WHY THE RENOVATOR’S DELIGHT HAS DONE ITS DASH

Australia’s love affair with the renovator’s delight could be on the rocks as skyrocketing building costs and the country’s biggest tradie shortage in decades take hold.

Just 12 months ago comparison site Finder conducted a homebuyer survey which revealed four in five purchasers wanted to buy to renovate as housing supply was low and property prices were soaring. But what a difference a year makes.

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Today, building materials are scarce and the most acute shortage of building professionals is for bricklayers, carpenters and roofers. In March, Jobs board Seek tracked the highest number of job advertisements in its 25-year history with the Trades and Services industry driving most of the available jobs. The shortfall may be a result of the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme, which injected more than 130,000 new builds or large renovations into the market, coupled with a drought of foreign skilled workers brought on by two years of closed borders.

So unless buyers have a trade under their own tool belt or a personal pipeline to products then renovating needs to be a long term goal with an elastic budget.

As a result, daggy and dated homes are proving less popular. But for patient purchasers who are happy to put renovations on ice, this changed climate is translating to more bargaining power.

“Good things do come to those who wait and this is probably the most favourable buyer’s market I’ve been in for a few years,” said Sydney-based buyer’s agent Michelle May. “But a lot of buyers are unable to see potential in older homes. “With our clients we sometimes have to convince them to have a look at these places because often they’re not actually that bad.”

She says many buyers have become accustomed to seeing properties online that look amazing.

“They’re styled to within an inch of their lives, there are gorgeous people with their dogs in the images and you can almost smell the Aesop candles. It’s like you’re flicking through an interiors magazine.”

May explained that anything on the market which hasn’t been styled, is perhaps a deceased estate with a decades-old kitchen or bathroom is being overlooked by many buyers.

“I say to my clients ‘If this had been styled by professionals you’d have wanted to look, whereas you’re quickly dismissing it.’ But maybe it’s actually in a great location and the bones are really good. As long as you’re willing to put up with it for a couple of years and ride out this market recalibration, you could actually do really well.”

Home stager and interior designer Kyara Coakes, founder of The Property Stylist, says selling agents are telling her listings in need of significant work are not attracting much attention, opening the window for savvy buyers looking to negotiate.

“Agents are coming to me because they’re finding almost no one’s even looking at them,” Coakes says. “Some of the agents are saying they’re only getting one or two people per inspection but fully renovated or styled properties are still selling within two weeks, even in a quieter market. It’s like demand has just completely changed.

“For the past 10 years – well before COVID – people were definitely wanting to put their own stamp on a property, but that’s definitely not the case anymore.”

Unsurprisingly, May says the popularity of reality TV shows such as The Block, House Rules and Selling Houses Australia have all contributed to the demand for renovator’s delights over the past decade. Before the construction crisis, she said many renovators who didn’t do their homework found themselves buying a money pit. Now, however, she warns the gamble could be even greater.

“You always get first-home buyers, or inexperienced buyers, who overestimate their own DIY skills and underestimate the cost of trades – even prior to COVID and the import crisis,” May says. “I feel it’s our job to take the rose-tinted glasses off for those clients.

“We’ve renovated and flipped so many properties and it’s not as easy as it looks on The Block.”

Building woes have even hammered the successful reality show with producers of The Block 2022 struggling to land enough tradespeople and making a last-minute call out via the media to source skilled workers to finish the contestants’ houses.

“People who’ve never renovated before, or have no idea what they’re up against in the first place, don’t really get what this crisis means,” she says. “But people who are in the know, they’re definitely holding off and you see it in the auction results on Saturdays.”

She says when the market was hot, she was bidding against small-to-medium builders who had the economies of scale and the know-how to renovate well.

“There’s not the profit for them now so they’re dropping off,” May says. “On the other hand, properties with everything done are still going gangbusters and are exceeding expectations. It’s clear renovator’s delights have come off the boil.”

Ultimately, while there are opportunities out there for buyers who are willing to wait, May said research and due diligence is still key. She stressed the old real estate adage of buying “the worst house in the best street” might be great in theory, but not always in practice if the downsides of the home are beyond renovating.

“There’s sometimes a good reason why it’s the worst house on the best street,” she suggests. “It could be a very skinny terrace, or the bathroom is way in the back of the house which could be extremely costly to move, or the street behind it has a huge apartment building so you have no privacy.

“Just be mindful that renovating is definitely not for the faint-hearted and in some cases, it should be kept on TV.”

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.

That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.

I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.

2. Art as Wellness: A Daily Ritual of Rejuvenation

At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.

In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.

Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.

3. Bespoke Brilliance: Celebrating Your Unique Narrative

Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.

4. Sculptural Elegance: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.

5. Architectural Artistry: When Structure Meets Art

A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

6. Furniture as Functional Art: Merging Practicality with Mastery

In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.

Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.

7. Digital Sophistication: The Future of Artistic Expression

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.

This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.

8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.

9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.

Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.