quick style fix, Sara James says new finishing touches can make a world of difference — starting with something that many people may overlook.

“Match your door handles throughout your home to add an instant modern flavour,” she says.

“Even consider the knobs on your bathroom cabinetry, kitchen handles and towel rails. Matte black and brass are super-hot right now, and brushed silver is a classic that always looks fresh.”

• EIGHT

They’re one of the single biggest — and hardest-working — elements of your property and if your floors are looking a little lacklustre, a sander, grinder or floor polisher can be a DIY MVP.

“Sanding and sealing timber floors or grinding concrete floors is a job that we often put off but it can give your home a whole new lease on life,” Jackson Clark, of Kennards Hire Cannington, says.

“The cooler months can also be tough on floors as more grit and dirt gets tracked in, which can in turn lead to damage to your surfaces.”

• NINE

Decor feeling dated? You don’t need to start from scratch to create a desirable new interior design.

“Collect and display some decorative items, and declutter your space of things that look and feel tired,” Sara James says.

“Start with funky artwork and the addition of a couple of fresh pieces such as cushions, floor rugs and decorative elements that fit your theme.”

• TEN

While a kitchen or bathroom reno may not be on the cards, Jackson Clark says updating these rooms can be as simple as replacing tired tiles.

“Tiling is a great cool-weather job that produces satisfying results for a day or two’s work,” he says.

“You can remove old tiles with a demolition hammer first. Light demolition hammers are perfect for wall tiles, or if it’s floor tiles you’re taking up, you can use a heavy hammer mounted on a trolley for easy manoeuvrability.

“If you need to level a concrete floor after removing tiles, a concrete grinder is the right tool for the job. It's also great if you have a painted concrete floor you'd like to strip.”