There’s no better way to get an instant transformation than with a perfectly applied coat of paint — and I’m not just talking about traditional paint on plaster walls and timber trims.

Paint can cover a whole raft of sins, from dowdy timber panelling, dated tiles or discoloured sinks. You just need to make sure you get the specialist paint required for the task.

Kitchens can be terrifically expensive to renovate but you can take some nifty shortcuts. If the cabinets are in good shape, just change the drawer and cupboard fronts for a fraction of the price of putting in a new kitchen. And if the laminate benchtops are looking a bit shabby, just resurface them with a clever product called Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations. It gives a granite-like finish that looks surprisingly authentic.

Places like Ikea offer loads of creative and affordable lighting solutions, so there’s no excuse to settle for daggy or dated lighting. Pendant lights over your kitchen island bench can add a bit of drama to an otherwise bland space. Just make sure you get an electrician to change the lights for you as it’s illegal to DIY any electrical work.

You’ll be amazed how much of a difference it can make to change seemingly minor things like power-point covers, light switches, handles and tapware.

None are expensive in themselves, but together they’ll really modernise a property and lift it to the next level. A single trip to the hardware store, a few hundred dollars and a few hours on the tools will have you reaching for the bubbly when you see the results.