by Alli Grant Why not plan a little pre-summer makeover for your home? With a small budget and some basic DIY skills, you can transform your home from drab to fab.

Turn off the sun
We would all like to protect our family and friends from the harsh Australian sun, but erecting roofing over your deck or outdoor area can be costly … unless you consider a shade sail. After purchasing your shade sail, all you have to do is lay out the area you want covered, dig the holes, concrete in the posts, erect the sail and enjoy the instant shade. Easy!

A dapper deck
With a hot summer ahead, it’s inevitable that we’ll be spending a lot of time outside on the deck or veranda, so it’s time to redo the deck. Hardware stores like Bunnings have sanding equipment for hire – sanding, resealing and re-oiling the timber will breathe new lift into a tired-looking wooden deck.

Let there be light
Nothing says summer like pretty garden lighting. Consider installing some cost-effective solar lighting in your garden – your guests will be impressed as they meander down your well-lit walkway. Or if the budget allows for it, you could install either low wattage or high wattage lighting systems, for something a little more elaborate – you may need a little help from a qualified electrician to complete your project.

Colour me happy
The easiest and most cost-effective way to inject a little summer lovin’ into your home is via a quick paint job. However if painting an entire room is too daunting, consider a feature wall in a bright, colourful and warm colour. Or try wallpaper. To extend a new colour into a room, consider adding new artwork, colourful throw cushions and items such as vases and candles. Make sure you adequately prepare for the task – there’s nothing worse than a botched paint job.

A textural trend
This summer, there’s a tendency towards softness and a refocus on sensuality from an interior design perspective. Surprisingly, curtains and pelmets are enjoying a revival while carpet is big in living rooms, bedrooms and studies. Adding a couple of stylish new curtains can easily update a tired, old space. Why not experiment with some of the many beautiful fabrics, wallpapers, carpets and lighting on the market?