Thinking about sprucing up your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom? We speak to homeowners who have been there, done that, and got the dusty T-shirt.
If you’ve been debating starting a renovation project or are currently dealing with dust and design decisions, we’ve asked real-life renovators, who share the ups and downs of their own journeys on Instagram, for their top tips. Read on…
@ty_victorianhouse
When we knocked through to create our kitchen, we lived with the space before making any big design decisions. Taking that time made it easier to visualise layouts, see how the room worked day-to-day, and notice the details that really mattered.
I’ve also learned to trust my gut instead of following trends, which makes the design feel more personal and timeless. That extra step made all the difference in creating a kitchen that works beautifully for us!
@miafelceinteriors
Plan everything in advance. When working with an architect on drawings, or on smaller projects yourself, plan where your furniture is going at the same time. Think of how you need it to function; how many people do you need to seat around a dining table? Or in a living room?
These things need to be accounted for in layout plans. It makes it easier to know where to correctly place plug sockets, lighting, and radiators. Thinking of these elements early on will relieve a lot of stress when your electrician suddenly asks where you want outlets and lighting, and it makes furniture shopping easier, too.
@tillydrinehouse
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to plan carefully and stick to a budget. Renovations can spiral quickly, especially with a whole house, so having a clear breakdown of costs really helps keep overwhelm at bay.
Trusted tradespeople are worth their weight in gold – good recommendations can save you stress, money, and time in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or check reviews. A solid plan, reliable trades, and realistic budgeting make the process so much smoother and far less daunting.
@inside.186
Be creative with your budget and don’t be afraid to try something new. As first-time homeowners starting with no furniture, we had to fill our space on a limited budget. Around 80% of our furniture came from Facebook Marketplace, including DIY vanities and a cast-iron fireplace. These are now some of our most cherished pieces.
My advice? Don’t take everything at face value. That old chest of drawers down the road might just need a coat of paint or a little sanding to become the perfect addition to your home. With a bit of vision and effort, you can create a space that feels both personal and high-end without breaking the bank.
@home_on_budget
Firstly, make sure that your colours, layouts, and style choices feel calm and functional. Trends come and go; choose a base palette and durable finishes you’ll still love in five years.
Shop with a strategy: compare prices across retailers, marketplaces, and direct suppliers – you’ll often find equivalent products for less.
Where you can, do small jobs yourself (painting, tiling, installing handles, building units, fitting flooring) to save money. But hire specialists for plumbing, electrics, and structural work. And most importantly, get several quotes from different kitchen suppliers and independent fitters. Lastly, discuss with your joiner the height of your units/countertop to ensure it’s not too low or too high for you when operating in the kitchen.
@sharnshouse
My top renovation tip is a controversial one… but I promise it works! Once you’ve rinsed your paint rollers, pop them in the washing machine on a quick 15-30 minute cycle, with or without detergent, and they’ll come out cleaner than you can ever imagine! Even though rollers are cheap, I hate to create waste, so reusing them again and again saves a bit of cash and is more sustainable. A win-win.
Enjoyed this post? Click here for tips on dealing with decision fatigue during a renovation project
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