• e-mail

A mother-of-two and retail assistant has offered a look inside her picture-perfect Hamptons-inspired home in Brisbane (Torie pictured with her family)

A mother-of-two and retail assistant has offered a look inside her picture-perfect Hamptons-inspired home in Brisbane - and revealed how you too can get the on-trend look without having to spend a fortune.

Torie Marques, 28, said much of the interior has been bought from Kmart, IKEA and at big Freedom sales.

'It's been about a year since my family and I moved into our home, and since then we have been working tirelessly on it, constantly finding more things to add to make it perfect,' Torie told FEMAIL.

'We took a lot of the work on ourselves to save money and plan to install a barn door next to close off our media room from the rest of the house.' 

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Torie shared some of her interior design secrets on a shoestring.

She also revealed why the most important thing when buying white furniture is that you make sure it is washable and easily wiped clean. 

Torie she has always been a big fan of sales and never pays full price for anything.

'I have a permanent list of items that I want to buy for the home, and then as soon as a sale hits I jump straight online and buy them,' Torie said.

'I find that with big things like appliances and furniture, if it doesn't go on sale, you can usually get a bargain by asking the retailer what is the best price they can do.'

Torie Marques , 28, said while you might think you have to spend thousands of dollars to get a stylish interiors finish, in fact plenty of items in her home have been bought from Kmart, IKEA and at big Freedom sales (sofas from IKEA pictured)

'It's been about a year since my family and I moved into our home, and since then we have been working tirelessly on it, constantly finding more things to add to make it perfect,' Torie told FEMAIL (kitchen pictured)

Torie said that to save money with her home (pictured) in Brisbane, she and her partner took on a lot of the work themselves, and they plan to install a barn door next

Torie (pictured) said small, decorative and often inexpensive items can completely change the look and feel of a room - things like cushions, throws, prints, artificial flowers and candles

Torie said her home is filled with hundreds of cheap pieces and just a couple of expensive items. 

Her living room sofas, for instance, are from IKEA, while her cushions are from TK Maxx.

'I often think it's the small decorative items that change the look and feel of a home,' Torie said.

'Things like cushions, throws, prints, artificial flowers and candles. They never cost much, but can change a whole room's feel instantly.

'Plus, if you decide that you want to change your theme later on, then it's so easy to replace them and there are no renovating costs.'

The Hamptons-inspired look has been popular across Australia for several years now, and Torie is not alone in loving the clean, simple feel it gives a house. 

'I'm always telling people you do not need to have shaker-style cabinetry to make your home a Hamptons home, though,' she said.

'Pick a few statement pieces like a rug, a display cabinet and a dining table and chairs that tap into that vibe and then add touches of blue and white decor throughout your home.

'You can easily create the same Hamptons feel without it costing you a fortune.'

Some of Torie's favourite shops for Hamptons-style furniture are Kmart, Big W, Spotlight and IKEA. 

'Pick a few statement pieces like a rug, a display cabinet and a dining table and chairs that tap into that vibe and then add touches of blue and white decor throughout your home,' Torie offered as advice for those wanting to create a Hamptons feel (her home pictured)

What is a Hamptons-style home?

Hamptons style is often classed by shaker-style cabinetry, which is cabinets and doors with recessed panels, Torie said you do not have to have this to have a Hamptons feel (her kitchen pictured, which does not have shaker-style cabinetry)

* The foundation of Hampton style refers to homes built by the rich and famous in a group of townships on Long Island, New York.

* The Hamptons style is defined by cool, classic and sophisticated designs that meet rustic, casual beach vibes. 

* Hamptons style is often classed by shaker-style cabinetry, which is cabinets and doors with recessed panels.

* A typical Hamptons colour scheme uses natural colours inspired by nature, white and blue finishes.

* Other common things you will find in an Australian Hamptons style Home are panelled walls, timber flooring and big bay windows that flood the living spaces with natural light. 

* Sleek lines and classic styles are the heart of Hamptons style. Choose materials such as marble, oak and ceramic to fit with a white-on-white colour palette. 

* One tip that is often given to those wanting to have a Hamptons home is that you should start with the walls – the colour you choose for your walls will set you on the path to creating your Hamptons home. 

* Timber floors are also an important element of a Hamptons style. 

* Accessorise your home with materials that are natural for example timber, cane, linen, cotton and wool. Remember to always be inspired by the coast.

Source: Merino Homes 

When it comes to her tips for others wanting to change the look and feel of their home, Torie said you can never go wrong with neutral:

'Having a neutral style is a big money saver in many ways,' she explained.

'Not only is it a light palette to work with, it makes the room absorb new styles and colours as your taste changes and develops.'

Torie recommends if you have a small home or apartment, that you keep the colour scheme light and bright as it 'opens up a room and keeps it fresh'.

'Darker colours make somewhere seem much smaller, so I pick light, bright pieces that are easy to clean.

'For example, our IKEA couches may be white, but they are completely machine washable!'

Torie also has side tables and coffee tables that are easy to wipe down - which is 'handy when you have kids and pets'. 

When it comes to her tips for others wanting to change the look and feel of their home, Torie said you can never go wrong with neutral pieces (her home pictured)

Recently, Torie shared photos from her home on Facebook, where thousands of other homeowners were impressed at her styling on a budget:

'Your home looks amazing and like it could be in Home Beautiful,' one woman wrote.

'Tori... your house is gorgeous! Clean crisp whites and neutrals with those hints of blue. ... just lovely!' another added.

To follow Torie Marques online, you can visit her Instagram profile here.