Renovating your home is the ultimate blank canvas—an opportunity to curate a space that feels as inspiring as a gallery. But let’s be honest: the idea of renovation can feel daunting. Between endless Pinterest boards, conversations about budgets, and the sheer number of paint swatches lining your kitchen counter, it’s easy to feel more overwhelmed than inspired.
The truth is, the cost of renovation has increased significantly in recently years in the UK, particularly in cities like London. However, so has the cost of moving and upgrading your home to a larger property in desirable areas such as those with low crime rates, excellent state and secondary schools and local amenities. Therefore, if you're analysing whether it's worth it to renovate your property based on costs alone, it's definitely more affordable to stay and renovate rather than move. What's more, you're designing the space for you and your family too and have the opportunity to create something that's truly yours.
Photo Credit: House Of Red Interiors. Art: Abstract Brown Shapes Canvas Wall Art
You don’t need to approach a renovation as if you’re project-managing a skyscraper. At its best, it’s about refining the backdrop to your everyday life—choosing finishes, textures, and pieces that not only look beautiful, but that tell a story about who you are. For modern aesthetics, that means going beyond trend-chasing and instead creating a home that’s equal parts stylish and sustainable - and both functional and enjoyable to live in.
Think of this guide as your starting point. Whether you’re updating a single room or embarking on a whole-home transformation, the aim is the same: to curate a space that feels elevated yet lived-in, timeless but not static. And just as a piece of art anchors a room, your renovation choices—whether it’s the flooring beneath your feet or the artwork you hang on the walls—set the tone for the years of life that will unfold inside.
Because ultimately, renovation isn’t about stripping things back and starting again—it’s about building a home that reflects your taste, your values, and your vision of modern living.
So, where do you begin?
Photo Credit: Houzz
Every successful renovation begins long before the paintbrush touches the wall. It starts with intention. Ask yourself: How do I want this home to feel? Do you want it to be a calm retreat from the world, an energising hub for entertaining, or a layered reflection of your travels and passions? Mood-boarding is the chicest way to begin. Think of it less as a homework assignment and more as curating your own personal exhibition. Pinterest, Instagram, or even tearing pages from Livingetc can help you pin down a direction, but here’s the secret: don’t just look at interiors. Look at art, fashion, photography, even film stills. Often it’s a piece of art that can set the entire tone for a renovation. A bold abstract print might inspire a colour palette of inky blues and earthy terracottas; a soft, minimalist canvas might nudge you toward chalky whites, pale woods, and clean lines. Consider your home as a gallery of moods. Each room should connect to the next, but that doesn’t mean uniformity. It’s more about creating a thread of harmony—whether that’s through colour, texture, or a recurring design motif. When in doubt, ask yourself: does this choice reflect the life I want to live here? Remember, intention is your anchor. Trends will come and go, but when you begin with mood and meaning, your home will always feel like it belongs to you—and no one else.
1. Decide on the project scale
Are you looking to complete a side extension to add more space and create a family room, or to get that dreamy kitchen island you've always wanted? Or, are you looking at a complete gut-renovation project involving everything from demolishing walls and rewiring the electrics? First things first, you must decide on how big of a project you are looking to take on. When it comes to renovating, you can fall on unexpected hurdles that not only cost time and could add months to your initial timeline, but also money where new plans and materials are required just to make the property habitable.
So, whilst there are always allowable contingencies, you will always need to consider a back-up plan in case the project takes far longer than anticipated and unexpected costs arise.
2. Planning permission
Once you have liaised with your designer or architect and approved the initial designs, you will need to check if planning permission is required. You can apply online through the Government's Planning website.
3. Building control & regulations
With everything from converting a garage to an extra living space, to replacing windows and doors, building regulations are required. You can also consider using a Self-Certified FENSA approved contractor who is able to self-certify certain works to streamline the process. You will need to check with your local Building Regulations & Control office to ensure the work is fully compliant.
4. The build
The construction phase can be the most daunting part of the renovation project since it is seen as the most close to full-scale demolition. Try to use recommended and qualified contractors. Stay prepared and always have your back-up plan in place to avoid those unnecessary added costs and delays to your project.
5. Fittings & furnishings
Construction is now complete! It's time to decorate your new space and kit it out with the best interiors and furnishings to make your house a home. Lighting, furniture, soft furnishings, art and décor is what will really bring your home to life. Discover the aesthetics, materials and looks you love by scouring Pinterest, Instagram and our Inspiration pages to choose your favourite pieces to complete your new home and make it ready to live in and create your new memories.
Art: Red Deer Stag Framed Art Print
About The Author
Summer Obaid, Director and Head Of Art Consultancy at Abstract House has studied Colour Theory and Colour Psychology. Passionate about connecting art lovers with pieces they love, Summer has completed over 250 art consultations, placing art in projects for luxury residential homes, yachts, hotels and corporate offices - working for both interior designers and homeowners.
