5 cheap ways to make your house look expensive

Let your inner stylist out. Image: Getty

If there’s one thing we all did in 2020, it was spend a lot of time at home.

Australians spent 26.4 per cent more on homewares as of July this year, while spending on groceries, alcohol and office equipment also increased.

• Also read: 10 household items you can sell today for $100 or more

• Also read: The best way to style your home when selling a house

However, homebodies who want to give their living space a revamp don’t need to break the bank to do so, according to Gumtree analysis.

The online marketplace found that 40 per cent of Australians sold unwanted homewares last year, contributing to a $46 billion second-hand economy.

And amateur interior designers can recreate Instagram-worthy interiors for 43 per cent cheaper by buying second hand.

Gumtree rounded up five looks that can be recreated on a budget, using example listings on its site:

Look #1: Pretty in Pink Dressing Table Combo

Image: Gumtree

BRAND NEW: $527

• Ovela Hollywood Makeup Mirror with LED Bulbs: $249

• Ikea Malm Dressing Table: $179

• Ikea Tobias Chair Clear: $99

SECOND HAND: $200

• Hollywood-style mirror: $120

• Ikea Malm Dressing Table: $50

• Ikea Tobias Chair Clear: $30

Total savings: $327

Look #2: Minimalist Mid-century Meets Modern Living Room

Image: Gumtree

BRAND NEW: $4,372

• Freedom ETON RAF Chaise LAF Mod 3S: $3,999

• Temple & Webster Rossi Floor Lamp: $169

• Freedom Rocco Floor Rug: $105

• IKEA Black Vittsjo Coffee Table: $99

SECOND HAND: $1,355

• Freedom Tan Leather Modular Lounge: $1,200

• Modern Black Floor Lamp: $45

• Freedom Rocco Floor Rug: $80

• IKEA Black Vittsjo Coffee Table: $30

Total savings: $3,017

Look #3: Industrial Chic Dining Set

Image: Gumtree

BRAND NEW: $1,714

• Temple & Webster Black Ski-Leg Dining Table: $599

• Temple & Webster 8x Phoenix Vintage-Style Dining Chairs : $796

• Black Klec 6 Light Metal Pendant: $319

SECOND HAND: $415

• Temple & Webster Black Ski-Leg Dining Table: $250

• 8x Langston Black Dining Chairs: $90

• Cage Pendant Lights: $75

Total savings: $1,299

Look #4: Dark Botanical Bathroom Theme

Image: Gumtree

BRAND NEW: $317

• IKEA Vilto Black Ladder Shelving Unit: $129

• Temple & Webster Round Metal Framed Wall Mirror: $109

• Temple & Webster 2 Piece Potted Faux Boston Fern Set: $79

SECOND HAND: $140

• IKEA Black Wooden Display Ladder: $50

• Round Wall Mirror with Black Metal Frame: $70

• Set of 8 artificial plants: $20

Total savings: $177

Look #5: Sleek Bedside Set

Image: Gumtree

BRAND NEW: $278

• Set of 2 Black IKEA Vikhammer Bedside Table: $198

• Adairs Berlin Pink Vase: $40

• Temple & Webster 11cm Maisie Metal Alarm Clock: $40

SECOND HAND: $135

• Set of 2 Black IKEA Vikhammer Bedside Table: $100

• Blush ceramic vase/pot: $15

• Bedside lamp and rose gold clock: $20

Total savings: $143

How can I make sure I’m getting a good deal?

Gumtree said the first step is to do your research - make sure you know the rough worth of the item you’re after, so you know whether you’re getting a good deal - but not being taken for a ride.

This goes hand-in-hand with asking questions.

“Don’t be afraid to ask the seller about the condition of the item, why it’s for sale, whether there are receipts or warranties available, or request additional photos of the item from various angles. It’s easy to contact a seller via the Gumtree My Messages feature,” the Gumtree spokesperson said.

Then, make sure you’re saving your searches. That way, if a similar item pops up, you’ll be notified.

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