Guide — Quick makeovers
7 home transformations you can finish in a day
No breaking, no months of dust. These upgrades change how a room feels in a day or two. Here’s what each one takes and where I’d buy it.
The times are for one room or one wall and vary with its size and the installer. The Amazon picks are affiliate links.
Wooden flooring
Laminate or SPC planks click together right over your existing tiles. No breaking, and you can walk on it the same day.
Buying flooring? Check these points
- AC rating: AC3 for bedrooms, AC4 for living rooms and busy areas.
- Thickness of 8 mm or more.
- Water resistance, or go for SPC, which is fully waterproof.
- That the underlay, skirting and beading are included in the quote.
- The warranty, in writing.
Where to get it
You can also check local vendors in your area who sell imported flooring.
Wallpaper
One wall or a whole room. The quickest way to add pattern and personality.
Check before you buy
- Ask for a sample and see it in your room’s light.
- Walls should be smooth and free of damp.
Want to DIY? Try peel-and-stick
More peel-and-stick: My favourite wallpapers and decals are all in one place. See all my picks
A hand-painted mural
An artist paints one wall into a piece of art. Nothing else makes a room feel this personal.
Check before you book
- Share reference pictures and approve a sketch first.
- Ask to see their past walls, not just canvases.
Ready-made louvers and wall panels
No painting or prep needed. Fix them straight on the wall or on a ply backing, or even on the ceiling. Great behind a TV, a bed or at the entrance.
Buying from a local vendor? Check these
- The material is water-, heat- and scratch-resistant.
- Charcoal panels are a good material to go for.
Where to get it
Lots of local vendors sell louvers too.
Peel-and-stick films
Give old wardrobes, tabletops and kitchen shutters a new finish without replacing them.
Check before you start
- Clean off all grease and dust first.
- Smooth it with a card or squeegee, and use a hair dryer on the edges.
Where to get it
Or find one on Amazon
You’ll find lots more colours and finishes on Amazon.
Peel-and-stick tiles
Stick them over old bathroom or kitchen tiles for a new look in an afternoon.
Check before you start
- Stick them on clean, dry tiles.
- Keep them away from direct shower spray.
Where to get it
A paint refresh
A new colour on one accent wall or a soft tint on the ceiling can change the whole mood.
Check before you buy
- Test a patch first. Colours look different on your walls.
- Ask for low-odour paint if you’re living in the house.
Where to get it
Any good brand works. Pick the shade first.
Quick-drying pick
Want more ideas for your home?
I share a new makeover on Instagram most weeks.
Follow on InstagramBrands are ones I’ve used or would buy from again. Check the range, price and installation in your city before you order.
