Spring is in the air and with that many homeowners may be thinking of renovating. It’s funny, after a long winter, as we see more of the sun and feel the warmer weather, our brains turn to the possibilities we envision for our homes.
For some, those possibilities may be outside in the yard or garden; for others, it’s their interior space. I’m concentrating on indoor spaces in this article, where I’ll share some client renovations, small and large, that all had things in common.
If you’re thinking of renovating, make sure you have plenty of patience and humour — you’ll need both, I guarantee it!
I saw this quote and love it:
“Home renovation is basically just organized chaos with a little bit of paint thrown in for good measure.”
Taking on a renovation, no matter how big or small, is a jumble of emotions, stress, financial pressure and excitement all rolled into one. So. where to begin?
You may have been thinking about changing things up for years, just not knowing when the time was right, what to do and the big question — do you have the finances?
Here are a few tips that help you get started:
- Decide on the space you want to renovate
- Make a list of all the things you would like to change
- Then make a wish list of things you want
- Pinterest can provide inspiration
- Determine your budget
- Research contractors: for me, word of mouth is a great way to learn about contractors in your area; friends, family and neighbours can help provide you with contacts — but All Things Home offers more advice on this tip
- Visit home improvement stores to source flooring, paint, tile, etc.
- If you’re stuck on how to pull things together in your space, or even what paint colours and finishes to choose, use a designer, who can make this part of your process so much easier
- Get three quotes, ask for references and speak to them
- Planning of your renovation is an integral part of it; the more you plan the easier it will go
- When choosing your contractor, make sure you have open lines of communication so you and they know what is going on at all times
Budget fix
Here’s bathroom renovation that used some of the original pieces and added some new touches to make it easier on the budget.
What we did:
- A standalone tub was added on a bed of river rocks
- The large mural behind the tub was a great choice for the focal wall
- The vanity and mirror were original and painted for a fresh look
The changes made in this bathroom were just what my client was looking for — dramatic and unique, while watching her budget.
Kitchen update
My client knew the kitchen didn’t work for her so we started planning and designing her new kitchen the moment she moved in. She had her list and we checked off everything she wanted:
- A two-tiered island
- Pendant lights over the island
- Lots of cupboard space
- The addition of lit, glass-fronted upper cabinets where she could store her grandmother’s silver pieces and enjoy seeing them
’70s ensuite overhaul
These clients purchased a mid-century modern home and the entire home had to be renovated in some form or another. I have to say that this ensuite bathroom was top of their list.
They wanted a clean, fresh, more modern look to their bathroom and we achieved that to their joy.
’80s kitchen needs love
These clients have a large family and the kitchen is a space that we had to get right.
It had to function well, have lots of storage and places where a few people could be in the kitchen cooking together, as it is the hub of their home. And, of course, it had to look good.
We spent a lot of time planning the kitchen to ensure everything was where it worked best for them.
They wanted a clean, updated wood look for their cupboards, interesting handles, marble counters/backsplash and updated lighting to round out their fabulous new space.
I hope that this article has given you some food for thought if you are thinking of renovating, be it small or large. It’s a journey that hopefully will end up with a space that you love and works well for you.
