If you are in the middle of a renovation, who better to receive tips and tricks from than other real-life homeowners?
Social media is one of the best places for gathering inspiration for your renovation project (check us out @kbbmagazine), saving tips and ideas you might not have thought about, and seeking support from others who are going through a similar home improvement journey.
From meticulous planning and researching, using technology to visualise your space, to time-saving tricks, we’ve asked six Instagram renovators to share the project advice they would pass on. Let’s begin, shall we?
1. @bydammyoke
I wish I’d taken more time to truly visualise how our spaces would look and feel before we began renovating. Defining the full vision (furniture, lighting, fittings, and finishes) makes all the difference. Start with inspiration. Use Pinterest or Instagram to spark ideas, then research thoroughly (either with a designer or on your own) to price every single element. This is essential – it might feel pedantic or unnecessary, but do not skip this part; it gives you a realistic view of what it will actually cost to finish each room.
From there, work backwards and subtract that total (plus at least 20% for contingency) from your overall budget. That will show you what’s left for structural or building work, and allow you to prioritise or even scale back construction if needed. It’s often wiser to renovate in stages, letting your budget guide your pace. This way, you avoid beautiful but unfinished spaces you can’t afford to furnish. Finally, buy what you truly love the first time. It saves money, stress, and disappointment later down the line.
2. @scarlettsdreamhouse
Meticulous planning and research for a renovation project helps you stop second-guessing your decisions or having reno regrets. Design moodboards in multiple colour schemes to see which of them feels the most right for the space. And for built-in kitchens, plan the logistics of where the dishwasher, crockery, and food storage would go, to ensure you will use the space in the best way.
3. @fourthhome_
One of my best pieces of advice for any DIY project is to keep things simple: good planning is the key to this. Before starting a renovation, take time to think about the project in detail. Look for ways to make the process smoother by choosing materials or kits that save time and effort, such as pre-cut MDF or ready-to-assemble parts.
Think carefully about measurements and placement so you can avoid complications where possible, like awkward cuts or tricky obstacles. For example, when I use MDF to panel a wall, I plan my layout around existing features like sockets or switches to reduce the need for complicated cuts. Work smarter, not harder!
4. @my_dolce_casa
Use an app (many are free to download) that lets you create a floor plan from scratch. Visualise your space by dragging in furniture, adding doors and windows, and even setting up electric and plumbing points. This tool helps you see what your room will look like before diving into the work. Plus, with its 3D design feature, it’s perfect for sharing with contractors to ensure everyone is on the same page. The one I used is called Floor Plan Creator. It certainly made the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
5. @edwardian_vignette
DIY can seem daunting at first, but start small and work your way up to bigger jobs. Start with putting up a picture or painting a room, and then have a go at something like panelling, which can totally transform a space. There’s loads of help available online on blogs and YouTube videos.
We’ve saved thousands of pounds on labour costs doing work ourselves – particularly laying a patio and installing built-in wardrobes in our bedroom. As well as saving money, it’s so rewarding to know you’ve completed a project yourself.
6. @casa.blanca_____
If your house is older, lean into using traditional materials as they’re often more compatible with historic buildings, allowing the property to ‘breathe’ and preserve the character and charm that made you fall in love with it in the first place. As an aside, don’t overlook Facebook marketplace – you’ll be amazed by what you can find, from reclaimed bricks to period flooring. Investing in an industrial hoover is also an absolute must.
Every single time we use it (which is a lot!), we both agree it’s the best tool we own. I don’t know how we’d have made it through the demolishing stage without it. Finally, invest in a shower cap to protect your hair from the dust (thank me later!) and sellotape a dust sheet over the doors where you’re living, such as in your bedroom or living room.
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