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Child Item

80s apartment budget DIY transformation

taylorgoddard

🖼️

The project:

From a dated 1980s apartment, we created a warm, contemporary first home on a first-home buyer’s budget. With savings spent on the deposit and no trade experience, we lived on-site and tackled almost everything ourselves, learning as we went. The biggest transformation was the kitchen and laundry, rebuilt with Bunnings Kaboodle cabinetry, with handmade doors, handles, floating shelves and benchtops, plus tiled splashbacks for $11k. We also refreshed the bathroom for $2k, installed vinyl plank flooring for $4k and repainted throughout. Our $22k DIY spend transformed the entire apartment ($35K including trades), teaching us skills we’ll use for life.

- Materials:

Kitchen

Kaboodle 600mm White Wall Cabinet x3 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-wall-cabinet_p2662262?store=2355&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21051599958&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8fsGlXp8nhmVtJziXY3Vnva&gclid=Cj0KCQjwguLSBhDLARIsAH-yPrFa-yep7ZCeYnT7IHxGMZRS1lMNlqN5Z6XBg0gr-s5L-M7i9hoGSf0aAq5zEALw_wcB

Kaboodle base cabinet drawers 600mm x1 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-3-drawer-base-kitchen-cabinet_p2662252?store=2445&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21051599958&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9ZWCiVp-yxE3X-wG-WU8sXk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBut2msZ0s8nKiLpPFDqq7FiIqH7qA4v-WurJTxrwlSeENN1mT5oJ9caAlleEALw_wcB

Kaboodle base cabinet 600mm x1 https://trade.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-base-cabinet_p2662611?srsltid=AfmBOoqry1zEVSGXsFxSOGDU1CUDcEreDmo5Jw-ACSeHAncDqpktRLASYHU&region_id=112440

Kaboodle base cabinet 450mm x1 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-450mm-white-base-cabinet_p2662608?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21051599958&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9ZWCiVp-yxE3X-wG-WU8sXk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBu7Ti09m7DCuRAOD_WPRJe0XILen3mCF8v_lmQQ3YgzAz-Jem0Dw_QaAo4XEALw_wcB

Kaboodle blind corner base cabinet 1000mm x1 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-1000mm-blind-corner-base-cabinet_p2666537

Kaboodle base oven cabinet 600mm x1 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-oven-base-cabinet-600mm_p2662246

Kaboodle base cabinet 200mm x1 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-200mm-base-cabinet_p2662593

Kaboodle American Oak Benchtops x4 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-2400-x-600-x-33mm-american-oak-benchtop_p0246290

Kaboodle soft close door hinges

Kaboodle soft close drawer runners https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-soft-close-drawer-runner-1-set_p2667718?store=2445&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21051599958&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9ZWCiVp-yxE3X-wG-WU8sXk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBsGv7lMlzFqcwSU5t_uC19FVb-uCm4pbzufhJLmc_R8v3AzLp6QK_AaAsO6EALw_wcB

Kaboodle clear hardwax oil

Kaboodle Benchtop joining kit https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-benchtops-join-kit_p0230861?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21051599958&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9ZWCiVp-yxE3X-wG-WU8sXk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBuAE8g3a1xbi0rzGTGNRqXewcs-a0Sb1jewUfq4ASjHddH0ZKdSVtEaArx6EALw_wcB Kitchen mixer tapScrews

75 x 300mm white gloss wall subway tile https://www.bunnings.com.au/duratile-75-x-300mm-white-gloss-wall-tile-0-99sqm_p0575350?store=2183&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21112196286&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9qi6eBktaRsT2GeWJb0LpTR&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBs8ID9sGeBmzBfMA1Bui2_b10ZtI0u8zwp1x7KX0zpr6jE9SNpiosQaAhp9EALw_wcB

Carinya 100x76mm Zinc Plated Hidden Floating shelf brackets

Tile adhesive https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-5-5kg-wall-tile-adhesive_p6829311?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8uYTs3upiyfBZmheNvab12i&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBsN-eqNrv7o66ImxI96x58OUeVc5cynZ0Lem6_164bNblRufgwfiLcaAuC1EALw_wcB

White grout https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-5kg-flexible-coloured-grout-white_p6829769?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21112196286&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9qi6eBktaRsT2GeWJb0LpTR&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBunjKCubK-3vIHK2KjsDD9bNijX8HgVKpC0inbesNACxuBfFC7n3zkaAg-9EALw_wcB

Grout sealer https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-250ml-grout-sealer_p6820014?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21112196286&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9qi6eBktaRsT2GeWJb0LpTR&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBvqxHqOASRrch5iykkNrrf4T6aFWmwoYvYpqZRFRT-CY-bw5j_p7ncaAmfZEALw_wcB

Laundry / pantry

Kaboodle American Oak Benchtops x4 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-2400-x-600-x-33mm-american-oak-benchtop_p0246290

Kaboodle base drawers cabinet 900mm https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-900mm-white-3-drawer-base-cabinet_p2662253

Kaboodle base cabinet 600mm x1 https://trade.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-base-cabinet_p2662611?srsltid=AfmBOoqry1zEVSGXsFxSOGDU1CUDcEreDmo5Jw-ACSeHAncDqpktRLASYHU&region_id=112440

https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-wall-cabinet_p2662262?store=2355&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21051599958&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8fsGlXp8nhmVtJziXY3Vnva&gclid=Cj0KCQjwguLSBhDLARIsAH-yPrFa-yep7ZCeYnT7IHxGMZRS1lMNlqN5Z6XBg0gr-s5L-M7i9hoGSf0aAq5zEALw_wcB

Melamine particle board https://www.bunnings.com.au/custompine-carcass-ds-16mm-2400-x-1200mm-mr-particleboard-white-matt_p0097412

Timber

2400 x 1200 MDF 18mm boards https://www.bunnings.com.au/18mm-mdf-panel-standard-2400-x-1200mm_p0590060

Dulux Acrylic sealer undercoat

Dulux wash&wear semi-gloss - vivid white

Sink

Tap

Carinya 100x76mm Zinc Plated Hidden Floating shelf brackets

Self levelling concrete

Bathroom/powder room

Dulux 1L RenovationRange Primer https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-renovation-range-primer_p0116494

Delux 1L Renovation Range Tiles & Benchtops - White Duck https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-renovation-range-tiles-benchtops-gloss-white-white_p0116499

Kaboodle base cabinet 600mm x1 https://trade.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-600mm-white-base-cabinet_p2662611?srsltid=AfmBOoqry1zEVSGXsFxSOGDU1CUDcEreDmo5Jw-ACSeHAncDqpktRLASYHU&region_id=112440

Kaboodle base cabinet 300 x2 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-300mm-base-cabinet_p2662597

Kaboodle base cabinet drawers 450 x1 https://trade.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-450mm-white-3-drawer-base-cabinet-450mm_p2662251?srsltid=AfmBOorbZP8ydHchgDwVY0WvNmpUC9i7QqP3lbZt5BWcon_D9ZhQtLwvlOk&region_id=112440

Mirror cabinet 900mm 3 door https://www.bunnings.com.au/ufurniture-90-cm-bathroom-mirror-cabinet-with-3-door-vanity-medicine-wall-storage-cupboard-shaving-cabinets-white_p1066060?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10829171978&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB88FudeXsdmEMaTHxYbX7_M8&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBtmj1-RWIDHwavSvrF47qEwW5SmvCmVKLHxmMB2oWo8PYjreVXSfZQaAqD2EALw_wcB

Kaboodle American Oak Benchtops x4 https://www.bunnings.com.au/kaboodle-2400-x-600-x-33mm-american-oak-benchtop_p0246290

Sink

Tap

Towel Rail

Toilet roll holder

Throughout / Other

Vinyl plank flooring

Dulux 1-step prep https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-15l-1step-prep-primer-sealer-undercoat_p1370237

Dulux lexicon quarter low shoe Wash&wear interior paint https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-15l-lexicon-quarter-low-sheen-ready-to-go-colour-wash-wear-interior-paint_p0638871?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_cf_nCAZ8fa5Pg7gjBe6VCD&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBthKY-Ue79YV5JpitNrk31RNUTMkr_1ZWu0852OZvJK8AiPldu_gdcaAo1VEALw_wcB

Gyprock Easy-Flor all purpose compound https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-15kg-easy-flow-all-purpose-compound_p0735702?store=2445&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21122993677&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8uYTs3upiyfBZmheNvab12i&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBsMrd4X0YteNr05kPjK_F7A9oK5hW3TryZSTNrv8ePfX4YWLr60OWIaAjfYEALw_wcB

Roller blinds

Arlec 12cm Ceiling fans x2 https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-120cm-white-matte-aer-4-blade-dc-ceiling-fan-with-led-light_p0299146?region_id=112440&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565296&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9O1-LCEnA0WT4MYP1Kw4-Mz&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBs1SQfeYnlMv88hSbkHsiuGnhqaPP1xpxJfUojGnlHapRkDuNbRvoIaAheyEALw_wcB

Downlights

Skirting

Silicone

Cornice

Cornice cement

- Tools:

Power Tools

Ryobi cordless drill/driver https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-drill-driver-rdd18-tool-only_p0539760?srsltid=AfmBOoqGdP_N-aRA7JHLr4DwZdDbwJiFFIfM7m97Xe8Y7UyU22iJJVhKZZ8

Ryobi cordless hammer drill

Ryobi trim router https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-trim-router-r18tr2-0-skin-only_p6210769

Ryobi plunge router

Ryobi Biscuit cutter

Ryobi multitool

Ryobi Orbital Sander

Ozito drop saw

Ryobi Circular Saw

Ryobi Jigsaw

Ryobi Grinder

Jigs/devices

Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig - https://www.bunnings.com.au/kreg-concealed-hinge-jig

Kreg Accu-cut rail guide

Saw-horses

Clamps

Irwin Doorlock installation kit

Level

Cornice mitre box

Saw

Tile cutter

Grout float

Other

Diamond blade multitool

Diamond grinding blade

Ceramic cutting blade

Hole saws

Paint rollers

Paint brushes

- Step 1:

Step 1- Planning, budgeting, & demolition

The renovation started with a lot of research, measuring and planning. As first-home buyers on a tight budget, we knew we had to be very clear on what we could afford before starting. We researched design ideas, DIY examples and materials, and tested samples at home, including paint colours, cabinet finishes, benchtops, flooring and splashback tiles, many of which were sourced from Bunnings.

We carefully measured the apartment and planned the new kitchen and laundry layout using the Kaboodle Kitchen Planner, which helped us visualise the space and work out exactly what cabinetry we needed. We also calculated how many Kaboodle American Oak timber benchtops were required so they could be used efficiently across the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, study and floating shelves. To minimise waste, we planned the cuts in Adobe Illustrator before ordering.

We also prepared an electrical and lighting plan to obtain quotes from licensed trades, measured the whole apartment for new flooring and paint quantities, and prepared a detailed renovation budget. Before commencing, we forecast the full apartment renovation at around $30k, which gave us confidence to proceed.

Demolition then began in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. We removed old splashback and laundry tiles using a Ryobi Multi-Tool with grout removal blade, a tile chisel and hammer, before carefully unscrewing and removing the old cabinetry. The cabinets were given away through Facebook Marketplace to avoid waste. Licensed electricians and plumbers then completed the required electrical, lighting, switchboard, induction cooktop wiring, power point and plumbing changes, including chasing into the brick walls where needed.

- Step 2:

Step 2 – Floor preparation, plaster repair, sanding and painting

Once demolition was complete, we prepared the apartment for new finishes. All carpet was removed, including pulling nails from the concrete slab. In the laundry, where old tiles had been removed, we used self-levelling compound to bring the floor up to the same level as the adjoining kitchen. In the stairwell, uneven concrete was ground down to create a flatter surface for the future flooring.

We also created custom stair skirting using a 2400 x 1200mm MDF sheet. Because the stair shape was irregular, we made a template from taped-together A3 card, transferred it onto the MDF, then cut it using a jigsaw. A trim router was used to round the top edge before the skirting was sanded, undercoated and painted.

The walls needed significant preparation. Old paint was peeling in several areas, and once removed, the plaster underneath was uneven. We skim-coated many of the walls using Gyprock Easy-Flow All Purpose Compound, applied with a plastering trowel and sanded smooth once dry. Holes in the ceiling from old lights and exhaust fans were patched using plasterboard repair pieces, compound and sanding.

Before painting, all surfaces were sanded, vacuumed and cleaned with Selleys Sugar Soap. We used Dulux 1 Step Prep as the sealer undercoat, followed by Dulux Ceiling White on ceilings, Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen in Lexicon Quarter on walls, and Dulux Wash&Wear Semi Gloss in Vivid White on doors and trims. Painting was completed progressively as each area of the renovation became ready.

- Step 3:

Step 3 – Base cabinetry installation

The first major build was the laundry cupboard, designed to house a stacked washer and dryer. We constructed a strong timber frame using timber framing cut with an Ozito compound mitre saw. The frame was fixed to the brick walls using a hammer drill, masonry anchor screws and an impact driver. Screw holes were filled and sanded before the frame was primed with Dulux 1 Step Prep and painted in Lexicon Quarter for a seamless, built-in look.

We then cut MDF and melamine panels using a circular saw and cutting track to create the side, shelf and top sections of the laundry cupboard. These were painted or installed as required to create a clean, functional storage area.

The Kaboodle cabinets, ordered through Bunnings, were then assembled according to the instructions. We positioned all base cabinets, starting from one corner and carefully levelling each cabinet by adjusting the legs. Each cabinet was fixed to the wall and screwed into the neighbouring cabinet, using clamps to ensure everything stayed aligned during installation.

We also installed a number of practical Kaboodle accessories, including a pull-out bin, pull-out basket storage for bin bags and pantry items, a two-tier pull-out basket for oils and sauces, and a pull-out laundry hamper in the bathroom. The Kaboodle cabinetry for the kitchen, laundry, bathroom and pantry, including overhead cabinets, hinges and drawer runners, cost approximately $2,640. Cabinet accessories totalled approximately $580.

- Step 4:

Step 4 – Timber benchtops

We purchased three 3.6m long and one 2.4m long Kaboodle American Oak timber benchtops through Bunnings special order. These were carefully planned to create not only the kitchen, laundry, pantry and bathroom benchtops, but also the study desktop, floating shelves and custom cabinet handles. This made the material extremely cost-effective and helped create a consistent timber finish throughout the apartment.

The benchtops were measured, marked and cut using a Ryobi circular saw with a Kreg Accu-Cut guide rail to achieve straight, accurate cuts. Cut-outs for the kitchen sink, laundry sink and induction cooktop were completed using templates and a Ryobi plunge router. Because the timber was thick and hard, some cuts had to be completed from both sides, which required careful measuring and patience. The curved undermount laundry sink was particularly challenging, so we first made a template from 6mm MDF and trialled the process on pine before cutting into the oak.

Where the kitchen benchtop met the window, we widened the timber so it extended neatly into the sill. This was done using a biscuit joiner, timber glue and clamps. The corner benchtop join was also completed with biscuit joints, glue and Kaboodle benchtop joiners, with holes drilled using a Forstner bit.

All benchtops were sanded to 240 grit and finished with Kaboodle Clear Hardwax Oil, with multiple coats applied and light sanding between coats to create a durable, water-resistant finish. The total cost of the American Oak benchtops was approximately $3,200.

- Step 5:

Step 5 – Floating shelves & overhead cabinets

To continue the custom timber look, we used offcuts from the Kaboodle American Oak benchtops to make floating shelves throughout the apartment. Shelves were cut to approximately 250–300mm wide using the circular saw and Kreg guide rail. Some shelves were shaped with large curved corners, cut using a jigsaw and then sanded smooth from 60 grit through to 240 grit.

To create a clean floating effect, we installed concealed shelf brackets. Straight 13mm holes were drilled into the back of each shelf using a drill guide, and a groove was created with a Forstner bit and chisel so the bracket plates could sit flush. The shelves were then sanded and finished with three coats of Kaboodle hardwax oil, sanding lightly between coats.

Bracket locations were carefully marked on the walls and fixed into the brickwork using a masonry drill bit, hammer drill, impact driver and masonry anchor screws. The shelves were carefully aligned and tapped into place, with some also fixed through adjoining cabinetry for extra strength.

We then installed the overhead cabinets in the kitchen and laundry, using cabinet support stands to help hold them in position. One overhead cabinet was modified to fit a built-in rangehood, and another was modified to conceal the existing wall-mounted hot water unit in the laundry. In the bathroom, we assembled and installed a 900mm mirrored shaving cabinet.

- Step 6:

Step 6 – Cabinet doors & handles

To save money and achieve the exact look we wanted, we made all cabinet doors ourselves for the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Instead of buying pre-made doors, we used four 2400 x 1200mm sheets of 18mm moisture-resistant MDF with melamine on one side. The boards were measured and cut to size using a circular saw and Kreg cutting guide. Making the doors ourselves cost less than $700 and gave us complete control over the design.

We wanted a flat, flush-panel look with clean square edges. For the overhead cabinets, the doors were designed to hang slightly below the cabinet base so they could be opened without handles. The exposed MDF side of each door was sanded, primed with Dulux acrylic sealer undercoat, then finished with Dulux Wash&Wear Semi Gloss in Vivid White using a 4mm nap roller for a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Hinge holes were drilled using the Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig, which made the process accurate and repeatable. The hinges were then screwed into place and the doors attached to the Kaboodle cabinets.

We also handmade all visible cabinet handles from offcuts of the American Oak benchtops. Because the benchtops were trimmed from 600mm to 580mm wide, the leftover 20mm strips were reused as timber handles. We made jigs for the circular saw and trim router, cut the timber into thinner strips, routed a finger groove, rounded the front edges, then sanded and oiled each handle. They were installed using the Kaboodle handle drilling template, creating custom handles that matched the benchtops perfectly.

- Step 7:

Step 7 – Tiling splashbacks

We tiled the splashbacks in the kitchen, laundry, bathroom and pantry using white gloss ceramic subway tiles with a ripple finish. The tiles added texture while still keeping the apartment light, neutral and timeless.

We started by measuring and setting out the brick pattern, then pre-cutting the required half tiles using a tile cutter. Dunlop wall tile adhesive was applied to the wall using a 5mm square-notched trowel, and the tiles were installed with 1.5mm spacers to keep the grout lines consistent.

For smaller cuts, power points and mitred edges around outward-facing corners, we used a Ryobi ONE+ angle grinder with a ceramic cutting disc. White tile trim was installed where needed to create neat, exposed edges and hide any rough cuts.

Once the adhesive had set, the spacers were removed and white grout was applied using a grout float. The excess grout was cleaned off with a sponge, then a grout sealer was applied once dry. Finally, the edges were sealed with silicone rather than grout to allow for movement and create a clean, watertight finish.

A licenced plumber and electrician then came to install the cooktop, oven and sinks.

- Step 8:

Step 8 – Cornicing

Once the cabinetry was installed, we added cornicing around the new kitchen and laundry cabinets to make them look more custom and built in. This was a small, inexpensive detail that made a big visual difference, while also helping reduce dust on top of the cabinets and conceal the rangehood exhaust.

Where required, the existing cornice was carefully removed by scoring the edges with a sharp utility knife, then using a scraper to gently separate it from the ceiling. Any remaining adhesive was scraped and sanded away.

Above the cabinets, we built a small timber frame using 45 x 30mm timber, fixed to the cabinetry. Gyprock plasterboard was then cut to size and screwed onto the frame to create a bulkhead section. We purchased 90mm cove cornice from Bunnings and cut it using a mitre box and handsaw. This took a lot of patience, practice cuts and extra cornice before we understood how to cut the angles correctly.

Cornice cement was mixed and applied to the wall, bulkhead and ceiling before each piece was pressed into place. Once partially set, excess cement was scraped and cleaned away. Gaps, joins and screw heads were filled using Gyprock filler, sanded smooth, then painted with Dulux 1 Step Prep and two coats of ceiling white. Where needed, the wall below was touched up in Lexicon Quarter.

- Step 9:

Step 9 – Flooring installation

We chose 5mm vinyl plank flooring because it was practical, budget-friendly and suitable for the apartment. Vinyl plank was a great option because it was more forgiving on slightly uneven floors and could be cut neatly to the existing skirting. This was important because our original jarrah skirting was nailed in place and had electrical cabling behind it, so removing it was not practical. We also wanted to avoid adding scotia, which would have looked bulky against the existing skirting.

The flooring was loose-lay vinyl plank, which meant most areas did not need to be glued down. The planks could be cut to shape using a utility knife, making the product very DIY-friendly.

We started at the stairs, where we had 13 planks professionally made into stair nosings. These were then cut to size using the Ozito compound mitre saw and glued onto the stairs using flooring adhesive and a 3mm notched trowel. Once the stairs were complete, the vinyl planks were loose-laid through the rest of the apartment, including the living, dining and bedroom areas.

Because the floor was not being laid underneath the kitchen cabinets, and because the kitchen, laundry and pantry are high-traffic areas, we chose to glue the flooring in those spaces to reduce movement and create a more secure finish.

- Step 10:

Step 10 – Final finishes & styling

The final stage was completing all the small details that made the apartment feel finished. We measured, cut and painted the cabinet kickboards using Kaboodle raw board panels, cut with the circular saw. A notch was cut into one kickboard to allow the integrated dishwasher door to open properly, then the kickboards were fixed into place.

We also updated the old diamond-grille security screens by having the grilles replaced with security mesh. Once reinstalled, the screens looked much more modern and provided a clearer view outside.

In the powder room, we gave the existing floor tiles a budget refresh using the Dulux Renovation Range tile paint. We applied the primer first, then two top coats with a 4mm nap roller for a smooth finish. This was one of the most affordable updates and exceeded our expectations in both appearance and durability. We also replaced the old yellowed and cracked toilet cistern with a new Caroma cistern from Bunnings, which was a simple but effective update.

Roller blinds were installed throughout the apartment. Because the windows were not standard sizes, each blind was cut down by hand using a utility knife for the fabric and a hacksaw for the aluminium tube.

Finally, we styled the apartment with greenery, artwork and hanging plants. Heavy-duty picture hooks were used for larger artworks, smaller drywall hooks for lighter pieces, and spring toggle hooks were installed in the ceiling for macrame plant hangers in the kitchen and bathroom. These finishing touches helped turn the renovated apartment into a warm and personal first home.

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Tools and Materials

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Comments

EricL

Hello @taylorgoddard

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your D.I.Y apartment transformation project.

What a fantastic transformation! It's amazing to see how much thought, creativity and hard work went into every stage of this renovation, and the end result feels warm, welcoming and beautifully cohesive. The custom touches, especially the handmade doors, timber benchtops and floating shelves, give the home so much character while making the most of your budget.

I also loved seeing the step-by-step photos, which really showcase how much you achieved by learning new skills along the way. You've created a stylish first home to be incredibly proud of, and your journey is sure to inspire plenty of other DIYers.

Eric