Whether you have just bought a new home or have been living in the same house for years, livening up your home is always a great idea.
Not only can the right improvements completely change the dynamic and feel of your home - they will ultimately increase its value, too. On top of this, DIY changes are a great way to spend a weekend (or a few), and will give you valuable knowledge that you can apply to any property.
With this in mind, the right changes will have a huge impact on how you, your housemates, family and other guests see your home. Here are some tips and approaches you can take when it comes to DIY renovations and design.
1. Make the Right Preparations
When it comes to livening up your home, the most important step you can take is to have a comprehensive plan. Regardless of whether you are making significant renovations, are repainting a room or are just buying some small interior accessories, knowing what your end goal is, and what you need to achieve it, is crucial.
A good way to approach this step is to start by having a clear picture of what you want the end result to look like - think of this aesthetically, but also in terms of how your home flows, the energy you want it to exhibit, and in the way your rooms are linked thematically. A comprehensive view of the entire house in this regard will mean that no changes are out of place, and that no unwelcome surprises become apparent throughout the process.
2. Having the Required Tools, Materials and Expertise
Once you have developed a strong plan, the next step is to be sure that you are prepared in terms of what you need to achieve your goal.
For example, starting the job with the right tools is easy with a place like Stonex, and will minimise any significant hassle or delay. In addition to tools, the right materials are also key, and any end designs (if you have them) will ensure that you have a clear picture as you make changes. Finally, make sure that you know how you plan to achieve your end goal, in terms of having the right skill set and experience. This brings us to the next step - keeping goals realistic.
3. Keep Your Goals Realistic
While it is important to make changes that you will be happy with, an equally crucial part of making DIY changes is to work within your limits. There is nothing worse than committing to a project that just isn't realistic - either you'll be forced to outsource the job, or will end up with a final result that doesn't meet your expectations.
This doesn't mean you should work towards a goal that you aren't happy with - what it does mean is that a good approach and plan will consider your personal limits, and factor them into the job. Even if this means outsourcing parts of the job, it will allow you to factor in relevant costs and work around them.
4. Get Inspiration From the Right Places
Another important tip when redesigning your home is to get inspiration from the right places. When it comes to both interior and exterior design of your home, checking out relevant designs will ensure that you know what you want.
To start, if you are making changes to your homes' exterior, check out the rest of your neighborhood - not only will this allow you to distinguish between the designs you are considering, it will also ensure that you end up with design changes that don't stand out in a bad way. If you are making interior design changes, consider the homes you have been in and the aspects of interior design that you consider to be important.
Only once you have considered the houses you have been in and seen should you move your research online. A physical-first approach to inspiration will mean that you can differentiate between suitable design and often over the top design that is more suited to the internet. With this being said, if you are going for a look that grabs attention, don't hold back.
5. Take it One Step at a Time
The final tip when it comes to livening up your home is to take the process one step at a time. Whilst making upgrades and changes to your home can be an exciting prospect, tackling too much of the project at once could leave you feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed.
Instead, break down your plan into steps - whether this is by room, the nature of the task you are completing, or by what will work in terms of keeping your house functioning.
A comprehensive, step by step approach is crucial in achieving your home goals - in doing so, you'll fall in love with your home all over again.