10 WAYS WE SAVED IN THE ECLECTIC ESCAPE RENOVATION (AND HOW YOU CAN TOO)
Renovating doesn’t have to mean blowing the budget. In the Eclectic Escape renovation, we made smart design decisions that saved thousands of dollars, without compromising on style. Here’s exactly how we did it, and how you can apply the same thinking to your own reno.
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Guest Bedroom
1. We kept the existing layout
Why it works: Moving walls is fun… until the invoices start rolling in. Layout changes are one of the quickest ways to churn through your budget. Unless you really need to, keeping your existing floorplan the same will help you save money.
How we did it: We left the existing layout exactly as it was and focused on cosmetic upgrades instead. The only wall that got a sledgehammer through it was the one between the living room and the kitchen. Opening up this space was game-changing to the overall flow of the home, without changing the actual layout.
Steal this: If a space functions fine, don’t touch it. Invest your budget in finishing, like paint, flooring and furniture, to bring your vision to life instead.
BEFORE - Living & Hallway
AFTER - Living & Hallway
2. worked with existing plumbing locations
Why it works: Plumbing is expensive, messy and never as simple as you think it’ll be.
How we did it: While some plumbing locations shifted within the bathroom spaces, the bathrooms themselves didn’t move at all. We kept the kitchen, bathroom and laundry locations where they were and avoided relocating plumbing between rooms, then levelled things up with beautiful tapware and finishes which totally transformed the bathrooms.
Steal this: Keep plumbing changes contained within existing rooms wherever possible - moving it across the house is where costs really blow out.
3. USED Curtains instead of wardrobe doors
Why it works: Custom wardrobe doors across multiple rooms can add up quickly.
How we did it: We skipped joinery doors and used full-height curtains instead, which softens the rooms and adds that relaxed, layered vibe we love. And added super cute curvy pelmet details for full luxe vibes.
Steal this: Curtains are cheaper, cosier and way easier to change down the track than doors.
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Main Bedroom
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Guest Bedroom
4. refurbished the existing pergola (& made it a pizza parlour)
Why it works: Ripping things down and starting again is rarely the cheapest option. If you’ve got features you can revamp to bring back to life or use for another purpose - go for it!
How we did it: The little pergola in the backyard had good bones, but it was rundown and had no purpose. We repainted it, scrubbed the roof and added decking underfoot to turn it into the perfect spot for a pizza party.
Steal this: Before you demolish, ask yourself: Can this be saved or reimagined?
5. OPTED FOR Plain cabinet profiles + luxe hardware
Why it works: Fancy cabinetry profiles cost more but aren’t the only way to achieve a beautiful kitchen.
How we did it: We chose simple, clean cabinet doors which cost considerably less and made them feel luxe with beautiful statement hardware.
Steal this: Keep cabinetry basic and let the handles steal the show.
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Kitchen
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Kitchen
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Kitchen & Laundry
6. Colour-drenched THE BEDrooms
Why it works: Multiple paint colours = more cutting-in = more labour = more money. Using one colour everywhere will save time and cost.
How we did it: We colour-drenched walls, trims and doors in the same shade for a bold look and quicker paint times.
Steal this: One colour everywhere looks luxe and super cosy… and saves on labour too.
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Kids’ Bedroom
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Guest Bedroom
7. designed spaces to work harder
Why it works: Multi-purpose spaces save you from adding extra rooms (and extra cost).
How we did it: The new backyard shed can be used as a shaded hangout, sleepover spot and storage zone - one small space, so many possibilities. Inside the house, we built an L-shaped custom daybed that works as a sofa by day, bed by night.
Steal this: If something can do two jobs, let it!
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Shed
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Shed
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Living
8. let styling do the heavy lifting (not building work)
Why it works: Furniture, rugs and lighting are way cheaper than moving walls. By leaning into styling, you can completely transform the look and feel of a space - without the structural spend.
How we did it: We solved layout challenges with clever styling and made the most of our Dream Discount Card, saving every single time we shopped for furniture, homewares and finishing touches.
Steal this: Style first, build last - and always look for discounts on the stuff you’re buying anyway.
9. SWAPPED TIMBER FLOORING FOR TIMBER LOOK HYBRID
Why it works: You still get the warmth and beauty of timber, but at a fraction of the cost. Timber-look hybrid flooring gives you the same natural aesthetic with added durability - perfect for busy families and holiday homes.
How we did it: We chose a high-quality timber-look hybrid that mimics the tone and grain of real timber, so visually, nothing was compromised. It’s scratch-resistant, water-resistant and far more forgiving in high-traffic areas, making it ideal for everyday life while keeping the budget in check.
Steal this: Compare the costs of solid timber, engineered timber, hybrid and laminate flooring side by side. Weigh up the pros, cons and long-term durability of each, then choose the option that gives you the look you love at a price that works for your budget and lifestyle.
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Kitchen
Three Birds Eclectic Escape – Main Bedroom
10. repeated finishes THROUGHOUT the house
Why it works: Repeating finishes saves money, reduces waste and makes everything feel calm and cohesive.
How we did it: We used the same finishes across multiple rooms, which helped with bulk ordering and made the whole home flow beautifully - including the same flooring across the kitchen, living, hallway and bedrooms.
Steal this: Consistency always looks more high-end, even when it’s not.
Loved this list?
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