If there’s one upside to the chore of lodging a tax return, it’s the nice little windfall that hopefully lands in your bank account as a refund.

To help put that bonus to good use, PPG’s paint experts have teamed up with Cherie Barber, AUSTRALIA’S RENOVATION QUEEN, to compile the top painting projects Australians can tick off their wishlist using their tax refund.

“Most people wouldn’t think to invest their tax refund into something that can potentially make them money, but a little really can go a long way,” said Barber. “There are small and achievable updates that can be made to your home or investment property that can also increase its value.”

While most Australians shelter from the winter weather indoors, it’s a great time to complete small interior painting projects.

“Now is the best time of the year to pick up the paintbrush and knock over those interior projects you’ve had in mind for a while, with the bonus of a tax refund to potentially cover the full cost,” said David Nicholls, PPG commercial director, Australia and New Zealand. “The TAUBMANS Endure interior paint range by PPG is the best choice for interior painting projects.”

The paint is approved by the National Asthma Foundation Australia’s Sensitive Choice program and offers low odor and low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which make it better for people and the environment. It is also the only Australian interior paint backed by a lifetime guarantee+, providing extra peace of mind for DIYers.

Even if the tax office isn’t particularly generous this year, $500 can go a long way toward transforming any room thanks to the power of paint.

$500 or less tax refund budget
1. Feature wall wow factor
Bring extra personality to any room by painting a bold-colored feature wall. From color palettes inspired by Mother Nature to top trending greys and those of modern vintage and classic appeal, Taubmans paint has the perfect color palettes to inspire you. A simple feature wall can be achieved for well under $500 and in less than one day.

2. Living room makeover
Paint is so versatile that it can effectively camouflage any surface, from open-face brick to '70s wood panels and everything in between. All it takes is good surface preparation according to the label’s instructions and one coat of Taubmans 3 IN 1 Interior & Exterior Sealer, Primer, Undercoat, followed by two coats of Taubmans Endure interior wall paint in your favorite Taubmans paint color.

3. Bathroom beauty
Sometimes it’s just dated tiles and an ugly vanity that let a bathroom down. Rather than ripping out the tiles and laying new ones at great expense, simply paint over them with WHITE KNIGHT Tile Paint, which is tintable to thousands of colors. Use White Knight Tile & Laminate Cleaner to first remove built-up grease, soap scum and other contaminants, followed by White Knight Tile & Laminate Primer for exceptional adhesion and lasting protection against mold, mildew and bacteria. Finish with a fresh coat of Taubmans Endure Kitchen & Bathroom paint on the walls in a complementary color.

$1,000 tax refund budget
4. Kitchen mini makeover
A full kitchen renovation can cost a fortune. Instead, renew cabinets and benchtops with the White Knight specialty paint range. Prepare the surfaces using White Knight Tile & Laminate Cleaner followed by White Knight Tile & Laminate Primer. Refresh cupboards and laminate benchtops using White Knight Laminate Paint, and update tiles using White Knight Tile Paint. Finish benchtops with WHITE KNIGHT BENCHTOP CLEAR protective coating for unbeatable durability and lasting results. Don’t forget to show your walls some love with a fresh coat of Taubmans Endure Kitchen & Bathroom paint.

5. Tween dream
Embrace your tweenager’s free spirit with a bedroom makeover in his or her favorite punchy Taubmans paint colors. To jazz up furniture, the WHITE KNIGHT SQUIRTS craft and decorative aerosol range provide endless creative options. Use White Knight Chalkboard Paint for a fun and functional wall space.

$2,000 tax refund budget

6. Kitchen splendor
A tired kitchen can truly be transformed on a strict $2,000 budget with some strategic updates, starting with a fresh coat of Taubmans Endure Kitchen & Bathroom paint. After preparing surfaces using White Knight Tile & Laminate Cleaner and White Knight Tile & Laminate Primer, use White Knight Laminate Paint and White Knight Tile Paint in your choice of thousands of colors to transform cupboards, benchtops and tiles. By renewing these main elements of the kitchen rather than replacing them, you can afford to splash out on finishing touches like new blinds and some choice decorative pieces that highlight your personal style.

7. Bedroom romance
Why not boost the romance factor in the master bedroom with your own take on a "Boho Scandi" makeover? Use Taubmans Endure interior wall paint in a restful tone like Sprig of Ivy, complemented by a warm white like Taubmans Cotton Sheets. Add texture and boho styling with blonde timber furnishings, a jute rug, pendant lights and sheer curtains. This look is both effortless and luxe, not to mention right on trend.