Kmart expert’s $12 tip saves money on towels while updating the look of your bathroom

With budgets tight right now spending on items for the home can feel like a toss up between what needs replacing and something that will update a room.

According to Kmart home buyer Nicholas Holmes there are particular products that have a bigger impact than others on refreshing a space, and they don’t have to cost a lot.

One of his favourite items for adding a pop of colour and the latest trending looks to the home on a budget is towels.

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And Kmart always has towels in the current season styles, such as the new rose tan, lilac and olive mini waffle cotton towels, for $12 each. There are also mega towels for $18 and plain coloured Eden towels for $5.50.

“I find I don’t need to buy six or a full set of the fashion towels, I might do two to refresh the bathroom and then they kind of go into circulation with my existing towels,” he tells 9honey Living.

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“So two $12 towels go a long way in the bathroom space.”

That means instead of spending a lot on new towels, you can just add one or two new colours each season or when the budget allows. Look for contrasting and coordinating colours and patterns to make your own collection work together so you can mix and match.

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In the living room, Holmes recommends refreshing the space with cushions, whether you get one in a trending pattern to add to what you already have or a few designs.

Popular new additions to Kmart have been the rectangular stripe bow cushions and the 50cm square stripe cushions for $10 each.

“They’re so impactful, and the stripe trend has been so strong so customers don’t need to buy a lot to get impact with the bold stripes,” he says.

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“So a $10 cushion on a sofa or a bed creates impact, so I’d definitely go cushions [if you’re refreshing a space on a budget].”

Also on Holmes’ list of homewares that make your home feel fresh on a budget is candles.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of lighting them you can get one with a lid and remove that every now and then for a burst of scent without lighting a match.

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“Don’t underestimate the power of fragrance. So just a candle in a space that when you come home you can burn it, it feels really special, [just] $12 and it creates a really great ambience that doesn’t need to break the bank,” he says.

While larger and more detailed candles cost around $12, you can find candles at Kmart for as little as $1 and $2. There are also LED candles if you want the look of candle light without the flame.

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And when in doubt of what to get to improve the look of a space, try some storage options to corral clutter even if it’s just one shelf or table.

“I can justify [spending on] things when I buy something that’s got a function, so the storage solutions [Kmart has] just to simply update a wardrobe, neaten up a pantry, so a couple of baskets I can always find space for,” Holmes says.

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There are all sorts of baskets at Kmart to suit your needs and style, including plastic options with plain colours to felt and woven options.

But one of the most popular baskets at the retailer lately has been the new collapsible crates in three sizes and colours from $4 to $10. They not only add a pop of colour to a space but can collapse flat when you don’t need them.

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