Ask the expert: Rules for renovating

By Ruth Bell 13-04-2023
Ask the expert: Rules for renovating

Interior designer Caroline Fernandes shares her top tips for a successful refurbishment. To see more of the Wexford open-plan family hub she created, click here

Words: Róisín Carabine | Photography Philip Lauterbach

 

Image of a family kitchen renovation by Caroline Fernandes, House and Home March/April 23

1. Set a clear budget

Have a detailed and realistic budget but know it will never be enough! Set aside a contingency amount too. With older houses especially, there will always be something that will be impossible to plan until you get into the skeleton of the space.

2. Plan, plan, plan

Planning all the details ahead of time will avoid those on-the-spot decisions that can lead to stress and choices you are unhappy with. Be clear about how you want to use the space – and don’t just consider the here and now. How will it be used in the future?

Image of a family kitchen renovation by Caroline Fernandes, House and Home March/April 23

3. Time is money

Project management is crucial. Have all your trades scheduled and ready to go within the designated time frame; delays cost money and frustration for all involved. If you don’t have the time or skills to dedicate to the project, engage a professional.

4. Know who you are

Define your style and stick to it. By all means, gather inspiration and ideas from other spaces but never try to replicate them. Your space is unique with its own set of challenges and limitations; you must embrace these and design accordingly.

Image of a family kitchen renovation by Caroline Fernandes, House and Home March/April 23

5. Maximise your investment

Building costs are a movable feast right now and seem to increase almost weekly, so make sure your investment is going to be a long term one. From a design perspective my advice is always classic and timeless rather than trendy and gimmicky. It’s important to spend on the things that make the biggest difference to your quality of life and how you plan to live.

6. Go with your gut

If something doesn’t feel right don’t ignore it in the hope it will all come together in the end. Pause and address it before moving on or it will be one of your regrets when everything is finished.

Image of a family kitchen renovation by Caroline Fernandes, House and Home March/April 23

Get the look

Design & styling: Caroline Fernandes

Dining table, bar stools, living room pendant light & mirror:  Neptune at The Orchard

Console table: Designed by Caroline and made by Deanery Furniture

Island lights: Broughtons

Table lamps: Pooky

Cabinet hardware: Armac Martin

Worktops & fire surround: Continental Stone

 

If you haven't read the full story of Caroline's open-plan kitchen-living space transformation, catch up here.

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