If you are thinking about starting a renovation project, who better to receive top tips and motivation from than homeowners who have been there, done that, and got the dusty T-shirt?
From budget-friendly renovation updates and turning awkward alcoves into features, to leaning into the original character of your property, we’ve asked six interiors Instagrammers to share the project advice they would pass onto others looking to improve their homes…
1. @housetohomebyaneta
When we moved in, our 1980s kitchen felt dark and dated, with brown cabinets and busy patterned tiles. Rather than replacing everything, I transformed it with creativity and a few budget-friendly updates. I painted every surface in two soft green tones to bring warmth and personality, added panelling in place of tiles, and even turned a free Ikea bookcase into a bespoke pantry using left over wallpaper and moulding.
The process taught me that you don’t need a big budget to create a home you love – just patience, imagination, and a willingness to experiment. With so many helpful online tutorials available, it’s easier than ever to learn as you go and achieve beautiful, individual results.
2. @theloneshouse
You might think it’s too soon to be picking out your bathroom tiles, kitchen worktop, lighting, and hardware before you’ve even hired a builder (or started the project yourself), but it’s not! As soon as demolition begins, you’ll be thrown into absolute chaos, and the last thing you’ll want to be stressing over is light switch finishes.
Even if you change your mind on a few things later, having a clear initial plan of what you want to buy, along with the lead times for each item, will really help. It also means you can ensure any early building work is compatible with your choices.
3. @highburyreno
Don’t be afraid to go against the norm and back your own ideas. When you’re planning a renovation, it’s easy to doubt yourself, especially when you have a budget to stick to or if others think your ideas sound a bit unconventional. For example, I knew I could rejig the layout in our family bathroom to fit in a shower, and although the design ended up being a little tricky, it totally worked out.
Sometimes a layout that seems unusual at first can actually make the best use of space. If you can see potential that others can’t, whether it’s adding a shower where there “isn’t room,” turning an awkward alcove into a feature, or rethinking how the space flows, trust your instincts. With a bit of creativity and problem-solving, even the trickiest areas can become standout features that make your home feel more personal, practical, and uniquely you.
4. @abigailrogersinteriors
In my opinion, colour is central to any renovation project because nothing transforms a space more. My biggest piece of advice is to start with a source of inspiration or a hero piece, such as the seascape artwork in our kitchen. Then consider the room’s aspect and how much natural light it receives before choosing paint colours.
To get it right, ask yourself: how do I want to feel in this space, how will it be used, and by whom? Keeping these answers in mind will help guide every design decision. And don’t forget to keep the coffee and biscuits flowing, as they make everything easier!
5. @restoringnumberfour
One thing we love to do is lean into any remaining original character in our Victorian terrace renovation. Our bedroom had the fireplace plastered over and the floorboards would’ve been covered with carpet, so we restored the floors and re-exposed the fireplace. We added an original Victorian piece we found on marketplace and learned a lot in the process.
It takes more time and effort than simply covering things up, but it’s worth it for the character it adds to the room. We’ll keep leaning into any other original features we uncover to honour the history of the house. By renovating this way, we’ve avoided using plastic or new materials, helping us minimise waste, which is something we always aim to do.
6. @thebarnrenovation
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s to balance practicality with personality. Our home has a traditional modern barn feel, so I wanted it to look timeless but still work for family life. I chose an in-frame kitchen with antique brass accents for that classic touch, and hardwearing floors that can handle daily chaos. I’d say invest in finishes that age beautifully, like real wood or stone, and use textures and lighting to make everything feel warm and lived in.
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