New year, new project? If you are thinking about renovating your home in 2026, the team behind Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine shares top tips to help you along the way…
Your renovation journey can feel equally exciting and overwhelming due to all the number crunching needed, careful planning, and endless design decisions, which is why we’re bringing you some words of advice and encouragement.
If you’re thinking about renovating or are currently planning a makeover, my best piece of advice would be not to get caught up in what’s trending now. Use trends as inspiration for your project, but ensure that each design choice you make you truly love, it brings you joy and happiness, and ultimately works for your lifestyle. This is how you’ll achieve a personal yet timeless design you are bound to cherish for many years to come.
Now, let’s see what nuggets of advice team KBB has to share with you…
Top tips for renovating your home in 2026:
Be prepared to feel unprepared
“Having renovated myself in 2025, these are fresh tips – hot off the press, shall we say (sorry!),” says editor Georgina.
“Be prepared to feel unprepared: no matter how much organising, researching and planning you do (which are still very important, by the way), there’s always going to be something that throws you into the unexpected. There will always be a decision you have to make at short notice, or a change of plans you’ll need to adjust to. Just try and embrace the chaos – it’s easier that way.”
“I’d also say be prepared for a shock in terms of pricing. Ever since Covid-19, a lack of labour, the price of materials and the cost of living crisis have all contributed to the price of renovating doubling since 2020. There’s nothing you can do about this apart from rigorous budgeting and prioritising where you want to spend. Really look at what’s important, and then ensure you get at least three quotes from suppliers and trades who you have researched thoroughly. Compare their quotes like for like and don’t just go for the cheapest!”
Patience, patience…
“Renovating your home can be overwhelming. There are so many stages involved in the process, with so many decisions that need to be made in each one, that you could soon find yourself gasping for air. Just remember to breathe every once in a while, and trust in the process and the experts who are there to help you,” says Konstantina, features and sub editor.
Konstantina also encourages you to be patient. “Take your time with every decision, no matter how small or big – from choosing a paint finish to deciding on your kitchen cabinetry – and leave a bit of room for contingencies. Some things will probably go wrong and that’s okay. As long as you’re prepared to deal with them head on, and have alternative plans and a contingency budget in place, it will all be fine. Delays are part of the game, too, but try to go with the flow and move forward, one step at a time.”
Find renovation inspiration
“Of course I’m going to say look through magazines; I’ve worked in publishing for almost 30 years! For me, it’s still the best place to find inspiration,” says Kerrie, art editor.
“I find it tricky to get a good sense of ideas or a moodboard swiping through my phone or iPad. Each time I think about a new project, I instinctively head for my never-ending pile of trustworthy magazines and start marking the pages or cutting them and putting together a moodboard.”
Be realistic about the renovation process
Social media executive Joana’s top top is to be realistic about the renovation process. “Homes rarely come together overnight; they’re slow and require a lot of patience, especially if you’re doing it yourself. Try not to compare your timeline to others or feel pressured to rush. Instead, focus on enjoying the progress and creating a home that reflects your lifestyle, needs, and dreams,” she advises.
We hope you find these tips helpful and, if you are renovating in 2026, we wish you the best of luck!
Enjoyed this post? Click here to discover why homeowners are renovating, not relocating
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