If you have finally decided it is time to act and give your home the makeover it has been screaming out for, this is an exciting time. However, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for, which we outline in this short blog.
- Impulsive approach – Once you’ve made your mind up, get down to the paint store, spend a few hundred pounds on stuff and clear the first room; this is not the approach, rather draw up a plan for each room and work one room at a time. Start with the spare bedroom and be methodical with the work.
- No set budget – If you are OK with spending a fortune, go right ahead and start choosing wallpaper and furniture; the credit card can take a hammering but when the dust settles and you figure out the total cost, you’ll wish you had drawn a line. If you found an aged brass wall light that fits well with your theme, record the price, which you should do for all purchases.
- Skimp on fixtures & fittings – Yes you could save a few quid by settling for cheap fixtures and fittings but in the long run, this is bad business as the items will not stand the test of time. Best quality means longevity and you are in it for the long haul, are you not?
- More is better – When designing an interior space, it is easy to overdo things and you end up with a room that looks ‘busy’. Too many accessories and lots of colour contrast won’t create a relaxing ambience. A minimalist approach works; Google Images can find designs and layouts to give you some inspiration, while the online supplier offers the best deals on everything from paint to leather furniture.
- Hiring the wrong contractor – Unless you happen to be a handyman, you will need to engage the services of a local contractor; make sure they have hands-on experience renovating homes and check that the quote is all-inclusive. A recommendation would help, maybe one of your friends has just had their kitchen renovated and they are over the moon with the results!
A lot of planning and a great design concept is all it takes to transform your living space, room by room until you are happy with your new dwelling.
