A colour refresh in Alice Springs on Selling Houses Australia
The task? Turn a kaleidoscopic house in Alice Springs into a serene desert oasis to appeal to buyers in a challenging market. But did it sell?
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
Travelling to the Northern Territory to film our final episode of Selling Houses Australia, Season 17 was just a dream. Such an amazing landscape from which to find inspiration - but first, we headed off to meet Richard and Kat who, along with their three daughters, had always dreamt of living in the remote beauty of Alice Springs. The couple bought their home during the property boom for $675,000, but as the pandemic eased, they found themselves unable to maintain the mortgage from afar. With the market in a downturn, they faced the harsh reality of selling at a loss. My job? Transform their vibrant yet overwhelming home into a calm and inviting space that would attract buyers.
A clever budget kitchen refresh in Alice Springs
The original kitchen was a visual assault with its bold red highlights and dark cabinetry. With a limited budget, I focussed on making smart changes that would have a big impact, replacing the splashback with simple, textured tiles (Travertine Kit Kat Honed Mosaic 7703 from Tile Factory Outlet) and installing a new light and bright benchtop - Pepper Leaf by Kaboodle, available at Bunnings - with Alfred 1 light pendants in Oil Rubbed Bronze from Beacon Lighting adding beauty and function. These changes, along with some new appliances from Bosch, transformed the kitchen into a space that was not only functional but also inviting. The result was a kitchen that felt fresh and modern, without the need for a complete overhaul. It’s painted in Grand Piano Half Quarter by Dulux.
“Bringing in a cohesive colour scheme in this home was really the key to its success. Such a simple but big-impact change”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Selling Houses Alice Springs living room interior design
Inside, the house was a riot of colours, with each room painted in a different bold hue. To create a more cohesive and calming atmosphere, we repainted the entire interior in modern, earthy tones inspired by Alice Springs’ desert landscape. The main colour is Grand Piano Half Quarter by Dulux, and we also added timber laminate flooring and lots of cosy rugs from Flooring Xtra. This not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to bounce around the rooms, making them feel larger and more inviting. We introduced comfortable, modern furniture, lots of gorgeous cushions from Rapee and stunning local artwork to add personality and warmth. The transformation was remarkable, turning the once chaotic space into a serene retreat.
Bedroom updates for Alice Springs, Selling Houses Australia
The bedrooms were originally a mishmash of clashing colours and outdated furnishings, making them feel cramped and unwelcoming. We started by repainting the walls in soft, neutral tones to create a calming atmosphere. New window coverings were added to let in more natural light, enhancing the sense of space and tranquillity. We also updated the bedding and added stylish yet functional furniture to each room, ensuring they were both comfortable and inviting. Underfoot, it’s soft Ophelia Daisy from Flooring Xtra. The result was a series of serene sanctuaries, perfect for rest and relaxation. Bedroom feature wall pictured: Grass Sands by Dulux.
A simple bathroom fix on Selling Houses Australia
While the budget didn’t allow for a full bathroom renovation, we made strategic updates to enhance the existing spaces. The bathrooms were given a thorough clean, and we added new shower curtains and some fresh styling elements to modernise the look. These simple changes made the bathrooms feel clean and welcoming, aligning them with the rest of the home’s new aesthetic.
Dennis Scott creates an outdoor oasis in Alice Springs
The outdoor area was a major selling point, but it needed a lot of work. The existing pool was more of a swamp, and the garden was overgrown. Dennis drained and cleaned the pool, installed a stylish new shade sail, and replaced the old fencing with sleek glass panels. The garden was transformed with drought-tolerant plants and new turf, creating a lush, green oasis. This outdoor transformation turned the backyard into a perfect spot for entertaining and enjoying the stunning Alice Springs climate.
The sales history of Selling Houses Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a unique market, with its remote location and stunning natural beauty. Richard and Kat’s home, with its four bedrooms and large outdoor area, was initially listed at $645,000. After the renovation, the property was revalued, and the potential sale price increased significantly. The transformation made the home a strong competitor in the market, and Richard and Kat were able to list it with renewed hope. However, with a first home buyer’s grant capped at $600K, it made it difficult to secure a price above that. Ultimately, they accepted an offer at $600K.
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Richard and Kat contributed $50,000 towards the renovation, which enabled the team to considerably improve the home’s presentation. Although the property didn’t sell immediately, it did sell eventually, helping Richard and Kat move forward with their plans.
