By Angela Harber, interior designer & co-founder of Wandarra Homestead in Mudgee, NSW.
When we first walked through the doors of what would become Wandarra Homestead, I could immediately see the potential. The home had what every designer hopes for: great bones. Solid foundations, generous proportions, and a surprisingly functional layout meant we had the perfect base to work from. And, while the house had certainly aged since its 1980s heyday, I could already envision how we’d bring it into a more contemporary, relaxed, and luxurious space—without losing its original charm.
Of course, as anyone who’s taken on a renovation knows, budget constraints are real. Especially when you’re dealing with large spaces—each decision quickly adds up. That’s where I was able to really lean on my design experience to make smart, creative choices that delivered big visual impact without the blowout price tag.
Here are three of the most effective ways we transformed key areas of the home on a budget, without compromising style or quality.
1. Creating a luxe-looking kitchen without the custom price tag
The kitchen was one of the biggest transformations, and also one of the most budget conscious. Rather than opting for a full custom build, we chose a prefab cabinetry system and elevated it with smart design choices. We kept the exposed brick, which had so much character, and decided to contrast it with an all-black kitchen to create balance and make a bold statement.
We chose a black Polytec Woodmatt laminate benchtop instead of stone, saving thousands while still getting a high-end look and a hardwearing surface (a must for short-stay accommodation). We liked how the black-on-black palette is an unexpected choice for a country home but still ties in beautifully with other areas of the house.
One of my proudest budget finds? The timber and brass cabinet handles. I spent days sourcing just the right ones: something tactile, timeless, and not overdone. They echo the earthy tones of the brickwork and really pull the whole look together. We get so many guests asking where they’re from, and I love that they were an affordable yet impactful detail.
2. Turning a tired fireplace into a bold focal point
The living room fireplace is huge (over 1.5m wide), with a stunning sandstone mantle, but it was getting lost among the original exposed brick. To hero the stone and create a statement feature, we painted the entire fireplace in Dulux Domino, a deep charcoal that instantly added depth and drama.
This simple (and affordable) update made such a difference. It visually anchors the room and gives the fireplace the presence it deserves, especially the existing sandstone mantle. Plus, the darker tone now ties in with the black kitchen and elements in bedroom one, adding to the flow of the home.
We painted it ourselves. Undercoat on exposed brick is no joke (seven hours for just the undercoat, in case you’re wondering!) but the result was worth every brushstroke.
3. Swapping carpet for floorboards and layering with rugs
This was one of the most pragmatic decisions, but also one of the most transformative visually. Many areas of the house, particularly the living room and hallway, felt dark and heavy with the original carpet. We chose Blackbutt floorboards for their warmth and natural grain, and the effect was immediate—the light bounced around the space, giving it a sense of airiness, even with the mid-tone colour.
To soften the look and create that cosy, layered feel, we introduced floor rugs throughout. They gave us the chance to add subtle colour, texture, and pattern, anchoring each space without overwhelming it. It’s also a flexible design choice. Rugs can be updated more easily than wall-to-wall carpet, making it a savvy long-term move.
Designing Wandarra wasn’t about flashy statements or over-the-top finishes—it was about making smart, considered choices that felt in tune with the landscape and our vision for the space. By focusing on flow, warmth, and tactility, we created a homestead that feels both elevated and grounded. A place that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to live in, even if just for the weekend.
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