Should You Redecorate Your Home?

Redecorating is a very common home improvement project that everyone will likely tackle at some point in their lives. 

Whether you're looking to give your entire home a fresh new look or just want to make some minor changes, redecorating can be a great way to add value, style, and comfort to your home. With the right approach, along with knowing what you're getting into ahead of time, redecorating can be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. 

In this article we'll cover:

1. How do you know when it's time to redecorate?

2. What should you include in your redecorating plans?

3. How much will it cost?

4. Should you hire a designer or do it yourself?

5. Some additional things to remember before starting.

How Do You Know When It's Time To Redecorate?

Redecorating is a great way to give your home a fresh new look and feel, but knowing when it’s time to redecorate can be tricky.

Here are some tips to help you decide if it’s time for that design project you've been considering: 

1. You're bored with the current look of your home

If you feel like your home has become stale or doesn't reflect your tastes quite like it used to, it may be time to start your redecorating journey. Take a look around and assess the current state of your home – if you feel like it needs updating, that could be your inner voice telling you to start planning that redecoration project.

2. Your furniture and décor are outdated or worn out.

Outdated or worn-out furniture and décor can make a room (or an entire home) look tired and dated. If you have pieces that are no longer in style or are showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to replace them with something more modern, clean, or stylish.  

3. You want to make your home more comfortable and inviting.

If your home is feeling a bit cramped or not as comfortable as it once did, it might be time to take a dive deep into making the space one that you and your family can truly enjoy. This could involve adding cozy furniture, soft lighting, or even adding some plants to bring life into the room. You could also add some artwork or wall hangings to give the room a personal touch. Additionally, rearranging furniture and décor can help create a more inviting atmosphere.

4. You're looking to add value to your home before selling it.

If you're planning to sell your home, redecorating can be something that has a significant impact on increasing your sale price and attracting more potential buyers. It can make a home look more attractive, modern, and inviting, which will fetch a higher price tag. The action of thoroughly looking through your home can also give you a better view into what items may need repairing or maintenance before the sale.

5. You want to create a specific style or theme in your home.

Maybe you're at a point in your life where you want to better express yourself and your personal tastes. Creating a theme within your home, that reflects your newfound personal style, can be a perfect way to do this. By carefully selecting furniture, décor, colours, and other elements that suit you can create an atmosphere that not only feels good to you but also is inviting and instantly shows people who you are.

6. Evaluate the balance between style and functionality in each room.

If the décor isn’t practical or comfortable for everyday use, then it might be worth considering some changes.

What Should You Include In Your Redecorating Plans?

The term 'redecorating' can mean many things to many different people. For some, it can mean adding additional pieces of furniture to their home, changing their window treatments, or even something as simple as taking the time to create a clean, re-organized space that's free of clutter.

Ultimately, it's up to you what you choose to do for your redecorating project, the important thing is that you take the time to create an actual plan of what you want to accomplish.

Here are some ways to do that:

1. Start by assessing the current state of your home. Look closely at each room and make note of any areas that need updating or improvement. 

2. Dive deeper by making a list of all the high-level changes you would like to make in each room, including furniture, décor, colours, themes, and other elements that suit your personal style.

3. Consider any potential repairs or maintenance that may need to be done before redecorating begins.

4. Research different styles and themes online that reflect what you're looking to achieve. Keep your ideas sectioned off by the room, so you don't forget what you'd originally planned to do. Make notes within each item for future reference. 

5. Determine the budget for your project so you can plan accordingly and stay within your means. Break this budget down by room, so you can accurately gauge where you're at, without accidentally going overboard.

6. Create a timeline for when each task should be completed in order to stay on track with the project's progress.

7. Finally, determine whether you'd like to add some curb appeal to your home by sprucing up the exterior with landscaping or painting the front door a new colour. Your exterior is the face of your home, so ideally, it should reflect what you're looking to achieve inside. 

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of redecorating will greatly depend on the overall scope of what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it. Generally speaking, a full redecoration project can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Setting a budget before you begin is key, as it allows you to plan things accordingly and ensure you can stay within your means.

Here are some factors to note that may impact the cost of your endeavour:

1. The size of the space(s) that need to be redecorated - Are you modifying just one room or multiple rooms? Are they large? Are there stairs to dodge or high ceilings to reach?

2. The type of materials and furnishings that need to be purchased or replaced - Adding new items will likely cost much more than refurbishing old items. If you're up for making any changes yourself, it can cost significantly less. When buying new items, are you looking for brand new pieces or 'new to you' pieces? Second-hand items can be significantly cheaper.

3. The amount of labour required for the project - Do you plan to hire the work out or do it yourself? Labour can easily double the cost of the materials you use, like when hiring a flooring installation company, a painting specialist or a painting company.

4. The cost of any additional services needed, such as electrical work or plumbing repairs - This type of labour, although sometimes necessary, can be very expensive. Keep this in mind when determining what level of effort you're willing to put in.

5. Any permits or fees associated with the project, such as building permits or zoning regulations - This is getting more into the realm of remodelling and renovating, vs redecorating, but it should be noted. If your project moves more into changing the physical structures in your home (like tearing out walls or modifying the electrical work), it should be noted that certain permits may be needed to comply with your city's regulations. 

6. The cost of any tools and supplies needed for the project, such as paint brushes and rollers, drop cloths, etc. - These items are often overlooked initially but can have a big impact on the overall cost of a project. Make note of what you'll need for each phase, in each room (to the best of your ability), and add a bit of a 'buffer' to your budget, just in case you miss planning for any unexpected costs. 

7. The cost of any additional services needed, such as professional design consultation or interior decorating - If you have the budget for it, hiring an interior design / decorating professional can be a God send. They can really help bring your inner vision to life. 

8. The cost of any furniture rental or storage fees associated with the project - This is a hidden cost that most don't see upfront. Remember to plan for a location to store anything that can't be sitting in the room(s) while the work is being completed.

9. The cost of any delivery fees for large items that need to be shipped in from out of town - Shipping feeds are going up these days, be mindful of purchasing items that are coming from far-off locations, as there can be hidden fees. Also, be cognizant of timing. If there are supply chain issues, it can sometimes delay certain items from getting to you by many months.

10. Time commitment - Redecorating a space can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the size of the project and how much work you plan to do yourself. If you are short on time, it may be best to hire out some of the labour or purchase ready-made items that require minimal assembly. Additionally, if you are working with a tight budget, it may be best to break your plans down into multiple smaller projects that can be completed quickly and easily.

Should You Hire a Designer or Do It Yourself?

Whether you decide to hire a designer or do it yourself will depend on your budget, time constraints, and level of expertise.

Here's an in-depth look at the pros of hiring a designer vs doing it yourself:

Pros of Hiring an Interior Designer:

1. Professional advice and guidance on design, colour, and layout, along with expertise in creating a cohesive look throughout your home.

2. Access to a wide range of resources and materials that may not be available to the general public, along with the ability to more easily find creative solutions to fit your needs.

3. Time-savings, which can lead to a stress-free experience. They take care of all the details for you from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Plus, you'll get peace of mind knowing that everything is being done correctly and professionally by someone who knows what they are doing.

4. Knowledge of current trends in interior design and decorating that can help you create a modern look for your home.

5. Cost-savings, as they may have connections with local dealers who will give them discounts on certain items you would normally have to pay full price for. 

Pros of Doing It Yourself:

1. Cost savings - Doing it yourself can save you a lot of money, especially if you are on a tight budget.

2. Personalization - You have complete control over the design and decorating process, so you can create a space that is truly unique and reflects your own personal style.

3. Flexibility - You can take your time and make changes as you go along without having to worry about any deadlines or extra costs.

4. Learning experience - Doing it yourself can be a great way to learn new skills and gain experience in interior design and decorating.

5. Fun - Redecorating your home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you get to see the finished product!

Ultimately, whether you decide to hire a designer or do it yourself will depend on your budget, time constraints, and level of expertise. If you have the resources to do it yourself and think you’ll enjoy the process, then it can be a great way to save money and get creative with your redecoration project. However, if you don’t feel confident in your design skills or don’t have the time to dedicate to the project, then hiring a professional is likely the way to go.

Additional Things To Remember Before Starting

Before starting your project, have a look at these additional tips that can help remove any unnecessary snags in your process:

1. Measure the space you are redecorating and create a floor plan to ensure that all of your furniture and décor are accounted for and that any new items will fit in the room. It's best to have all of these numbers in advance, so you don't have to worry about finding them later.

2. Be mindful of how much natural/artificial light is available in each room and how it can be used to your advantage when selecting colours and fabrics. Different lighting will have a big impact on the overall look of the colours you use.

3. Choose colour palettes that complement the existing architecture and decor in your home. To do this, decide in advance which existing furniture or décor you want to keep, as this will help determine what new pieces you will need to purchase and what color combinations to match them to.

4. Ensure the room(s) you are updating contain certain elements that tie into the look of the rooms that you aren't updating. It's best when each separate space within your home 'flows' cohesively into the next so there are no jarring experiences when entering one room and leaving another.

5. Research the various ways interior designers do their best work. There is a ton of free information online that can help set you up in advance to make the most informed stylistic choices that you might not otherwise know when making your design decisions. Look up current interior trends and find out what interior designers are doing to bring those trends to fruition.

6. Have fun with it! Redecorating is an opportunity to express yourself through design, so don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with different ideas!