The most common renovating mistake we see and how to fix it, so you can avoid costly errors and achieve a successful renovation.
Renovating your home can be so involved and complex that it can quickly escalate from an exciting challenge to something a little bit scary – even chaotic! So let's talk about one easy way for you to make sure you stay in control and avoid costly errors.
Your interior should be planned before you start knocking down any walls
The problem: Not confirming the interior design of your home alongside your architectural plans
We understand why this happens. Eagerness to get started, excitement and the time it takes to secure a reliable builder can mean that it's easy to get carried away and focus all your attention on the architectural elements and the build, and overlook the importance of planning your living spaces at the same time.
Getting planning approval and starting construction as soon as possible is a top priority. However, it's important to remember that the interior design and layout of your home will have just as much impact on your day-to-day life as the structure of the building, if not more.
One area in particular where this can cause regrets and missed opportunities is your kitchen. Taking the time to carefully consider the layout, storage options, and functionality of your space from the very start, can save you a lot of frustration and disappointment down the line.
So while it may be tempting to focus solely on the structural elements, don't forget to give equal attention to the interior of your family home.
Plan the layout of your kitchen early on, so you know the structure of the room will work with the vision you have for the space.
Some common issues that homeowners can face include:
Radiators placed in compromising positions, affecting the kitchen and furniture layout.
Inadequate space for fridges and freezers.
Large bi-fold and sliding doors that limit the kitchen layout by eating up wall space.
Windows positioned incorrectly.
Insufficient space around large tables or family dining areas, making areas feel cramped.
A poor lighting plan (or no plan) resulting in a runway of downlights on the ceiling.
The solution: Synchronise your interior and architectural plans.
It's that simple.
A well-planned space addresses both interior design and the structural layout.
NAILING THE LOOK OF YOUR SPACE
It takes time to design a home, so make sure you don’t rush decisions and that you dedicate enough time to the task. A home is more than bricks and mortar.
Before and after photos from our Harpenden project
If you balance both the interior design and architectural plans from the beginning, you are setting yourself up for a successful and rewarding renovation. Plus you’ll get the benefit of your teams’ expertise.
We use SketchUp to show clients the vision for their home
Our top tips
1. Envision your end goal.
Before making any structural decisions, envision how you want your home to look and feel. Identify your design style, the purpose of each room, the desired atmosphere and the layout of the rooms. This way, decisions on window placement, door positioning, and other structural elements will be aligned with your vision and design goals.
2. Collaborate with professionals from the start.
Involve both interior designers and architects during the planning phase to ensure the flow of your architectural layout complements how you want the rooms to look. This way your team can work together to help you get the functionality and aesthetics right from the start.
3. Prioritise functional needs.
Consider the daily practical needs of your living space and how functional design ideas can make your life easier and more enjoyable. For example, how the right window placement can bring in plenty of natural light, well-planned storage solutions can declutter your home and a good flow will provide a harmonious connection between rooms.
4. Be prepared to adapt.
Unanticipated changes may arise during the renovation process. Not great, but it happens. Keep an open mind and be ready to adapt as needed to ensure a cohesive and functional result. This isn't an invitation to start changing your mind during the build. But it pays to be aware that challenges do arise and will need to be dealt with. Having a good architect, interior designer and builder by your side, makes it much easier to find a solution which doesn't compromise on the design.
In a nutshell, patience and thorough planning are the keys to a successful renovation - along with a lot of legwork. Which is exactly what we do, and why our clients seek our help. If you’re left wondering how an interior can help on your project, read our blog post on ‘5 reasons to hire an interior designer’.
Here's how we helped Rachel, our Harpenden client, achieve a gorgeous family home.
"Engaging Alison to help us through a substantial remodel and renovation of our family home was the best decision we ever made! Over the course of 16 months she transformed our home into a practical and beautiful space, and we are thrilled with the results!
Before commencing the project, Alison made sure we had a budget in place and provided advice on where to spend and save. As an interior designer she made sure the ‘bones’ of each room were perfect: layout, lighting, electrics, flooring, and cabinetry. Thanks to her expertise we avoided making costly mistakes and future-proofed our home by making good design decisions that will stand the test of time."
We take pride in creating family homes with personality and spirit.
To start planning your interior design the right way, get in touch and let’s chat.
We're here to help with everything - from spatial planning, kitchen and bathroom designs, lighting and electrical plans, right through to sourcing materials.
With our professional and friendly approach, we'll guide you through the process of creating a luxurious and functional interior design for your family home (alongside your architect!)
Find out more about our interior design and kitchen design services here.
