Melbourne ranks at 79th most expensive city of 209 cities surveyed in a recent report and is among the most expensive cities in Oceania.

It's therefore understandable to want to make some cost savings whenever possible.

If your house is looking a little drab and overworn, you might be worried about the costs of fixing it up. Do not fret.

Here are some expert tips on how to give your home a facelift on a shoestring budget.

1. Paint It

Whether you are looking to improve the inside or the outside of your home, a fresh coat of paint is among the most affordable ways to improve its aesthetics.

You can reduce the costs of painting further by painting your home yourself. Of course, it would help if you have a bit of skill or know-how.

Before you get started, ensure to look at a few online resources to guide you through the process.

There are lots of options when it comes to the choice of paint. However, you should consider mould-resistant paint for your bathroom and other wet areas.

2. Declutter

You will be amazed at how differently a room will look and feel after some thorough decluttering and reorganizing.

To do this, go through your house, room to room and pack up everything that you have not used within the last six months. The same goes for any broken, torn or dysfunctional items.

As you do this, you must think of how to dispose of the unwanted stuff responsibly. For example, look for mattress recyclers in Melbourne for your old mattresses. Do the same for electronic and other recyclables you want to dispose of.

3. Put Up Artwork

A piece of artwork can bring a dull space to life. The good thing is that this should not cost you an arm and a leg.

With some creativity, you can make some simple but classy works of art. These can even be cut-outs of different life events or your kids' artwork.

With a few of these, scout local art stores and second-hand outlets for unique picture frames for mounting.

4. New Upholstery

Because furniture is large ticket items, people tend to keep them around for years.

Most people don't look at their furniture as a way to change up the look of their home, because of the associated costs.

However, changing the upholstery on your furniture is one way to get an updated look and can significantly improve the aesthetics of your living room affordably.

You can also use new upholstery to change the entire theme of your home.

However, before you get started, it is important to determine the kind of look you want to achieve and what changes are necessary to achieve your desired results.

Depending on your finances, you can do everything at once or begin with the upholstery and work on the rest of the room in stages.

5. Find Cool Knobs

New, shiny and stylish door knobs are an affordable way to brighten up a room, especially the kitchen and the bathrooms.

These small items tend to get ignored during house makeovers, but can significantly change the look and feel of your home.

If you are looking for the perfect doorknob, you will be spoilt for choice. Look into antique stores and online retailers to find door knobs that match your theme and personality.

6. Carpets and Place Rugs

If you want a quick and affordable way to give any room in your house a facelift, carpets and throw rugs should top your list. While some of these can be a bit pricey, you can get quality at a good price if you look hard enough.

These items can bring different textures and warmth into a room that has lost its appeal.

Creativity Does It

In matters décor, creativity and a keen eye to detail go a long way.

Always be on the lookout for affordable style tips you can implement in your home. Similarly, think of projects you can implement in stages to ensure you spend what you have in bits.