Have you caught yourself looking around the walls of your home and thinking that things could do with sprucing up?
Well, you’re probably not alone. The surge in home renovations during the strongest grip of the COVID-19 pandemic saw many of us fork out for extensions, redecorations, and other improvements.
But some of these may now be a couple of years old and in need of another round of TLC.
If you’re thinking about touching things up at home, here are our top tips to make sure you get the most for your money and a finish that will last.
Create a budget
Household finances have been turbulent, to say the least in the past year, with the cost of living crisis swinging from soaring fuel prices, to the energy explosion and now mortgage rates set to become the latest concern.
This level of uncertainty means that any renovations you make should be done within a very strict budget. Divide your budget into a proportionate amount per room dependent on the severity of each room’s needs and what you hope to do with it. For example, if you’re planning a kitchen refit this will need significantly more than a bedroom redecoration.
Not only should you consider what spare cash you have right now, but also think about what reserves you might need over the coming years as uncertainty in global financial markets continues to bite.
Plan by room
Think about what you use each room for, and how they could be optimised to help you get the most out of the space and existing décor in there. Making sure to take precise measurements can help you streamline the process of picking new furniture and planning out how you can make the flow of the room work best for its purpose.
If your rooms are smaller than you’d like, consider space-saving alternatives such as fitted furniture or multi-use furniture, such as toy-storage ottomans, to help keep clutter to a minimum.
Focus on the present and future
Working to a budget means you might not be able to splash out on those expensive curtains you dreamed of or be able to spend on decorative pieces right away. Try to prioritise your absolute needs ahead of wants to help ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live, as you can always start to save towards the smaller pieces as the months go on.
It’s also important to consider any changes that are coming up in the near future. Will an elderly loved one be moving in to help with their care? Or are you planning to add a child to your family? Taking these into consideration can help make sure you make adequate adjustments to keep your home functional for all family members.
Consider sustainability
If it’s time for renovation in your home, consider what other uses the items you no longer want or need could have. Could they be upcycled, or used for another purpose? Or could you donate them to someone who might find a use for them?
Finding a local charity shop and offering a donation could help out someone in a time of need – especially as belts begin to tighten up and down the country.
Similarly, you should consider taking a look around charity shops and local markets when shopping for new furniture as these can be a great place to pick up vintage pieces at a vastly reduced price- making them friendly for the environment and your wallet!
