7 Easy DIY Holiday Renovations to Upgrade Your Home on a Budget

DIY Christmas Renovation, Christmas Renovation, DIY Christmas Decor

If you have some time off, it can be an opportunity to refresh your home with some simple, low-budget DIY projects that not only add value to your home but are an opportunity to unleash your creativity.

Here are 7 easy renovation ideas that are simple, affordable, and perfect for the holidays. If you’re considering renovating to increase your home’s value, I’ll show you how our Pathway to Property Program can help you turn renovations into real profit

Why Holiday Renovations Are Worth It

When done right, holiday renovations can:

  • Increase your home’s value – A few thoughtful changes can add equity.
  • Create a warm, welcoming vibe – Perfect for entertaining guests.
  • Make your space feel fresh and functional – Who doesn’t love a mini makeover?
  • Set the stage for future resale – Potential buyers notice minor upgrades that enhance the home’s overall appeal.

If you’re considering tackling a renovation project with profit as a goal, you’ll want to focus on cost-effective upgrades with high ROI (return on investment).

1. Lavish Your Walls with Fresh Paint

Dulux Spanish Olive Paint, Bedroom Paint
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJRw7OgFsUr/

Painting is at the top of the list of affordable yet impactful ways to transform your home.
It’s also something you can tackle room by room as time permits.
Think of the paint colour as your blank canvas; Choose a neutral colour to allow your styling to shine and tell the story.

  • Whites – lean into warmer tones; they make the home feel friendlier and kinder to older, less perfect properties.
  • Greige – Greys have reigned supreme for years but are now giving way to warmer beige tones.
  • Soft Greens  Bring in some freshness. My personal favourite is Dulux Spanish Olive.

Stick to low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint for a healthier indoor environment.

2. Luxe Up Your Lighting

Lighting done right can create both ambience and warmth and make a statement.
Here’s how to make it work for you:

  • Change up your globes- Warm globes give living rooms and bedrooms a soft, warm glow.  Cool globes are sharper, more clinical, and best in bathrooms and work areas.
  • Install dimmers – Control the mood with adjustable lighting levels.
  • Add statement pieces – Swap out old fixtures for modern chandeliers or pendant lights in key areas, such as over an island or in an entry for impact.
  • Layer your lighting – Use a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting for a cozy glow.

Replace outdated fittings or add LED strip lighting under cabinets for an instant upgrade.

3. Revamp Your Entryway

Newcastle Project Entryway
Newcastle Project Entryway

First impressions matter.  A quick entryway refresh can elevate your home’s curb appeal.

  • Paint the front door – A bold colour can elevate a dated front door.
  • Add a stylish doormat – Nothing says welcome like a thoughtful doormat
  • Layer with planters – Fill pots with lush evergreens and fairy lights.

Add a small bench, hooks for coats, and a basket for shoes inside the entryway to keep things organised and tidy.

4. Create a Welcoming Living Space

Adairs Living Coffee Table and Side Table, Adairs Living Room Decor, Adairs Living Room
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9W6BWINRmV/

Your living room the heart of your family gatherings. Make it inviting with these simple upgrades:

  • Upgrade Throw pillows and blankets – Toss those sad, lifeless cushions and bring in the party with plump new ones and lush, tasselled throws.
  • Rearrange furniture – Experiment with layouts to create a more open, conversational layout.  
  • DIY accent wall – Use peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint for a quick statement upgrade.

Use candles and artwork to build a theme, but be careful not to overwhelm the space.

5. Focus on the Kitchen

These days, family life and gatherings tend to congregate in the kitchen. Small changes here can have a significant impact:

  • Swap cabinet hardware – Upgrade knobs and pulls to a more  modern finish such as brushed brass, warm nickel or matt black
  • Update your backsplash – Use stick-on tiles for a quick, budget-friendly refresh.
  • Declutter benchtops – Keep only the essentials for a clean, polished look.

Styling your kitchen can be as simple as a bowl of seasonal fruit or a basket of vegetables.

6. Refresh the Bathroom

One of the most significant criteria for an appealing bathroom is cleanliness.

  • Silicone and grout- If it is grubby, clean or replace
  • Add a new  mirror – Opt for a framed mirror for a modern upgrade 
  • Switch out towels – Choose plush, neutral options with a subtle holiday accent.
  • Add greenery – A small potted plant or vase with eucalyptus can brighten the space.

7. Focus on The  Small Details

Freedom S-Curves Entryway Featuring the Freedom Tilda bench
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3hhhmytjYV/

Sometimes, it’s the small touches that make the most significant difference:

  • Swap out old curtains – Choose light, airy fabrics. Our personal favourites are the Bardwell S-Curves from Freedom
  • Add seasonal scents – Use candles or essential oil diffusers.
  • Upgrade hardware – Shiny new door and window hardware make a big difference.

These affordable, easy-to-do updates can transform your home without requiring major renovations.

Get Started on Your Renovation Journey

These seven simple renovation ideas are perfect for making the most of your holiday break to  create a warm, inviting home.!

And if you’re ready to take it to the next level and renovate for profit, now’s the time to act. Check out our Pathway to Property Program and start turning renovations into real financial gains.

Explore the program today and start your renovation journey!

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Picture of Bernadette Janson

Bernadette Janson

"My own passion for renovating has helped me build a marriage, a family, friendships and a successful business. I created The School of Renovating to share the power of this career."

Bernadette has over 30 years of experience in the renovating for profit business. She’s a registered nurse, a renovator, a mum, and a teacher.

Learn how to harness your obsession for renovating to transform your life

You will get a FREE “Wonder Women” Magazine that will show you the road map to financial independence a-la-renovating.

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I just wanted to touch base and say how incredibly thankful I am that I signed up for your course! I have learned so much since beginning the course! … Your course has well and truly paid for itself and that’s only one year of premiums, not to mention how much we will save knowing what we didn’t know previously when we take on our next project. (We are) feeling empowered by the knowledge we have now! So thank you a million times over!

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Lyndall Hinton

Hi Bernadette Just wanted to say a big thank you for today. I learned so much and really appreciated all of your advice and insights. You are certainly very inspiring! You’ve given me the confidence to start thinking of my project!

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Jenna Bradwell

Been through the Bootcamp, Bernadette and Stephen are very caring, pragmatic, great at what they do, and financially savvy. Definitely not the infamous fluffy feel good type of seminar. Of course, these kind of works require lots of on the ground learning. However, having such an experienced and genuinely caring mentor provides lots of support and confidence to get projects up and going, and ultimately building wealth.

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Trung Truong