Decorate Before You Renovate? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Rush into a Demo

By Diana Mosher

Have you been dragging your feet on a home remodel? It’s not surprising. Home improvements can be costly, disruptive and lead to indecision. These are some of the hurdles that can get in the way:

• You’re not sure whether you’re staying or moving
• You’re saving for your children’s college education
• You’re wondering whether to design for your own taste or for future resale
• You and your spouse or partner can’t agree on the design
• You’re overwhelmed by today’s appliance and cooking options
• You want an environmentally friendly home but aren’t sure where to begin
• You’re not sure how to start or where to find a contractor.

It’s not a good idea to rush into a renovation, but procrastination isn’t the answer either. A great way to get the ball rolling is to decorate all the other rooms in the home first. This might seem counterintuitive, because decorating is the icing on the cake associated with the finishing touches of a project. But you’ll build the foundation for a more confident and successful renovation.

It’s easy. Don’t go down the rabbit hole of purchasing new things at this time. Just go room by room with a critical eye. Assess each piece of furniture, every artwork and all the knickknacks/decorative objects. Are there pieces you don’t love? Are there items that actually would look better in another room? Artwork you forgot to hang? Furniture to donate to Goodwill? How’s the flow from room to room? Do you have enough storage?

Pre-renovation “use what you have” decorating brings much-needed clarity before the big ticket decisions are made. Cabinet styles, lighting fixtures, countertops, backsplashes and appliances all fall into the “permanent” category. Unlike a paint color that can be easily swapped out if you change your mind, you have to get these right the first time.

Read more about the reasons people put off renovations. And, if you’d like help priming your home for a new kitchen or bathroom, let’s go through the visual edit together. Schedule a 30-minute complimentary call here or email diana@dianamosher.com.