Renovations in Melbourne—Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom

Our top tips and renovation ideas to upgrade your home and lifestyle

With countless home improvement tips available online, it’s easy to waste precious time navigating through them in detail. To simplify your home renovation journey and allow you to focus on what’s most important, we’ve compiled essential advice for upgrading three critical areas of your home: the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. Use our insights and hacks to help you create spaces that look stunning, enhance your home’s functionality and improve family comfort.

Factors to consider before renovations begin

Before starting your home renovation in Melbourne, take time to evaluate the changes you need to enhance your living spaces. Thoughtful planning with your custom home builder will help you get the best result that suits your lifestyle. 

  • Your daily habits: Thinking about your routine helps you create a layout that matches how you live, ensuring the convenient placement of appliances and furniture.
  • Setting a budget: Specifying a clear budget from the start keeps expectations realistic and avoids overspending.
  • Storage space: Consider how much storage your household requires—the needs of a small family may differ significantly from those of a retired couple.
  • Household size: The number of people occupying your home will shape the layout and determine the optimal use of space, such as a playroom for the kids or a separate bungalow for grandparents, teenagers or guests.
  • Current concerns: Identify what isn’t working in your existing layout and ensure your new revamp solves or avoids these problems.

Five innovative concepts for your kitchen renovation

A practical design and exceptional layout can make everyday tasks in the kitchen so much simpler and more convenient without compromising your personal style.

Focus first on functionality

The kitchen is often the most practical space in your home. Plan for plenty of countertop space near ovens and microwaves, and ensure your meal preparation areas have easy access to the sink and bins. Organising the layout saves time and hassle while providing an enjoyable cooking and baking experience!
Glen Iris extension and renovation - open plan kitchen onto outside entertainment area

Get the flow right

Functionality goes hand in hand with flow in your kitchen design. Ensure easy navigation by placing the fridge in a central and accessible location. Also consider the direction of the door swing to prevent open cupboard doors from obstructing movement or compromising safety.

Choose appliances as early as possible

A common mistake many homeowners make is buying their new appliances at the end of the renovation process. By researching and choosing options early, your custom home building team can measure and design around them, ensuring an orderly, neat fit and finish. Consider choosing a single brand for a harmonious look if buying multiple new appliances.
Caulfield South renovation and first floor extension - kitchen

A standout feature

One of the best ways to add visual interest is with a centrepiece. Plan your cabinets and benchtops around it for a balanced and aesthetically pleasing layout—try a striking island bench, artistic splashback or a decorative chandelier.
Kitchen

Aim for low-maintenance surfaces

Reduce cleanup time by selecting easy-to-clean materials. A flush-set or under-mount sink avoids grime buildup, while glossy cabinets can be challenging to maintain, especially if sticky fingerprints are an issue. Although a wooden bench by the sink may look appealing, it can stain easily, so opt for protected concrete or other durable materials if appearance is important.

Three tactics for a refreshing bathroom renovation

Upgrading your bathroom can transform it into a stylish and more usable space while also increasing your home’s resale value.

Shower and bathtub setup

If you have enough space, consider adding a standalone bathtub—it’s a great feature, especially in family-friendly suburbs. Where space is limited, a shower-bathtub combo works well, or opt for a walk-in shower if kids aren’t a consideration.

Your choice of shower screen style and materials will make a significant difference to wet area use and appearance: 

  • Glass doors: Give your shower a roomy feel with glass screens. Add a touch of class with framed finishes in matt black or coloured metal.
  • No doors: Achieve a minimalist feel by going doorless, but ensure your surfaces are waterproofed.

Simple storage solutions

Maximising bathroom storage can save you a lot of frustration while adding a sense of spaciousness. Consider installing a built-in shelf or niche in the shower for your essentials or keep clutter hidden behind cabinet doors on external shelving. Maximise your wall space by adding floating shelves, racks and hooks or a beautiful mirrored cabinet to organise your bathroom items.

Enhanced and practical features

Boost the functionality and luxury of your bathroom with these practical upgrades.  

  • Smart showers: Control the temperature and water flow via the touch of a button.  
  • Non-slip flooring: Make your bathroom safer for the whole family.  
  • Drawer chargers: Keep your electrical appliances like razors and toothbrushes powered up without taking up counter space.  

Six ways to perfect your bedroom renovation

Redesign your bedroom to make it more comfortable and chic with these creative hacks:

Ottomans with storage in the master bedroom

A cosy seat

 Turn your bedroom into more than just a place to sleep by adding a little spot to sit and relax. A window seat or a corner chair creates a welcoming space for reading, late-night snacks or phone calls, leaving your bed strictly as a sleep-only zone.

Caulfield South renovation and first floor extension - full view of bathroom

Cost-effective expansion

Create a larger bedroom, even when on a budget, by removing a wall or installing a door to an adjacent room. For convenience and space, adding a door that opens into a nearby bathroom will give you a pseudo ensuite while also retaining access to the guest bathroom.

Upgrade the lighting

 For one of the most effortless yet effective finishing touches for your home renovation, change the lights. Swapping out a ceiling fan or light for a bold statement fixture, bedside lamps or mood lighting can dramatically alter the atmosphere in your bedroom. 

Example of building a parents retreat with Spacemaker

Timeless flooring

Add warmth and texture with timber flooring. Refinish your existing wooden floors or install new ones, then pair them with soft rugs for a luxurious and classic feel. As well as adding visual appeal, this combination also helps keep your feet warm on chilly mornings. 

Malvern extensions and renovation - bedroom with ample light and windows

Style the ceiling

The bedroom ceiling offers untapped potential. A fresh coat of paint can add a contemporary touch, especially if it blends seamlessly into the upper walls. For a more dramatic look, install faux beams or ceiling roses for texture, adding a novel and inviting look to your bedroom. 

Add a dressing table

Add a vanity set to your bedroom if your bathrooms have limited space. A small table and chair with a mirror will give you a dedicated spot for makeup or skincare without taking up too much room. As a bonus, it can double up as a desk for work-from-home days. 

Renovate your home with Melbourne’s finest home builders

A surefire way to ensure your house makeover delivers the home of your dreams is to partner with building and construction experts. Spacemaker Home Extensions is a leader in custom home building services, including house extensions and renovations in Melbourne. With over 50 years of experience, our qualified multi-award-winning team collaborates closely with you to bring your unique vision to life. Contact us on 03 8873 7800 or request a call-back for a complimentary consultation.

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