Renovating this year? We speak to homeowners who have been there, done that, and completed their own projects to bring you much-needed motivation…
Social media is a hotspot for interiors lovers, from renovators documenting the ups and downs of their journeys to simply design enthusiasts sharing their passion. So, if you are planning a home improvement project anytime soon, we’ve reached out to six Instagrammers and asked them for tips and tricks they would pass onto others looking to transform their spaces…
1. @home_sweet_morris_home
During the renovation process, don’t feel bad about changing your mind, adding different features or materials, or removing a design altogether. We redesigned our kitchen four times, playing around with ideas, until we landed on the final look we were happy with. We tried to stick to a budget, but we did end up going slightly over.
You can’t predict problems along the way and, nine times out of ten, you will come across lots of problems during a renovation. We had damaged appliances, leaks, lots of delays on materials, items out of stock… the list is endless. It wasn’t a straightforward renovation but the majority of people I’ve spoken with had the same experience. Expect the unexpected!
2. @cottageofbrunswick
Always try to use your local recycling centre, rather than paying for a skip. The price of skips or waste removal can really add up. Not only do you save money every time you go, but one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. We always come away with something useful for our home.
The last few trips we have saved a pinboard, two dining chairs, a bedside table, a chainsaw, and an incredible mid-century cupboard. But don’t forget, you need to ask someone for their item before it goes into the giant bins – once it’s in, it’s gone forever.
3. @shutters_and_stone
Regardless of the scope of your remodel, bathrooms can be a challenge and require careful planning to create a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Lighting, texture, and colour are key considerations. Choose calming tones and timeless yet practical wall and floor tiles, paying attention to traction, especially in tiled showers. Good lighting is essential, particularly if natural light is limited, so include a mix of overhead and accent lighting.
Maximise storage with a well-organised vanity and a recessed shower niche. I love using textured baskets for towels and toiletries. Don’t forget hooks, a heated towel rail, and a power supply for shavers or electric toothbrushes. Choose thoughtful accessories and luxurious hand soap, fluffy towels, and candles. Greenery will soften the space, too, bringing in a natural, calming vibe.
4. @renovating_cartrefle
There’s magic in renovating a house slowly. Living at home during a renovation is hard and we were a ‘save and go reno’, tackling one room at a time. The beauty of that was truly living in the house and learning its rhythm: where morning light falls, which corners feel calm at night, the spots where you linger, and the way you naturally move through each space.
Bit by bit, the house starts working with you. It makes design choices easier and helps avoid costly mistakes. We rushed the bathroom when we moved in. I hadn’t taken the time to notice the view as you approach the bathroom, which was important to me, as it’s a view I see several times a day – so, we ended up replumbing the whole room a few weeks later; now, I couldn’t be happier with it.
5. @stephfrom_lavendercottage
When I renovated both my last Victorian house and my current 1890 cottage, the best decision I made was keeping a neutral base for the walls and main furniture. It created such a calm, flexible backdrop to build on. I personally prefer a neutral base, as I find the features and accessories you add stand out much more. From there, I layered in personality with bolder accents – rugs, artwork, accessories, and lighting that really brought the rooms to life.
I also mixed in a few vintage and antique finds to give the space character and charm. And if you’re lucky enough to have an older home, definitely expose any traditional features; they tell the best stories.
6. @house.of.turner
Always take the time to shop around and seek recommendations from trusted friends or family with first-hand experience. No matter how small the job, get at least three quotes. Be wary of trades who are available immediately or who instantly decrease when you say it’s out of budget – both were big red flags for us.
Interestingly, the most expensive quotes were the builders that said our extension would take at least six months. Because we took the time to find the right fit, the builder we chose finished in half the time and saved us tens of thousands.
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