If you do not have time for a whole home renovation, why not start with one room? A small scale one room renovation takes less time, requires less investment and gives your home an instant upgrade.
Whether you choose the room you like to spend the most time in or you have an immediate need such as elderly grandparents moving in, you will want to consider everything from windows and doors to light to layout.
These are our top pointers when planning your one-room renovation.
Space and Layout
When considering layout and furniture placement think about whether your room will have a dual function, such as a living room which needs a desk and computer for homework or a TV room with a reading nook, or a home office that doubles as a guest bedroom.
In home design, every room needs a focal point – such as an existing fireplace or an amazing view or you may wish to create your own – and all furniture must point towards this focal point, starting with the largest piece – such as the sofa. All other pieces should be placed in a way which makes conversation easy. If your room is very large, then you will need to create multiple ‘conversation areas’.
It is probably wise not to place furniture into the path of travel. Ensure people can travel from one end of the room to the other without tripping over furniture – or people’s feet!
Style Vignettes
Making your home ‘magazine ready’ means that no corner is insignificant. Select an area and create a vignette by adding things at different levels. Do not forget to use the walls and the floor – also look at ways you can hang something from the ceiling. All of this will make your style vignette easy on the eye.
Have a favourite chair, or some mementos from a recent trip? You can incorporate these into your style vignette to tell a story for some added interest.
Future-proofing
When renovating, always think about the future impact of your renovation. Our homes work so hard for us nowadays. In the last five years, our homes have become gyms, classrooms and offices, as well as looking after older family members.
In terms of futureproofing, we should look at what we need now and what we need in six months and beyond – making your home as flexible and adaptable as possible.
Eye level appliances, for example, look slick and stylish whilst also eliminating the need to bend or crouch. A lot comes down to space, but you may want to look at widening doorways or equally, with a smaller space, consider a Japanese style hidden bed or an under stairs office space.
Evolving your home to cater for the changing needs of its occupants is key. Research the possibility of retrofitting a modern home lift, so your forever home stays just that, a home you can live in comfortably forever.
If you do not already have insulation, get some in place. As we age, we feel the cold more, but it will also save a chunk on your monthly energy bill in the present day.
Look for changes which will benefit you now and in the future!
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