The key to a successful home renovation, whether it be big or small, is having a plan. Having an effective plan allows the process of renovating to progress smoothly and will assist you in getting your desired results.
As an example, lighting is often an overlooked aspect of interior and exterior design and is such an important feature in a home, bringing the elements of the room together harmoniously and providing an inviting environment. Lighting can improve the mood of a room by generating a warm and bright ambience and making the space feel more open and welcoming. Task lighting is an important feature to note, as it enables you to complete activities intended within the room effectively, such as lighting within kitchens to assist with the preparation of meals or around mirrors in bathrooms to develop a space where you can get ready for the day. Accent lighting highlights the interiors of the home’s features, such as paintings or design characteristics. This can then showcase your personality and individual style.
Through something as small as lighting, you can see how it is important to plan for the future when developing a concept for a home renovation and how there are many questions we can ask ourselves in order to help with future planning. Questions such as Will I be living here in the next 15 years? What will this space be in that time as our family grows and develops? Early on, you may want the children’s playroom to be near the kitchen to enable clear supervision, however, once children have grown and become teenagers, a more separate space may be desirable. By planning for adaptable changes, you enable your home renovation to suit both your current and future needs.
With a multitude of home renovation options, we have taken the time to address our favourite small home renovation ideas that we believe are simple ways to transform your home!
Renovation Ideas
1. Develop a Welcoming Entrance
The entrance to the home is much like a first impression. It is the entry point where guests are welcomed and a sense of your individual style is established. The entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home and by developing a welcoming transitional zone from the outdoor environment to the indoor living space, you are able to set the mood of the rest of your home.
2. Create a Calming Living Space
The living space in a home should be individually tailored to your family. Think about what it is your family does in order to relax together in this space and ensure that your design suits these activities. Your family may be interested in movies or entertaining with music, so putting inbuilt speakers within the room may be a practical feature. Open plan living spaces are an ideal way to create an open and free-flowing feel within the home and by designing a living space that backs onto the outdoor environment, you can develop a tranquil flow of light and make the space appear larger.
3. Kitchen functionality
Updating your kitchen is a great way to make the home feel fresh and functional. It is important to ensure there is ample cabinetry and bench space within the kitchen to make the room feel less cramped and develop an easy workspace. As an idea, by opting for pullout extension drawers you’ll be able to maximize your space and gain easier access to utensils.
4. Multifunctional Dining Room
By developing a multifunctional dining space, you are able to cater for a multitude of activities. Inclusions such as mood lighting and windows are a great way to bring light and ambience into the dining quarters and are excellent ways of developing a welcoming environment for entertaining. In smaller homes that do not have the luxury of a dining room, island benches can be utilised as a dining table alternative. By ensuring an island bench has the ability to have seats tucked beneath it and be used as an eating space, you are able to maximise your sit-down dining entertainment opportunities.
5. Bedroom Styling
When styling a bedroom it is important to think about who the room is for. By developing ample wardrobe space and storage opportunities, you are able to ensure the room caters for each individual's needs. It is also important to assess the space you have and how best to maximise it. Adding mirrors and wall hung side tables with lighting is a modern feature and can be a great way to maximise space opportunity within the room.
6. Updating Bathrooms
An updated bathroom gives a sense of refreshment. When updating your bathroom, it is best to assess the current bathroom and if its layout is suiting your needs. If it is not, then it may be time to develop a new layout for the bathroom renovation to ensure it is functional. Large tiles, wall hung vanities and wall hung toilets allow for a larger visible floor space which gives the appearance of a larger room. It is also easier to clean around, making it more practical.
7. Outdoor Entertaining
Outdoor entertainment is a large part of Australian culture. By developing an outdoor entertaining area, you are able to open the window of opportunity to host guests within a different environment. Constructing an outdoor decking space gives you a separate space for entertainment. Then adding in cooking amenities such as a BBQ or pizza oven, you have the opportunity to be part of the party while hosting.
When planning a renovation whether it be big or small, it is essential that you do your research in order to get the overall style and aesthetic you are aiming to achieve. We hope these 7 small ideas help you prepare to make the most out of your next home renovation!
