It’s all in the planning - a considered approach to your renovation.

When you've spent years collecting treasures from your travels and curating a life that reflects your individual taste, the thought of a renovation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. You know what you want – a home that tells your story, blends the old with the new, and creates spaces that feel uniquely yours. But where do you begin when you're ready to transform your sanctuary into something truly special?

Planning for the unplanned

Let's be honest – now’s not the time to be winging it. While spontaneity has its place, a well-considered plan will ensure your renovation unfolds smoothly.

Expect the Unexpected: Your heritage apartment or character home will likely have stories hidden behind those walls – some delightful, others requiring creative solutions. Perhaps you'll uncover original pressed metal ceilings or discover something that needs remediation – quickly! Having a flexible framework (and budget) allows you to embrace these discoveries while staying true to your vision.  I always recommend a buffer in your budget to account for these things.

In our recent renovation we uncovered a sealed up doorway behind wall cladding.  We reused the door elsewhere as it was original to the house, but we needed to consider how a shorter timber panelled door from the late 1890’s integrated with other door and window selections in the space.

Sticking to the plan: You've developed unique taste through years of exposure to the world's most beautiful spaces. Trust that instinct, but also recognise that endless deliberation can derail timelines and budgets. 

The analysis paralysis that comes with countless choices? That's where professional guidance transforms the experience. Instead of facing overwhelming options, you'll be presented with carefully selected alternatives that align with your aesthetic and your story – each with its own provenance and character. Engaging a designer at the outset helps to build the renovation brief and inform your budget.

The investment in getting specifications right from the outset also pays financial dividends. Structural changes – relocating walls, creating new sightlines, or adding that perfectly positioned reading nook – are infinitely more complex once work has begun. Your time is valuable, and thoughtful upfront planning ensures it's spent on the delightful decisions: selecting that statement lighting fixture or choosing the perfect fabric for your sofa.

Alternatively, if you’ve already engaged a builder and have a fixed budget in mind, rather than viewing budget parameters as limitations, consider them creative frameworks. When your builder allocates $250 per square metre for flooring, for instance, this becomes your canvas for selecting something with genuine character – perhaps handmade tiles with subtle irregularities that speak to craftsmanship, or timber flooring with provenance that adds narrative depth to your space.  In this instance, an interior designer can assist in maximising your budget and allocating dollars in the right area.

Thinking holistically

The journey through your home: As you move from your entry through to your living spaces, consider the narrative flow. How do the tones in your dining room speak with the colours selected for your bedroom? This isn't about matching everything – it's about creating a sophisticated dialogue between spaces that reflects your unique style.

I believe taking advantage of sight lines is the best way to add interest, particularly in a home with a smaller footprint.  Views between rooms (and through rooms) are often neglected, but when maximised can add to the home’s overall sense of sophistication.  As you move throughout your home different views open up, or become concealed, and this is the beauty of a three dimensional space you engage with physically, as opposed to an Instagram image.

Quality over quantity: A smaller footprint is actually an advantage. Every element can be considered, every piece meaningful. That vintage Persian rug you've treasured for decades might finally find its perfect setting, while new custom joinery provides the perfect backdrop for your collection of ‘special-to-you’ pieces.

Ready to Begin?

With the right planning, professional guidance, and respect for your personal style, your home can become the sophisticated sanctuary you've always envisioned – one that tells your unique story while providing the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of your adventures.

The narrower your focus and brief, the easier the execution.