If you are looking for renovation ideas for your next project, you’ve come to the right place.
From Queenslander renovations to budget apartment makeovers, we’ve curated a selection of dramatic renovation stories to get your creative juices flowing.
We all love before-and-after shots, and the photos below are sure to impress.
In these case studies you will also find a wealth of useful advice from those who have been-there-done-that.
Renovating is hugely rewarding, but it can also be stressful and draining. Reading stories from those who have undertaken a renovation can help you avoid common mistakes and even save you time and money.
Read the renovation stories below for advice, design ideas, money-saving tips, and inspiration.
An old house renovation
This four-bedroom Queenslander home in Brisbane was given a full makeover. The 1916 beauty was brought into the modern world while staying true to its origins.
Verandahs
Verandahs are the heart and soul of Queenslanders, and this family did an outstanding job bringing this tired outdoor space back to life. The verandah was painted in a classic black and white scheme and furnished with a vintage bamboo lounge setting and vintage chest. The result is a chic, comfortable and functional outdoor space that is ideal for year-round entertaining.
Kitchen, living room and dining area
Several internal walls were removed to create an open-plan feel and improve natural lighting. The original carpets and sheeting were stripped off to reveal beautiful timber floors and vertical joinery which were beautifully incorporated into the modern design.
Decor
The owners cleverly chose a predominantly grey and white palette throughout the home, which fits perfectly with the romantic feel of a Queenslander. They used vibrant furnishings and decor to add personality and pops of colour.
Embarking on an old home renovation? You can read our article with tips on how to successfully renovate a Queenslander
Quick apartment renovation on a budget
Looking for renovation ideas that won’t break the bank?
This 2-bedroom apartment was renovated in just 3 days. Fresh paint, new laminate flooring and modernised fittings gave this kitchen a fresh look on a budget.
If you are an apartment owner looking to renovate, remember that apartment renovations are restricted by strata by-laws. You can read this article for more about apartment renovations, including tips on how to get the right permissions to get started.
DIY flatpack kitchen renovation
Another house renovation idea for the budget conscious is to explore the world of flatpack cabinetry. These investment property owners fully updated their rental kitchen for only $5,272. The result is impressive and it will certainly make the property more attractive to potential tenants.
Bathroom renovation
Renovating the bathroom can make a huge improvement to the liveability of a home. Statement tiles and custom joinery transformed this Adelaide bathroom into a bright, modern and functional space.
DYI house renovation on a budget
This home in South Australia was given a full makeover (including adding 2 bedrooms, a renovated kitchen, and new bathroom) for about $70,000.
This was possible because the owner did most of the work himself – and he isn’t even a tradie! His tip for a budget renovation is to watch tutorials on YouTube, look online for bargains and go to stores such as Bunnings for flatpack cabinetry.
Renovating to sell
These homeowners renovated this property in Wollongong with the intention of making a profit. Their goal was successful: they bought the home for $319,000 and sold it for $525,000
One of the key areas of focus was to give the home plenty of outdoor entertaining space. This is a key selling point – Australians love outdoor living and will pay more for properties with good indoor/outdoor flow.
They also added an extra bedroom by renovating a once dark storage space.
One of their biggest tips for those renovating to re-sell at a profit is to talk to their real estate agent. In their case, the agent advised that they shouldn’t invest in renovating their kitchen as it wouldn’t add value
Laundry renovation
A lot of people forget about the laundry when planning a renovation. You should allocate some of your renovation budget to this room, since it is one that you are most likely going to use every day.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot: as this case study shows, a few improvements can create a functional and comfortable laundry.
Backyard renovation
This lovely backyard renovation is simple but effective. It is a fantastic example of how small changes can make a huge difference.
New furniture, colourful accessories and a touch of greenery gave this dull outdoor space a new breath of life. We love the addition of a firepit!
