Whether it be for lack of room, the desire for a new look, or a change in lifestyle, we have our own reasons for renovating our living spaces.
In this information age of internet and cable tv, so many channels are devoted to promoting architecture and interior design. We see a lot of practical tips and creative ideas that can suit all types of budget. We are suffused with suggestions--from recycling materials straight from the trash bin to where to purchase the most expensive furnishings. Furniture fairs and builders’ depots abound. For the unseasoned renovator, the vast array of options could get pretty tricky. Don’t let this deluge of information confuse you. First, take time to sit back, think out your plans (and your measuring tools), and decide on the rules of your renovating game.
Clearly define your purpose in renovating. Knowing exactly why you are renovating can make later decisions easy. In a house where both husband and wife (not to mention the kids) may have their own ideas, your options should be narrowed down only to those that point to why you decided to renovate in the first place. For example, if the main intention is to give Junior a separate room, budget-wise, Dad’s entertainment cabinet must not take precedence.
Have a theme or a concept. Having a theme and a concept will help create a more interesting and unified look. It must be something that the occupants agree to and must express the interests of the majority. It could be eclectic, modern, minimalist, asian, country, native, or from whatever age or region the family will be comfortable with. The choices are unlimited but it is a good way to show your family’s personality and interest.
Removing is usually better than adding. Oftentimes, the all-important consideration for natural lighting and ventillation takes a back seat because of the need for more living space. Patios or lightwells are closed off because an extension of the kitchen is necessary. If you bought a house in this condition, try to visualize if it might be better to sacrifice some areas to increase your comfort. One way to create synergism of space is by knocking down unnecessary walls, but, of course, you would need to talk to experts about which walls can be safely torn down. It could be more appealing to combine a small living room and a small dining room into one big living space, with sufficient furnishings to demarcate one function from the other. Removing also pertains to unnecessary clutter, furniture, or accent pieces, which may or may not be repaced with more useful, less cumbersome ones.
When adding, make sure you maintain cross ventillation and natural lighting. We cannot always rely on airconditioning and lighting fixtures, especially now that power costs continue to soar. It is always a greater advantage to ensure that often used areas in your home are open to air and light. This likewise makes them easier to clean and less prone to odors.
Include the outdoors in your planning. You can either make the outdoors more accessible or visible from within or you can try to bring elements of nature inside your home. This creates more breathing space that will be very useful in the hot and humid months. And it can enable you to enjoy additional room while being shielded from inclement weather. Sometimes, cookie-cutter houses come with windows rathen than wide doors not because they are more efficient that way but because the glass doors are more expensive than the windows. You may opt to open up these windows to make use of the outdoors as additional living spaces. It’s not just functional, it’s healthier too.
Painting and adding colors are economical ways of beautifying your home with great impact. Before you even begin, invest in a painting guide. Likewise, there are so many decorating books for you to follow and they are worth the investment. Even just adding one colorful, tasteful, decorative piece can spice up a monochromatic corner.
When consulting experts to help you, give them a detailed list of what you need or want on the outset. The renovation task is so exacting that any delayed additional requirements from you may require re-planning and a waste of valuable time and money. The builders must be certain of exactly what you want in order to put your vision into reality. Both of you must have the same picture of the final product. Prepare photos or pictures of particular elements that may be unique or hard to explain. However, you must also listen to their advice as to how feasible your ideas are in the “real world”.
Lastly, have fun planning and doing the renovation. Get involved and get the family involved. They should have a say in things, albeit yours must be the deciding vote. At the age of 8, my kids knew precisely what they wanted, from the style of their beds to the design of the wallpaper. They wanted nothing less in their rooms and were free to express their individuality there. Giving sufficient leeway encourages the family to participate in the project and ultimately appreciate the results. In the end, all of you can enjoy living and sharing your freshly-renovated place.
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