From refreshes to whole-home transformations, here’s what you can achieve with a DIY paint job whether you’ve got $200 or $2000 to spend.

When it comes to affordable home improvements, painting remains one of the quickest and most effective ways to bring a space to life.

Whether you’re planning a weekend project or a top-to-bottom revamp, knowing exactly how far your budget will take you is key., bathroom, gym and home theatre.

If choppers are more your thing, the property also has a rooftop helipad.

We’ve broken down what’s possible at four different spend levels $200, $500, $1000 and $2000, so you can plan your next project with clarity.

$200 - small space, big impact

According to Haymes Paint senior product manager Murray Tocchet, even the smallest of budgets can make a noticeable difference.

“It’s possible to achieve a great deal with even a small investment in time and money,” Mr Tocchet said.

At this price point, you could recoat a single feature wall, refresh an entryway, or give a narrow hallway a lift.

For compact rooms, light pastels or neutrals can help open them up, while avoiding stark white, which can feel sterile.

If you want a bold statement, try colour drenching painting walls, trims and ceilings in the same striking shade to create depth and blur the boundaries of the space.


$500 - refresh high-traffic zones

With $500, you can focus on the rooms you use most, such as the living area, or update several bedrooms. This budget also stretches to smaller but high-use spaces like the kitchen or bathroom.
Adding personality through colour is an easy way to elevate a room’s feel. The Haymes Paint Colours of Australia palette, inspired by local landscapes, offers combinations that work seamlessly together.

“Each colour has been meticulously chosen to work together cohesively,” Haymes Paint colour lead Rachel Lacy said.

$1000 - the whole interior

With around $1000, you can repaint the entire interior of an average-sized three-bedroom home. This budget allows you to choose a consistent palette for flow, while experimenting with feature walls for added interest.

Preparation matters - cleaning surfaces, priming where needed, and ensuring crisp lines will elevate the final result and make it last longer.

$2000 - inside and out

At this level, your budget extends to exterior projects. You could refresh trims or undertake a full facade repaint if your home needs a bigger lift.

For exterior work, choose paints designed for the Australian climate, and don’t cut corners on preparation it’s the step that ensures a professional-looking finish and lasting protection.