Who says you need a designer budget to create a designer home? For many of us, the dream of a luxe, magazine-worthy space can feel just out of reach—especially when you start tallying up the costs of custom fittings and professional installations.
But as one clever Kmart shopper has shown, a little creativity and a trip to your local budget retailer can go a long way towards transforming your home, without emptying your wallet.
Meet Shannyn Green, the savvy DIYer who recently took to social media to share her incredible bedroom makeover.
After being quoted a jaw-dropping $1300 for custom sheer curtains, Shannyn decided to take matters into her own hands.
Her secret weapon? The Sicily S-Fold Long Curtain from Kmart, a steal at just $29 per panel. All up, her entire window transformation came in at under $200—a saving of more than $1100!
Shannyn’s video quickly went viral, with viewers marvelling at the transformation. The curtains, which she and her husband installed themselves, instantly elevated the space, giving it that soft, elegant look you’d expect from a high-end home.
‘The curtains themselves are really simple to install,’ Shannyn explained. ‘The most challenging part is cutting one rail down shorter to fit our space, as you will need a tool to do this. But honestly, it’s totally possible for a beginner to do. I’m not very handy, and I would have felt comfortable giving it a go.’
Of course, it helps to have a tradie in the family. Shannyn’s husband was able to handle the trickier bits, but she’s adamant that most people could manage the project with a little patience and the right tools.
‘The cost was definitely the biggest pro for us,’ she said. ‘We knew we wanted sheers, but having just moved into a new home, custom sheers just didn’t fit into the budget. Being able to DIY it for under $200 was a game-changer.’
So, what’s the catch? As with most budget-friendly options, there are a few trade-offs. Shannyn admits that up close, you can tell the curtains are a polyester blend rather than high-end linen.
And because you’re using multiple panels rather than a single custom piece, you might notice some small gaps if you don’t arrange them carefully.
But for Shannyn, the pros far outweigh the cons. ‘If you want to make your space feel more cosy and a little fancy, I think it really elevates the space,’ she said.
‘They’re absolutely worth the money. It’s a great budget-friendly option for people who don’t want to spend thousands.’
The response online has been overwhelmingly positive. Fellow Kmart fans and DIY enthusiasts flooded the comments with praise and their own success stories.
‘These look amazing, definitely going to give this a go!’ wrote one user. Another added, ‘It looks fantastic. Love how they drape on the ground.’
Others shared their own tips, with one person noting, ‘The sheer curtains from Kmart are really good. I got some for our bedrooms, but I got the lounge ones from Spotlight, and it’s not as nice as the Kmart ones.’
For those wondering about the curtain rods, Shannyn had some advice: ‘You can cut the Kmart ones, so buy as many as you need and connect them together.’ It’s a simple hack that makes the whole project even more accessible.
If you’re feeling inspired to tackle your own home makeover, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Measure twice, buy once: Before you head to the shops, make sure you’ve measured your windows carefully. This will help you figure out exactly how many panels and rods you’ll need.
2. Don’t be afraid to DIY: Even if you’re not particularly handy, many home improvement projects are easier than they look. There are plenty of tutorials online, and you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
3. Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to combine budget finds with a few splurge items. Sometimes, a single statement piece can elevate the whole room.
4. Embrace imperfection: Remember, your home is for living in, not just for show. A few small imperfections add character and charm.
5. Share your success: If you’ve pulled off a budget-friendly home transformation, share your story! You might just inspire someone else to give it a go.
At the end of the day, creating a beautiful home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little ingenuity and a willingness to roll up your sleeves, you can achieve a look you love—and keep your bank balance happy.
Have you tried a DIY home makeover using budget finds? What’s your best tip for getting the luxe look for less? Share your stories and photos in the comments below—we’d love to see your transformations!
Also read: Kmart’s $59 dupe of a cult styling tool excites shoppers—’it’s pretty good’
