The Design Blog
Before You Start Renovating
Before You Start Renovation
Beginning your renovation project and planning the interior design for your home can be so exciting! But the costs can seem outrageous or more than you bargained for. Plus renovating is more than just the costs associated. It can be stressful, headache provoking and just make you want to pull your hair out. Today I want to be the one to give you all the information you need BEFORE you start a renovation project and why you should take the time to prep.
Let's Dive In
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Let's Dive In ----
Demo Day 1
Let's set the stage:
If you’ve bought a house and it was one of the more reasonably or lower priced on the market, and it just need a few things to fix it up. That house probably had very old carpet, dated popcorn ceilings, wallpaper (not the peel & stick kind) and a few cosmetic repairs that needed to be done. You thought, “No problem! That can’t be too expensive! Plus we got such a good deal! We can just use the amount we saved buying this house to fix it up!”
Or you currently own a home (because if you rent, most renters do not have a say in renovations they want to do) and want to update a few things.
You called a contractor to help you every step of the way. And let’s just say the bill you got at the end… WOW! We went WAAAYYY over the budget we had in mind!
Let me be the first to tell you, you are not alone or the first one to be surprised.
Here Are The Stats:
79% of homeowners said that they did not consider a budget in mind when planning their project out, but nearly 50% go over budget. Or those homeowners end up pausing or canceling the project because they can no longer afford to continue. I believe that is because most homeowners do not know all of the costs involved (including costs of labor) or issues that could potentially arise once the project begins. Plus labor costs from contractor to contractor can vary.
It seems more homeowners are renovating their homes vs going out and purchasing a new home. Plus people more than likely want their home to look and feel like theirs. On Zippia, they had an article from this year showing the home improvement increases in the last few years. They explained “on average, homeowners completed one or more home improvement projects in 2021 than they did in 2020.” The average they found was 3.7 projects in 2021. Each one costing $2,800 on average. That’s over $10k on projects in one year and it seems that percentage is increasing. Just to put in perspective, 23.7% of U.S. households completed a kitchen remodel which is usually about $20k + in total costs.
Houzz also showed 55% of homeowners decided to do a home renovation project which is up from 2018. The other half decorating their homes. Decorating includes buying furniture, accessories like throws, pillows, shelf decor, etc., textiles, curtains, plants, rugs, and art.
Reasons Why The Project Went OVER Budget:
Depending on the renovation project, there could be a factor of reasons why your project went over budget compared to your neighbor down the street who had the same things done. But here are my top reasons:
Communication
This is HUGE. I think we can all agree when it comes to communication, we can all work on this. Especially since texting became the quickest easiest way to contact someone. But have you ever had a text come across differently than you expected? Or even a meeting that did not go the direction you had envisioned? Also, who really loves talking about money?? Segue into my next point…
Unrealistic Budget in Mind
First off, I know most people when you first go over a project with them have a number in mind. They may not share that with you at first, but they do have an idea or range because they know their budget. Unfortunately, the contractor does not. So how do we get this budget to be more realistic?
We all want to save money. I get it. A good rule of thumb, is to first discuss with the contractor or designer what they think the project would cost if you got everything you wanted and then telling them this is where you were thinking. See if you can work out a deal. And maybe you can do half the project this year and half the next year kind of thing.
Also, keep in mind, you should consider adding 20% over the designer and/or contractor’s proposal for the project. This will leave room for the unforeseen. Keep reading to find out more about the unforeseen.
Material Costs Went Up
Let’s face it, costs of groceries and clothing is always changing it seems. So why wouldn’t costs of building materials change?
Change Orders
A change order is when homeowners decide to change something as the project begins. A couple examples: the doors you ordered weren’t what you thought or the paint color is all wrong but they already painted every room.
Since every home is custom, these costs will basically double. Most places won’t return items like doors, windows, installed flooring, etc. And if labor was already done, you won’t be able to take that back if you decide to paint every room a different color. Same with some furniture or fixtures have “restocking fees”. This adds up.
Not to say you cannot have any change orders done, but there is a way to prevent more of them from happening.
DIY
Yes, DIY is a great way to save money. And it is tempting to say you think you can tackle a project. If you have experience in remodels or renovation, then have at it! But keep in mind some contractors won’t work with a project that is half done and they finish it. This is because: what if you did something incorrectly and it would jeopardize the work the contractor is going to do. They don’t want to put their name on that if it were ever to fail in the future.
DIY projects most anyone can tackle: painting, small repairs, updating hardware like cabinet pulls and replacing light switch covers.
Issues Will Always Come Up
This one’s the kicker… Issues will ALWAYS come up. I will say it again. Issues will ALWAYS come up!
Living In Construction
The “Unforeseen”:
Before even considering renovating your home, you should consider all costs involved and then some.
It's called the "unforeseen".
Most home projects whether you are constructing a new build or remodeling an existing home will almost ALWAYS have challenges that come up during the project where the owner will end up spending zero, hundreds or thousands more depending on what comes up. Remember every project is different. Sometimes you will find out the wiring in your house needs redone after you tear down the sheetrock or there was mold found after demolishing your bathroom. It really all depends. But that is why it is important to understand unforeseen things will come up.
This should not deter you, though, if you are considering tackling a renovation project! :)If you hired a good team to work with on this project, that means they will be doing their very best for you, and the end result will make you a very happy and pleased homeowner. It might even create more value within your home!
Now Hiring Someone to Manage The Project:
Hiring someone to organize your thoughts and dreams to make sure the project works in your favor, is the best option as long as it is within your budget. Most people that start thinking of a project have a number in mind for how much they believe the entire project will be all-in-all. As we discussed earlier. But how do you pick from the pool of independent contractors in your area?
Now, most every professional I have met in this industry has a common interest to make a customer happy while making a living and not losing on a project. This view to the customer could be something completely different. And by that I mean if something comes up in the "unforeseen" category… the customer may fire that contractor just because they didn’t know this could come up during the process. That is why it is important to have these conversations upfront when you initially meet with your contractor prior to hiring.
Every contractor is different based on the work that they do and how fast you want this project done. In my experience if you have a project to be done right, you are paying for that value. But if you want it done fast, they may charge even more and that might not mean that it is done right. There are also other contractors that will charge their labor and cut costs in less quality material just to meet your budget.
Also, it is a good idea to hire a contractor/designer that has similar values as you. They can be your “right hand man” while you are at work and you can trust that the job is going to be done up to or more than your standards. I believe hiring someone to organize your thoughts and dreams to make sure the project works in your favor, is the best option.
My last bit of advice would be to meet with several, ask about projects they have done in the last 5+ years and how they look today, ask for estimates of the project and REMEMBER you are hiring them.
I believe hiring someone to organize your thoughts and dreams to make sure the project works in your favor, is the best option.
Write below in the comments! I would love to hear from you guys your renovation project journey and the lessons learned along the way. Let’s make this a space we can share ideas and our experiences.
Happy styling! :)
2023 Trends & How To Incorporate Into Your Own Home
2023 Trends & How To Incorporate Into Your Own Home
We all know and have been loving the minimalist approach to our homes or modern farmhouse styles these past few years: bright, white kitchen and bathroom designs, muted wood tones, natural materials, free-flowing curves and black elements mixed into their styles. But since we have been staying more in our homes lately, I believe we have been missing the elements we naturally get from being outdoors and traveling. So, naturally the new 2023 styles so far have been incorporating more deep earth tones, traditional features and natural textures with pops of color.
Before going further, I want to remind everyone that trends are just that, trends. We do not need to update our homes every time a trend occurs. That would just be unbelievably expensive! But I do recommend following trends to find something that is exciting, new and offers inspiration for future designs and projects.
These new trends are some of my favorites so far and more of the styles I lean into when designing for projects. Even if my client is into more modern and clean lines, I love to add natural wood tones, textures in pillows or wall coverings, and adding an accent piece to help bring a more natural state to the design.
So let’s dive in!
Scandinavian With Black Accents
I LOVE Scandinavian design styles. I think it is the easiest way to add simplicity to a space and bring the outdoors into the home. It’s not for everyone, but if you are someone who loves muted or monochromatic styles and very clean spaces, you will absolutely fall in love with Scandinavian design.
How to create the look:
White, off-white and muted colors
Keep a simple neutral color palette with different white hues and warm whites like this selection I have made below.
Stick with light and very light wood tones such as white oak, beech, ash, or knotty alder with a very light or natural stain finish. Depending on your area, I would add the wood types that grow near the place you are building or remodeling. Here are some examples of wood species and their finishes that would work well in Scandinavian design.
When planning out the pieces you would like to use in your design, keep in mind the color palette you are using and make sure to only select items with very clean and simple lines. Anything with too much detail or busy colors will take away from the design and clutter your space. This room here is a great example of the use of clean simple lines being used.
Light textured items
Crisp white walls and accent pieces to blend throughout the design.
Traditional + Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are so much fun! We’ve all seen the recent trend in accent walls, but did you know those can be used to accomplish a colorful palette using jewel tones? Usually, your accent wall is in a deep navy, teal or emerald green which are types jewel tones. I have made an example of a palette using only those colors.
Can you easily see how well they go well together even though these colors are completely different hues?
Which jewel tone is your favorite?
The best way to think of traditional style is simply finding styles let’s say from your grandparent’s home with brass metals and ornately detailed deep wood tones. If you are someone who loves this classic look, you will love this style!
Below is one of my favorite recent designs from Studio McGee! I absolutely love the detail in the ceiling with the classic light pendant and traditional lines throughout. Including the deep colored walls, and it is continued through the furniture selection for this living room.
How to create the look:
Look for pieces that have deep wood tones, several details to the furniture and curved forms. For big ticket items like sofas, I would find pieces that have a neutral fabric with tapered arms and bottom skirt, or structured with tufted back. Then compliment your sofa with an accent winged back or leather club chair.
Jewel tones and pops of deep colors can be fun to use as accent pieces: pillows, sculptures, throws, etc. We’ve seen several accent walls in the DIY sector where you choose once focal point of a space, pick a deep dark color (usually a jewel tone: green, blue…) that flows well with your color palette you chose and paint the entire wall.
Pro tip: If you want to take it a step further, before you paint, add trim to your walls to add that traditional architectural style into your design. You can find so many trim pieces at your local hardware store!
Since traditional style is a look that has a lot of detail, don’t be afraid to add modern pieces here in there to elevate your space. You can also find inexpensive décor items if you ever decide to change up your space a bit. We all love and know Target! They have trendy inexpensive décor items there.
Be sure to add in a mix of metals in tables or light fixtures. Black matte metals is a easy way to add structure to your space and not take away from the design as a whole!
Two Toned Kitchens With Mix Wood
While farmhouse style is not completely out for 2023, I do see elements that we are keeping in the modern farmhouse look (white walls, shiplap, shaker cabinet doors). Although, now the designs are borrowing from more European kitchen designs while incorporating mixed wood tones that pair nicely together. I still believe kitchens should have that crisp clean look to them, but I have been loving the use of different colored cabinets on islands v the main work stations of the kitchen.
How to create the look:
If you have tall ceilings 9’+, use trim and exposed faux beams to add detail and draw the eyes up.
You can easily have your cabinets repainted for the two toned look shown above. I would recommend hiring professional painters unless you are a more experienced DIYer. If you’ve ever painted old cabinets, they can be a lot of work and you’ll need the right tools and paint for the job.
For a quick update to your current kitchen area, switch out your fixtures, lighting, and barstools.
Muted Bohemian
Like Scandinavian in that you are keeping a muted neutral palette, now we are adding a TON of texture. Also, with boho style, there really are no rules… Just keep a laidback, casual style and you got it!
How to create this look:
Start with very natural comfortable pieces. I would pick a soft leather sofa with loose cushions and wood frame. Add a cozy lounge chair in a contrasting light color and floor pillows/poufs.
Now add a soft textured/patterned rug with tassels on the ends. Make sure the ends are placed where you can see them and not under the furniture.
Pick a mix of rattan baskets, wall mirrors, or a coffee table that looks hand made like the image example below.
Have fun with the pillows and throws! You can’t go wrong, but just make sure they are all different and different sizes.
Add lots of plants! When I envision a bohemian space, I think of fiddle leaf fig, pathos, monstera, snake plant, tall cactus, etc.
With muted colors used in this bohemian style, you can take it a step further with pops of bright colors. Here is an example mood board to show you what that would look like. Don’t forget to add lots of plants!
Either trend you choose, don’t forget that a home really is a home when you add pieces that speak to you and are unique to you.
Happy styling!