Six weeks to plan a holiday event, update the dining room, maybe even organize a wedding can be done with limited nail-biting moments if you’re organized. But an entire home update, including two bathrooms? Follow these no-fail steps we used when renovating our house for the summer season with limited stress and stylish results.
Project launch date
The launch of our home projects began in the spring. The season is wet, messy, but bursts of greenery and brighter skies start to appear, an apt symbol for the progression of our home.
Consider the time of year when you will begin your home projects. Perhaps summer is the ideal season if you’ll be traveling, which allows for disruptive work to happen without your presence if you employ tradesman you trust. Autumn is better for those who rather not lug furniture during one of our stifling East Coast heat waves.
No matter what the season, keep in mind that living with drop cloths and the occasional hot water hiatus is an onus, so planning around your lifestyle is advised.
Enlisting tradespeople
Before you begin, hire an honest group of tradesman to help fulfill your home’s design goals. We have a gardener who must approve your soul before taking on a project. A contractor who needs to cover every detail with you. All quirks aside, they show up, are reputable, and listen.
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- A complete demo of this bathroom included breaking the back wall into the living room shelving unit for more room. We custom ordered the door in time to make deadline.
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- Replacing old tile was the short-term solution for this bath, a home update that will happen in stages.
When finding tradesman, ask for recommendations from friends or other tradespeople you respect. Work out details like pricing, timeframe, cost of materials, trash removal and other arrangements. Always make sure they are licensed. Check references, and ask for a contract, which will include the projected finish dates and payment schedule.
Budget
Like anything in demand, a quick turnaround could impact your budget. Refrain from sharing your timeline desperation. If a contractor senses any anxiousness, they may up their price.
Ask around for pricing of similar projects so you are aware of market value. Always get at least three estimates before confirming your selection.
Sourcing materials and furnishings
Buying hardware, materials and furnishings online became the COVID-19 rigmarole. However, shipping delays and the inability to fully see how a piece looks online has its challenges. If you are shopping online, check delivery dates and reviews.
Time permitting, go to your favorite local retailers to source materials. Tune up the SUV — everything from tile to towels can be found at larger home design stores.
Personalized pieces
Visit home design auction sites or social media marketplaces to find unique pieces at a fair price. Handmade items can also be sourced from artisan online retailers, tag sales and flea markets.
Final details
Once the contractors have packed up their equipment and leave your renovated home, design with your new finds. Begin with the furniture and rugs, then add decorative touches like linens, art work and accent pieces.
Decorate with consistent patterns and color schemes to prevent your home for looking like design’s version f meatloaf. Over decorating could also create clutter glut. For clean and modern looks, avoid displaying a collection of houseplants or seashell collections from last summer’s Vineyard tip. In the end, your’ll find a design style that achieves a comfortable space that’s meant to be shared.
Resources:
Jayne Surfboard: Kerri Rosenthal
Natural Flatweave Eco-Cotton Rug: Hook and Loom
Thibault Mali Anna French pillow: Haus of Pillows
Ikat Indigo Striped Pillow: Indego Africa
Moroccan Sabra Cactus Pillow: Gazelle Collection
