When renovating the homes of their family, designers pay increased attention to a series of details that, in their eyes, can be dealmakers or breakers in the process. The so-called golden rules that designers follow in the process can be followed by everybody. While it can be incredibly easy to start a project with multiple great ideas, doing so is not advisable, in their eyes, as it can make your property look a bit too eclectic. Eclectic home designs can look wonderful, but not in the way many of us succeed to create those. For a better approach, below is a list of 7 golden rules that will make the whole process significantly easier.
#1. Plan Ahead
One of the greatest tip interior designers follow when remodelling their own homes but also their client’s homes is planning ahead. After all, there is involved a lot of money, your hard-earned money, and having a detailed plan in your mind will certainly help you achieve better results in the long run, and hopefully, decrease the overall costs of the renovation itself. Save yourself some headaches and money and carefully plan ahead. If it helps, write down all essential aspects you can think about as it will offer you a more structured and detailed path of actions in the process. While those big improvements are the first you will be thinking of, don’t neglect the importance of a good lighting, treated windows, new rugs and new replacement hardware for your cabinets. Details should be accounted for as well.
#2. Search for your contractors
While a simple paint job can be achieved quite easily by yourself, for more complex improvements, you will need the assistance of a contractor. And because some contractors may be scams, do yourself a favour and research what your options are in detail before beginning. Check their credentials with the Better Business Bureau, but don’t stop there. Do a background search, regardless of the contractor’s recommendations. This will offer you easy access to billions of public records on the owner, even on each member of their team, their telephone number, their court record, driving records and so on, so it’s worth your time. After you make sure that your contractor has a clean record, check with those that previously collaborated with them and ask their honest opinion. Ask for a list of references. Your contractor, if reliable, will be more than willing to offer it to you. Generally, contractors are aware that free good publicity is the best way to get further clients. Online reviews are another amazing resource that you can use in your process. People tend to unleash their frustration with service providers online, if the service offered is a mediocre or bad one.
#3. Turn your home’s quirks into its best features
Professional interior designers claim that finding a property with a flawless design is a difficult task. However, if you are aware of what your property lacks or what its flaws are, you can turn those into some of the best features out there. This case usually appears in extension’s case. They may not flow seamlessly, so make an effort to embrace this downside. Add a separating glass wall to create a clear “border” without blocking the natural light from entering your kitchen, let’s say. While this isn’t ideal, it can beautifully become the focus point of your new design.
#4. Turn yourself into “that” list person
We all know somebody that can’t live their lives without lists. Well, this is the perfect time for you to become “that” person, especially when it comes to your budget. Budget everything, from lighting, to mail features of your home, to additions and small details such as curtain shopping and so on. This seems a tad extreme, for many, but it will make the whole process easier to keep track of and will allow you to follow a well-established plan and budget. Make sure to add at the bottom of your list an “emergency funds” point. These will come in handy, as few remodelling projects come without emergencies that have to be solved, with money, obviously.
#5. Keep a close eye on details
Paying attention to details after the big projects are accomplished will help you achieve the desired mood and atmosphere. Even the most minimalistic designs can be turned into home-like spaces that transpire cosiness and comfort. Play with different textures and colours, mix those so they create a welcoming and comfortable space. Try to manage this without compromising your new space’s functionality. Find the right balance between functionality and aesthetics. This will most likely help you achieve the desired contrast. Carpets, faux fur rugs, these make a huge difference even in stone-cold designs.
#6. Storage spaces will make a functional difference
Storage spaces are mandatory when it comes to redesigning a home. The best solution is integrating those in the way you’ll use them. For instance, your wardrobe will fit fewer shelves are your clothing items are most likely more voluminous than children’s clothing. Adapt the wardrobe to your needs, in this case. In the bathroom, create an under-the-sink storage space and you’ll have a secure space for all your bathroom cleaning products. Built-in storage solutions are great if you want to mask everything a create a cohesive interior design.
#7. Your property’s floorplan should meet your living style
If you guess that you’ll be climbing up and down the stairs multiple times a day, better avoid adding an extra floor and try to fit everything on a single floor home plan. This will save you plenty of time and frustration in the long run and will make everything more comfortable for you.
These are the seven most important aspects you have to remember when redesigning or remodeling your home. Make sure to follow those and hire a reliable contractor. It will save you plenty of frustration, money and time, and these are the most important things you have to work on.
