10 Home Remodeling & Renovation Ideas
Home renovation can be a daunting task and also a thrilling one. It gives you the opportunity to make over your home and align it with your taste and vision. It’s a chance to update your bathroom, add gleaming new appliances to your kitchen, or create a flowing indoor/outdoor living space between your family room and patio.
You also get to re-imagine your interior design style. If you’ve been living in a traditional home with formal furnishings, rich colors and floral or plaid patterns, a remodel can transform it to a minimalist’s dream, with neutral palettes and lots of natural light.
But there’s a lot of work between the “before” and “after.” Here are some home remodeling ideas to help make the job as easy as possible.
1. Put in the Work at the Beginning.
You need to make a plan before the first hammer drops, whether you want a whole home renovation or just upgrade your bathroom. Write down every aspect of the job, from replacing the shower to picking a new faucet for your sink. This will also help you plan your budget. Contractors can be helpful if you need an assist envisioning how everything will come together.
2. Get Your Numbers in Order.
Obviously, you need to have a budget (which includes an amount dedicated to covering unexpected costs as they arise—which they will), based on research and bids, as well as a method of paying for everything. But you’ll also need a number for the days, weeks or months it will take to complete your project. Knowing how long you will be without a kitchen while it’s being renovated can help you make alternative plans.
3. Get The Help You Need.
Not everyone is cut out for DIY home renovation. You may have brought on a contractor in the planning stages, or you may be sourcing bids from different companies for various parts of your project. Word-of-mouth from trusted friends or relatives can help you find the right person, or you can ask potential contractors for references. You’ll want someone who is licensed and doesn’t have a record of complaints filed against them with state or local agencies.
4. Get It All in Writing.
One of the most important home remodeling tips: have a detailed contract. Before embarking on the renovation, get an itemized list of costs, the work that will be completed, permits that need to be obtained (and who’s responsible for getting them) and the projected timeline. You want to have the fewest possible surprises when you’re in the thick of your home remodel.
5. Make This the Time to Fulfill Your Dreams.
Always wanted a kitchen island, a deluxe walk-in closet for your bedroom or beautiful hardwood floors? This is your opportunity to make those dreams a reality. Incorporate the special remodeling ideas that will make your home a haven.
6. Settle on a Design Aesthetic.
Be thoughtful if your renovation includes re-imagining your interior design. Look at Pinterest or home design magazines to find rooms that appeal to you, especially if you’re still trying to determine your style. You may want to build your aesthetic around a signature piece, such as a cherished work of art. Once you have a design style in mind, that can guide you as you choose paint colors, fixtures, new furnishings and home decor accessories.
7. Pay Attention to the Details.
Little things mean a lot when it comes to home design. The right table lamp can work with your lighting design to create illuminating pools of warm light in an otherwise dark area of your room; a beautiful lamp also serves as a visual focal point. A tasteful area rug brings color, texture and pattern to a room and provides a sense of definition to a formal sitting area or a cozy reading nook.
8. Be Prepared.
Make sure to stash valuables in a place where they can’t be broken. Be mindful to cover floors or furnishings to prevent damage. Determine how you’ll prepare meals during a kitchen renovation or where you’ll sleep during a bedroom remodel. Remember to stay flexible. When the unexpected comes up, you can roll with it and not lose valuable time or money.
9. Design for Your Lifestyle.
If an open floor plan is one of your home renovation ideas, make sure you build in a space where you can get some privacy when you need it. Perhaps your teenagers are squabbling over who’s hogging the bathroom—it may be time to add another bathroom to accommodate everyone. Do you live in a warm climate where you spend a lot of time outdoors? An outdoor living space with a built-in barbecue, mini-fridge and fireplace may be just the thing for you. Also keep in mind how long you plan to live in your house. You may want to stick to more timeless design choices that will be appealing to more prospective buyers and add value to your home.
10. Make a Good First Impression.
Design your entryway for maximum impact. A painting, entry table with fresh flowers, or dramatic staircase draw the eye in and give guests something inviting to look at. It’s a house remodel idea that sets the tone for the rest of your home. Plus, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful scene every time you come home.
Visit Elegant Strand to help realize your home renovation dreams. We offer a collection of sophisticated and refined bedding and home decor that will complement your newly remodeled rooms. Shop our collections today.