Photography: Armelle Habib
While planning my home renovation, it dawned on me pretty quickly that my budget wouldn’t stretch to include all of the items I had on my wishlist. Not wanting to give up on my design vision, I looked far and wide for affordable dupes of the expensive items I originally wanted.
I soon discovered a world of new, innovative materials and clever design solutions that helped me achieve the look for less. Now, I’m sharing my tips with you so you can also create a high-end look for your home without blowing your renovation budget.
1. Sourced furniture inspired by icons
Designer furniture can set you back, and not just on a recliner. Whether it’s a chair, a couch or a dining table, a statement piece can make a room, but it doesn’t need to cost you an arm or a (chair) leg. Many brands now offer ranges inspired by iconic designer pieces.
If you’re clever, you can sometimes find affordable options that are just as durable as their pricier counterparts. Head to dupe.com and paste in the URL of a product you love. You can also use Google reverse image search to find similar-looking items that might be more within your spending appetite!
2. Explored hard wood flooring alternatives
Wooden floorboards are indisputably classic, but they do come with a larger price tag and ongoing maintenance. Modern versions of engineered timber and vinyl planks can offer the same timeless aesthetic at a fraction of the price.
Engineered timber features a top layer of real wood over a stable core, giving the look of solid flooring while being more resistant to warping. Modern hybrid options, such as the Abode Collection from Choices Flooring, convincingly mimic the texture and grain of timber, with the durability of vinyl and laminate. The colour range is extensive, from Classic Blackbutt through to Brushed European Oak.
3. Embraced DIY stained glass
Stained-glass windows can do wonders to elevate your home, but unless it’s an original feature, adding coloured glass can come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for an alternative, did you know there are a variety of stick-on film options that replicate the look of stained glass?
Cost effective, and often easy to install and remove, they’re a great way to add vibrant colour and decorative effect without the cost of custom glasswork.
4. Prioritised durability
Whether it’s for a fence, roofing, or even cladding, steel is a great building material to consider for initial affordability and longevity. It’s also a quick way to dramatically change the overall appearance of a building.
For the roof, a steel option such as Colorbond or Zincalume is more budget-friendly and faster to install than many tile choices, and may require less structural support.
Steel is also resistant to extreme weather conditions, rust and corrosion, and doesn’t need the same regular replacement that tiles do.
5. Selected porcelain instead of marble
Swathes of dreamy Calacatta or Carrara marble – or any marble really! – certainly make an impact, but now modern technology has developed porcelain look-alikes that are very close to the real thing. These porcelain dupes often come in multiple sizes, from small tiles to large format, think 1.2 metres.
Not only are they more affordable, but when used in a bathroom or kitchen, porcelain is much easier to clean and maintain, and more resistant to stains and scratching.
5. Focussed on finishing touches
Sometimes the smallest features can make a world of difference.
Lighting
From light switches to door handles and dresser knobs, it’s simple to source decorative or modern options that help lift the look of a room. Lighting fixtures can also be an investment – not only to buy, but also to install. However, you can now buy battery-operated or plug-in wall sconces, adding a warm, rich tone to your space, and helping you rest easy knowing you didn’t have to pay an electrician!
In the living room
For your lounge area, consider mixing up the textures and sizes of your cushions. A splash of velvet or a decorative pillow can go a long way in elevating the vibe. A quick stop at Kmart will have you sorted with a couchful of cushions without breaking the bank. Oversized mirrors, art prints, even considering placing items such as fruit bowls in your living area, can all contribute to the feeling of a richly decorated space. Only you need to know how much you actually spent on it!
6. Shopped smarter for outdoor pieces
Outdoor furniture, planters, decorations and lighting can sometimes come with an eye-watering price tag. Second-hand stores are a great place to search, but if you’re looking for new and still wanting to save, opt for swapping solid teak and wrought iron with powder-coated metal or a high-quality composite.
When it comes to lighting, solar-powered light features and LED string lights do wonders to create an inviting upmarket atmosphere without the expensive installation.
7. Trusted in the professionals
Not sure where to start on product selection? Then ask your builder. Let them know your budget and they should be able to point you in the right direction for products and reliable suppliers. For hassle-free help, get them to order the product for you! They will likely charge a mark-up, but they may also get a trade discount, so it balances out. And remember, you can manage tradie payments with confidence when you use the free Witzer app (download it from the App Store or Google Play).
