Kellie Richardson: Upgrade your bathroom for under $1k - Property sales hacks to get thousands more

Celebrity interior designer and founder of Kurved by Design, Kellie Richardson is encouraging property owners to undertake clever DIY enhancements to increase the sale price of their home. 

"You do not need a massive budget to make a big impact, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Property buyers generally look at the quality of the kitchen and bathroom and if they present well, this helps to get the sale over the line," Richardson said. 

"In fact, if these areas present really well, they can help to lift the sales value of a home by thousands, often tens of thousands.  The good news is you can do most of these enhancements yourself for a small investment. 

"You just need to know what to do."

With the property market heating up and buyers becoming more discerning, Kellie is encouraging sellers to focus on strategic, cost-effective upgrades that can dramatically shift a home's appeal and it starts with the bathroom.

"Bathrooms sell houses. They are emotional spaces for buyers and the good news is you can transform the entire vibe for under $1,000," Kellie said.

Kellie's budget bathroom styling strategy is part of a broader series of DIY hacks she shares with sellers looking to maximise sale price without overspending.

"Smart styling creates emotional impact and emotional impact drives better offers. You do not need $10,000 to add value. You just need to know where to spend $1,000 wisely," she said. 

Here are her top tips for elevating your bathroom without blowing your budget.

Tapware

"Changing your tapware to matte black, brushed gold or even gunmetal is a quick way to bring a designer feel to the room. These pieces are easy to replace and often available in budget friendly kits from major retailers," Richardson said. 

"Simple changes can be done yourself or by a handyman."

Holders

"Towel holders, toilet roll holders and shower caddies can instantly upgrade a tired space. Brands like Barelli, available at Bunnings, offer sleek styles in contemporary colours including black that are simple to install and highly effective in updating the space," Richardson said. 

Tile repaint

"Instead of retiling, which is expensive and time consuming, consider tile specific paint. It can completely transform the colour and finish of outdated tiles with a clean, modern look for a fraction of the cost," Richarson said. 

"Often these types of changes will only cost a few hundred dollars and deliver a transformative effect."

New basin

"A fresh basin can be purchased and installed for well under $200 and it can modernise a vanity instantly. Look for curved or organic shapes for a more up to date feel," Richardson said. 

"Again, affordable and budget basins can be purchased from Bunnings or other retailers online and provided there is no plumbing change, these can be replaced fairly easily.  The impact is dramatic."

Bath spray paint

"For older properties with a dated or stained bath, resurfacing spray paint can make a huge difference. With proper prep and a little patience, your bath can look brand new without needing full replacement," Richardson said. 

New mirror

"Swap out basic frameless mirrors for round, matte framed or backlit options. A new mirror is one of the most affordable ways to shift the overall tone of the room and add a focal point," Richardson said. 

Colourful towels

"Ditch faded or mismatched towels. Choose lush, hotel style towels in warm neutrals or pops of colour to add energy and personality. Roll or layer them for a boutique look," Richardson said. 

Plants

"Bathrooms love greenery. Add an indoor plant or two, like peace lilies or ferns, to soften the space and add life. Even artificial plants can create a calming, spa like feel," Richardson said. 

Richardson explained that $1,000 can achieve a lot of change and enhancements in a bathroom if you do much of the work yourself.

"By creating a polished, well-styled environment, sellers evoke a sense of quality and lifestyle that emotionally connects with buyers. These changes not only improve first impressions but can also lead to stronger offers and a higher sale price, all for a modest investment," Richardson said. 

About Kurved by Design

Since 2016, Kurved by Design, founded by Kellie Richardson, has provided Melbourne with a range of home design services. The company umbrella comprises five different companies: interior design, property staging, retail furniture and homewares, property maintenance and its interior design academy. Its vast reach has made it a 'truly one-of-a-kind company. In 2020, Richardson won the global CEO Excellence award in 2020 for 'Best Property Styling and Interior Design Business'. 

https://kurvedbydesign.com/