We don’t know about you, but we’re not great at keeping our New Year’s resolutions. We always make them, of course. Year in, year out, we decide something seismic that we’re going to do to improve our lives, and then come February the goal is forgotten and we’re right back to our old habits.
Maybe we shouldn’t make such lofty promises to ourselves, or maybe we’re just not very good at sticking to things we start.
There’s no reason it has to be this way, though. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions we hear is “we’re going to redecorate the house this year”, or something akin to it. Whether it’s renovation, redecoration or relocation you’re looking for this year, you don’t have to do it alone.
We’ve assembled a list of tips and tricks for those of you looking to renovate your property in some way in 2021.
5 tips for renovating in 2021
Be realistic
One of the biggest hurdles for those looking to renovate property is the conflict of idealism and reality. We often have conversations with friends or colleagues where we ask what they’re planning for their property. And they reply with a grand, ambitious statement about renovating their entire house from top to bottom.
Inevitably, when we check back in with them, they’ve given up because of the scope and gravity of their plans. It pays to be realistic when you’re planning a renovation.
There’s no sense in going big, to begin with. Instead, break down your plan into small, manageable chunks, and don’t embark on a project you know you won’t finish.
Draw up a detailed plan
Don’t neglect the planning stage of your renovation, because it’s the most crucial stage (yes, including actually executing the plan). With a detailed, thorough plan of what you intend to do, you won’t be able to deviate or fall behind.
You’ll have a clear idea of where you need to be at each stage of the project and can deliver on this. There will never be a moment where you’re floundering and uncertain of what to do if you have a clear plan.
Discuss what needs to be done with friends or family, then draw up a step-by-step list of things that need to be done from beginning to end. Don’t leave anything out if you can help it; anything you don’t mention will trip you up when it comes to actually starting the renovation.
Source materials and décor
One thing that often trips people up is a reliable, high-quality source of furniture, art and other décor. If you’re redecorating a room rather than renovating an entire property, you’ll want a superior supplier of furniture and bespoke arrangements. The last thing you want is for the renovated room to look worse than before you started.
If you’re looking for the professional touch, then you’ll want a trustworthy custom furnishing retailer like this one; you’ll thank yourself that you didn’t scrimp on quality when you’re looking at your room and comparing it favourably with the plan in your head.
MORE: 4 HOME IMPROVEMENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME SIMPLE AND SMALL WAYS TO RENOVATE YOUR HOME
Budget effectively
Money is another stumbling block for those who want to get renovations and redecorations off the ground. Before embarking on your project, make sure your bank account has the funds to support it.
Taking out a loan, asking to borrow from friends or family, or simply saving up a portion of your income until you’ve got enough. All of these are viable and sensible ways to accrue the funds necessary to carry out renovations.
When you have the money, figure out exactly where it’s going to go at each stage of the project. How much will you need for materials? Do you need paint or do you already have it? How about tools? Make sure you know everything you need and budget for it accordingly.
Be creative
When renovating a house, the only limit is your imagination (and, of course, the dimensions of the property itself). Within those walls, you can do pretty much anything you like.
Why stick to the same old boring conventions that everyone else practices when you could think outside the box and try something genuinely new?
Paint your walls an interesting colour. Install a conversation-starting centrepiece in a room and watch as guests crowd around it. You could even be especially ambitious and create an entire house based around a theme; if there’s something you love, why not let your property’s décor reflect it?
These are just some tips to consider while you’re renovating or redecorating your house in 2021. If you’re planning something for 2022, it pays to get started early; the earlier you make preparations, the smoother the eventual project itself will go. We wish you the best of luck with whatever you’re planning to do next year!
