If you are unhappy with the current state of your home, you are not alone. Home improvement projects have been on the rise since the pandemic started. As many people have been working from home, we have gained an acute sense as to what needs to be updated in the home. However, how do you know when you should renovate or decorate? In today’s blog post, we will share our expertise whether you should renovate or decorate and important things to consider before you decide.

Renovate or Decorate? Important Things to Consider Before You Decide

What can you invest into your home?

Design by AMA Designs & Interiors. Photography by Mariah Texidor.

All home improvement projects require some level of investment of both, money and time. What can you realistically invest into your home to improve its appearance? We say “realistically” because this number should be something that is comfortable and not make you stress at night. Depending on what you can invest into your home, it may be more feasible to decorate rather than renovate. Perhaps, you could even do some of the work yourself and outsource the tasks that you aren’t capable of.

For DIY projects, we offer a Designer-on-Demand service which enables you to reserve consulting time blocks in advance. If you ever need help space planning or making decisions, you can call us to assist in the process so you’re not lost.

Decorating on a shoestring budget? Not a problem!

There are ways to add oomph to your space without breaking the bank. Adding a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Another way is to swap out your lighting. Lighting is crucial and can dictate the look and feel of a room. Using a combination of table lamps and overhead lights can help create a bright and open atmosphere.

Is this your forever home or home for now?

Whether this is your forever home or home for now, the answer to this question will dictate how you make decisions. If this is your forever home, it would worth the investment to alter your space through renovation to make it yours. If this is your home for a short period of time, you may be less inclined to renovate, unless it will increase the resale value.

Design by AMA Designs & Interiors. Photography by Mariah Texidor Photography.

how FUNCTIONAL is your home and layout?

When weighing your options of whether to renovate or decorate, one major thing to consider is the functionality of the space. How functional is your home and layout? If you aren’t sure, take a moment to think about your daily activities. Does your home effectively support those activities? Consider the flow from room to room or circulating within a room. Does your home have an easy and unobstructed flow? Consider door swings and the location of door openings as well. Which direction do the doors swing? Where are the entrances located? What is the traffic pattern that follows? These are all important questions to consider when space planning to create a layout that functions for you to support your daily life.

With a renovation project, there is more flexibility to adjust the flow of your space as you have the opportunity to knock down walls, remove/add doors, and change the traffic pattern.

If the budget does not allow for full-renovation, the furniture layout could be adjusted to accommodate your daily activities and have a better flow. It’s amazing how rearranging furniture can really change the usability of a space.

what is your design style?

Having a vision and having a clear understanding of your design style makes decision making easier. Since renovating and decorating are both an investment, identifying your personal style is important to determine before undertaking any home project.

Not sure what your style is? Take our free Design Style Quiz!

What is your timeline?

What would you like the project to be completed by? Projects always cost more and take longer than you think.

For renovations, it’s best to inquire availability with potential contractors to come up with a realistic game plan. If you plan on doing some of the physical work yourself, when can realistically work? Is it evenings or weekends? Block out time on your calendar and assess your availability.

For decoration projects, product availability and lead times are still a factor. Before you toss out your furniture to the curb, it’s best to place orders and know the estimated time of arrival.

As an Interior Design professional, my team and I have seen backorders, delays, and availability changes due to natural disasters or a pandemic. We have seen it all! While you can’t anticipate every curve ball, you can expect things to happen so you may need to adjust your schedule accordingly. …………….And definitely do not throw out your sofa yet!!

when to Hire a professional?

Before any hammers get swung, it is best to hire an expert like an interior designer!

With our Full-Service Design service, we manage your project from the initial design concept all the way through to completion. We handle every phase of the project so you don’t have to spend time shopping, procuring merchandise, tracking orders, coordinating, managing, or overseeing the work. All you have to do is turn the key to your home and enjoy!