7 tips for renovating your house on a budget

Over the past 3-4 months my husband and I have been up and down and round and round about the renovation we want to do on our house. We have limited funds for it and a house with a small footprint to try and fit everything we want in. We have learned a great deal about the renovation process and today I thought I would pass on a few tips.

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1. Don't engage an architect before you really know what you are doing

We moved in to our house over a year ago now. About one month after we moved in I knew I wanted to renovate and fix some things up. I wanted to add a new bedroom so each of our three boys would have a room of their own. We only had one bathroom and I wanted to add an ensuite and there were some other styling things I wanted to fix up as well. But so far it has taken me more than a year to try and work out exactly what we need and how best we can achieve this for our limited budget. About 3 months ago we engaged an architect and to be honest with you it was about 3 months too early. So far we have spent quite a lot of money on going back and forth with the architect, largely because my husband and I hadn't been clear on what we really wanted, or how much we really wanted to spend.

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It can be exciting to renovate and you can easily get caught up in the process. But architects are a big and expensive step in the process and I advise to not rush in to who you choose and how fast you get going. If practical it is always best to try and live in a space for a while before you renovate, especially if this is a house you are planning on renovating and living in for the longer term (3 years +). It is hugely beneficial to see how a space works for you and your family before you start renovating. You would be surprised at what you learn about it - where you might want your laundry room, how much storage you need, where the bedrooms should be placed, how the sun comes in and lights the house over the day. What kind of flooring do you want? Will carpet or floorboards be better in the bedrooms? Is the house warm in winter and cool in summer? If not, how might you approach cooling/heating? These are all the types of things you might want to consider as you plan your renovation. Getting these things wrong can cost you more money in the long run.

2. Think about your future potential buyers

Are you trying to design a family house? Or a house for young couples with no children? Are you worried about resale value and how much your house will be worth post-renovation (if not, you should be!).

When you are renovating a house for you and your family it can be easy to get caught up in the here and now. This is where so many people go wrong with renovations. They spend too much money on things they love that end up alienating their target market when they go to sell. What then happens is their house sits on the market for far longer than it should. Make sure that when you renovate you think of who you will be selling to down the track. Don't paint pink feature walls if you love pink. Instead, buy some pink throw cushions or a great artwork with splashes of pink. Not only can you take these things with you to your next house, you won't alienate half the people who might buy from you (i.e. the people who don't really want to have pink feature walls in their bedrooms!).For maximum appeal and profit down the track, keep the big things in a renovation neutral. That means kitchens, bathrooms, paint colour choice, flooring. Go crazy on your accessories though. Not only can you spend more on these as you can take them anywhere you ever move to, but they won't put buyers off and won't impact on your sale value down the track.

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3. You can achieve a lot with styling

This leads to styling. So much can be done on a budget with styling choices. If you aren't that interested in current styling trends an easy way to achieve a current look in your renovation is to copy trends you see in magazines and online (Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram). I always find looking through online house sale websites (e.g. Domain or RealEstate.com in Australia) can be great sources of inspiration for latest ideas and trends. You will get a feeling for what others are doing in their houses and no doubt find tips and tricks you can use in your own house. Check out the board I've set up on pinterest where I collect all the images and ideas for my own home renovation - like this bathroom styling that I love!

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I also use the floor plans on house sale websites to try and find good ideas for storage options, floor plan ideas and the sorts of sizes bedrooms and other rooms in the house should be. Not sure what size a main bedroom should be? Take a look at similar houses to yours online and see what kind of floor plans they have. Can you take any tips from this for your own renovation?

4. Draw your floor plan - then plan it out and see what you have

I've replanned my home renovation about 5-6 times now. I've been working on it for over year. The reason it is tricky is because we are working to a serious budget and we have a difficult floor plan to start. We also want to try and make the most of the space we have - I don't want to waste any area so I'm trying to minimise corridor/wasted space and make the house be as efficient as it can. But this is harder than it seems. I have probably drawn about 25 floor plans now. I do them up on grid paper and draw them to scale. When I think I'm getting close to a good design I cut out all my large furniture pieces to scale on the same size grid paper and I move these around the rooms. This can be a really helpful way of seeing whether my furniture will fit in the rooms/spaces I have drawn. About 20 of the designs I have drawn have been discarded at this point because I have seen that in reality the floor plans just won't work. Once the big furniture items are in (e.g. beds, couch) I can clearly see if doors don't open well, whether you can get around the foot of the bed easily etc. It's a very effective method. It can be time consuming though. In fact in the past few months most of my spare time has been taken up with drawing my little floor plans (you may have noticed my lack of posts on this blog as a result!!!).

Once you have done those steps and you feel you are getting close to a design the next recommendation is for you to mark out the new spaces with masking tape on the floor. This is particularly helpful for bathrooms as you can see whether the toilet and sink will work in the spaces you have planned or whether you need more/less space. You can see an attempt at this below where I was seeing whether I could fit a master and ensuite in to my second living area. I was convinced this would work but when I taped it out and walked through the space I could clearly see the bedroom area was just going to be too small, so I discarded this plan as well.

5. Steal ideas from everywhere

Obsess over Pinterst, Instagram, interior design blogs, and published magazines. You don't have to be a design genius to copy ideas you see and make them in your own homes. Get a feel for current trends and see what the fashionable architects and designers are doing with their houses and copy their ideas. Keep a notes list open on your phone and write down any ideas you see of products, paint colours, etc. when you're out and about. You might see a great pendant light that you love - jot down where you found it and take a photo of it to refer back to later. Trust me, you will forget all about it otherwise!

Here are a few pictures I've collected of ideas for my new entry hall, for example.

  

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It can be a good idea to keep a book of photos you like so that when you get to the point of engaging an architect you have some shots you can show them of things you like and the look you are going for. This can be done by cutting out clippings from magazines and keeping them in a folder, or I set up a pinterest board just for my renovation to keep all the ideas and pictures I like together in one place. Check it out here if you're interested.

6. Source products yourself

Don't fall in the trap of getting builders or trades people to source products for you. With so many online suppliers these days you can make significant savings by shopping around for products you like and buying them yourself. This might be for fixtures and fittings (e.g. taps, shower heads etc.) or appliances or furniture. The biggest retailers don't always have the cheapest prices and if you do a bit of online searching for products you love, you will be sure to find them online cheaper elsewhere.

7. Enjoy the process!

The most important thing is to try and enjoy the process of renovating. It can be a stressful time, but it doesn't need to be. If you plan well, make good design choices that will appeal to the widest possible group of people and source products yourself you are sure to end up with a great result that will not only be great to live in but will improve the value of your home over the long term.

Happy renovating - have a great day.
Clare x

How to style your home like a pro - 10 on trend must haves to create the wow factor (Part 2)

Today is the second in a two part post taking a look at how to style your home like a professional designer or decorator. In yesterday's post (see it here) I looked at geometric throws and blankets, graphic cushions, statement lighting and more. I talked about spending more on your big ticket items that you won't turn over so often like your big furniture and then buying less expensive accessories and styling bits and pieces that you can swap out as your mood changes. Below I've listed my final five styling must haves to create the wow factor in your home.

Image credit

But first, here are some of my top tips, as used by the styling pros: 

• tuck in throws on the sofa or lounge. Fold them neatly then tuck them down the back and behind cushions
• for a cohesive look, pick a neutral colour palette as your base and if you want to add colour do this with cushions, throws and accessories. That way, when you're sick of the colour you haven't got a bright red couch that you have to replace!
• use a colour thread to bring together multiple spaces. For example, if you have an open plan living, dining area, pop some yellow vases and vessels in the middle of your dining table, and pick up on the yellow again with a cushion on your couch, some yellow flowers on the side board and some lemons and bananas in your fruit bowl.
• when creating a vignette (a group of objects), always place in groups of ODD numbered items. 3 vases, not 2, 5 not 4 - you get the picture. For some reason it always just looks better that way. 
• group a collection of otherwise non-cohesive items together on a tray (in an odd number!). It will make them look like they are meant to be together. 
• Don't forget to put some tall and short together to bring height and difference. So a tall vase can be offset with a smaller object in front, for example. 
• For a modern look, display a big bunch of the same flower in the same colour, rather than a mixed bouquet. Try a big bunch of white peonies - so gorgeous! 

Overall less is more. As stated by the always glamorous Coco Chanel "it is always better to be slightly under dressed" and the same goes for styling your home. Be careful not to over accessorize every little nook and cranny. It is better to put a few of your best pieces on show and hide the rest away (or swap them around regularly to keep things interesting).

Now we've covered that, let's move on to the final 5 styling items to have in your home styling 'wardrobe'.

6. Something living

Having something living in your space really brings it to life - not to mention the healthy oxygen it produces for you and your family. If you're like me and were born without a green thumb then the best options are to get hardy succulents or, if you're wiling to sacrifice the extra o2 then you could even get a fake plant - there are some seriously realistic replicas on the market. Try IKEA if you're on the hunt for fake.

For storing your new living item indoors there are a few options. A washable paper bag always looks really good (see picture 3) - you can get one from Uashmama or try a DIY option like the gold succulent planters in picture 2 or the vintage crates. 

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7. Vases and vessels 

A group of vases and vessels can create interest through height, colour and texture, but area also a great way to fill up a space you don't otherwise know what to do with, like on the TV unit or in the entrance hall. Try a mix of the same colour palette and vary height, width and texture. 

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8. Art (it doesn't have to be expensive!)

An expensive piece of art is always on my wish list, but never in my budget. So I have to think of other options. There are so many cheap prints and even downloadable printables around these days in every colour, pattern and style (try Etsy). There is no excuse for not having something up on your walls. If you're a renter, or less committed to a particular piece, a great trend around at the moment is a picture shelf. The best part of this is you can mix and match your art without having to ruin your paint work and you can change it up as often as you like. You can create one of these by buying an inexpensive Ribba picture ledge from IKEA then framing up your new purchases in coordinating frames and leaning them against the wall (IKEA area also great for cheap frames). Voila - simple and affordable art. 

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9. Storage and arrangements

Trays, baskets, boxes and bins are a great way of tying together a vignette or putting away your more unsightly objects (think phone chargers, keys, daily paperwork) that would otherwise be lying around. Getting a dedicated box or tray for Hubby to put his keys and coins in by the front door is also a good idea if you would rather he didn't empty his pockets all over your kitchen bench or dining room table! 

A tray is a great way of tying together a group of objects - and can easily be lifted around as needed. Storage baskets can store toilet paper in the bathroom, rolls of long wrapping paper, kids toys, the list goes on. Put a top on it, like in some of the photos below, and you've doubled the storage as a side table - great for tiny spaces! 

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10. Now put in bits and pieces you love

Now that you've got all the styling basics, my final suggested styling item is to inject your personality into the space and bring it to life. Put out the objects and finds that you've collected over your life time and show off your personality. The trick is to be selective about what you put on show. You don't need to have everything out at one time, change things up and move things around as your mood changes. Have fun with it! 

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I hope you now have lots of great inspiration and ideas for how to style your home like a pro. Once you have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve it is easy to create a photo-worthy home. 

Leave me a comment below if you have more great styling tips that I've forgotten! And if you missed yesterday's post, check it out here. 

Enjoy your day! x

How to style your home like a pro - 10 on trend must haves to create the wow factor (Part 1)

Do you ever wonder how interior designers and decorators manage to make the houses they work on look so effortless? Today I'm bringing you the first in a two part post that will give you the tips of the styling pros. You don't have to have a huge budget, nor do you have to have the most amazing house, but with these 10 must have styling items, along with your imagination and a bit of flair, you'll be able to create the wow factor from the magazines and blogs you love.  

Today I'm bringing you the first five of my top 10 styling items. Think of your furniture and larger pieces as your wardrobe 'basics' and these 10 items as the styling bits and pieces you would update each season. Like you might do with your shoes, bags, t-shirts and accessories. The aim is not to spend too much on these bits and pieces so you can swap them out as your mood changes or the trends shift.

1. A geometric throw

Right on trend at the moment are geometric throws and blankets. I've featured the Pia Wallen blanket before on the blog (here) and love it. But if crosses aren't your thing there are plenty of other options around. Some of my other favourites are the Donna Wilson Blah Blah Blah throw or the triangular "Remix" blanket from Ferm Living.

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2. Graphic cushions

My next styling must have is a collection of inexpensive, graphic cushions. Different patterns look great mixed together so don't be afraid to get creative! But to keep it cohesive select a colour palette and stick to it (black and white is obviously my favourite!). If you're not feeling brave enough to go all out with the grapics, another tip is to choose a few graphic cushions and mix them in with a selection of plain colours you might already have.

My absolutel favourite cushion at the moment is the "Gran" cushion from Fine Little Day. In fact I've recently bought one for our informal living area (Picture 3 with the Tin Tin poster) and have mixed this in with one from Danish design company Oyoy. If you don't want to spend too much on cushions, I often find really good graphic options at IKEA. Or if you're really handy, grab some fabric from IKEA and knock up your own.

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3. Candles

Candles are one of the most inexpensive ways of creating an inviting atmosphere and if you can't afford anything else, a collection of simple votives with tealight candles in them will look great. But if you're up for spending a bit more there are some amazing scuptural candle holders around at the moment, like the Finnish designed Kubus below. Or Menu are also making some really nice options as well.  

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4. Show your style and personality with coffee table books

Coffee table books can be really cliche and boring, so my suggestion is to buy books that mean something to you and reflect your personality and interests. Books can be more expensive and you are less likely to swap these out each season so I also suggest, where possible, buying with your room colour palette in mind if you're planning on putting them on display. With the increase of technology there are less and less bookstores around these days, but some really good online stores are popping up all the time, and you can often get a great bargain. So start googling your favourite topic and see what pops up.  

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5. Statement lighting

Rounding out the Part 1 of this post (don't forget to come back tomorrow for the second instalment) is statement lighting. Again, this is going to be something you are likely to spend a bit more money on and will last you a few years at least if you get it right, but buying some statement lamps, table lamps or pendants will really help your home stand out from the rest.

On my wish list at the moment is the adorable Milk table lamp, as seen below. But I also love the fluro pink light in the second picture, which is actually a DIY project - so follow the link to get all the instructions on how to make one of these for yourself!

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Hopefully you have some ideas for how to improve the styling in your home. And don't forget to come back tomorrow where I'll be giving you the remaining five ideas, including storage ideas, ways to display your art and more!

Have a lovely day! x

Style on a budget | 12 stunning table settings

At the moment finances are tight and I've had to put a hold on furniture and accessory purchases - at least for a couple of weeks :) But just because you're on a budget doesn't mean life can't still have style. There is nothing better than a beautifully set table to put a smile on guests faces and today I'm bringing you 12 ideas for how to set a table that will do just that. Most of these table settings use things you would already have around the home, or involve quick and easy DIY projects that you can whip up in an afternoon.

So put down that credit card and have a look around your home and garden for props that can be used to set a diving table for your next dinner party.

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Have a lovely day! x