Are you planning a home improvement project and need some advice and inspiration? We’ve asked six Instagram renovators to share their top tips.
One thing team KBB loves about social media is the renovation community. We particularly enjoy joining homeowners along their journeys, from knocking down walls to the big reveal. So, if you are planning a project anytime soon, who better to receive tips and tricks from than those who have already gone through it all?
To help provide you with some words of wisdom and motivation, we spoke to six real-life renovators who’ve been there and got the dusty T-shirt, and asked what home improvement advice they would pass on to others who are looking to do the same…
@our_1930srenovation_story
Before picking up a paintbrush or ordering furniture, take time to plan. I like to create a moodboard for each room, as it’s a great way to gather ideas, compare colour schemes, and see how patterns work together. It also helps you research products, check availability, and get a realistic idea of costs before committing.
By visualising the finished space, you avoid costly mistakes and ensure every choice fits the bigger picture. Best of all, it gets you excited about the space before you even start, turning planning into part of the fun and taking away some of the stress that a renovation brings.
@yorkshire_couple_renovations
One of the best things we did during our renovation was create a clear vision from the start – moodboards, colour palettes, the lot. It kept us on track when decision fatigue set in (which it definitely did). Measuring everything twice saved us from a few close calls, especially with bespoke pieces. And while the walls were open, we added extra sockets everywhere, small details that have made a huge difference day to day. Trust us, future-you will thank you!
@dove_cottage
We all know that home renovations are pricey, but you don’t have to live with dated or tired interiors while you’re saving up to make the big changes. There are so many DIY quick-fixes you can do on a super-tight budget, which will make your home feel more ‘you’ while you wait. Think painting your kitchen cupboards, painting bathroom tiles, laying vinyl flooring, or even just replacing hardware like cupboard door handles.
Small DIY’s like these only need to cost a few pounds (tile paint to cover our peach 1990s kitchen tiles cost me just £10!) but can make a huge difference to how you feel about a space while waiting to get started with the big projects.
@number5.renovation
DIYing our bathroom taught us that planning is everything – measurements, materials, and a clear vision made the process smoother from the start. We quickly learned that function should always come before aesthetics; you need to make sure the outcome is beautiful but, most importantly, practical.
YouTube really helped along the way, as did taking our time. Mistakes happened, and that was okay; we learned from those. We didn’t have any formal training, just a lot of determination. Every step we completed gave us more confidence, and that momentum is what carried us through. DIY isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
@thatruralhome
I am always looking for ways to improve spaces on a budget. Hand-painting tiles can be a savvy way to update your kitchen or bathroom without the heavy cost. My advice would be to pick colours that suit the room and help reflect the light. If you’re feeling brave, you can add a pattern rather than one overall colour, for an even bigger impact.
@east_shore_home
When planning a bathroom renovation, my top tips would be to use a wall-hung vanity to give the illusion of space in smaller bathrooms; create niches to display accessories; and plan for longevity, as bathrooms are expensive upgrades. Also, go for timeless neutral tiles instead of trendy ones that can date quickly.
And plan and measure everything, particularly paying attention to lighting, which can make or break a bathroom – nobody wants to have a relaxing soak with the big light on, so consider LED strip lights for your niches to create a relaxing ambience, instead.
Finally, invest in good-quality taps that will stand the test of time, especially if going for the matt black look like I have. Cheaper models will quickly look ugly with limescale build-up and chipped paint.
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