Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper or your old home requires extensive remodelling, you need to aim for a design that will provide your family with a maximum level of comfort and flexibility. Renovating an old house brings a lot of challenges, so it’s important that you stay organised and efficient throughout this process. You also need to prepare your family and work with them to create your perfect home.
1. Be careful with hidden problems
Old homes bring a certain charm, but they also hide numerous problems. Performing a thorough inspection is essential before starting your remodel. You’ll be able to identify possible issues and prevent them from causing serious damage later on. Some of the most common problems in old houses include foundation issues, outdated systems, leaking roof, poor drainage, etc. If you identify any of these problems, make sure to fix them during your remodel.
2. Create a remodelling plan
Coming up with a plan is a simple way to stay organised and prepare for your renovation. A remodelling plan can help you keep everything under control, dealing with one task at a time. You can list all of the arrangements you need to make and consider setting up a timeline. Of course, you need to create a plan that will suit your entire family. For instance, you should take your children’s school schedule into consideration, plan your temporary accommodation, etc.
3. Prepare your family
During remodelling, you’ll all be quite busy and you’ll have strangers in your home, which may be a bit overwhelming for your children. They may have to change their daily habits temporarily or stay with their grandparents. It’s important that you talk to your family members about the upcoming renovation. Whether you’re moving into a new home or renovating your current one, you should engage your children in the remodelling process. For example, you can gather creative ideas together or ask them to make certain decisions when it comes to the design of their rooms. This will make them feel included and help them get excited about the renovation rather than feel stressed and overwhelmed.
4. Move and store your furniture
When it comes to a major renovation, it’s always better to remove your belongings and transport them to a temporary location. Keeping your furniture out of the way will not only enable you to be more efficient, but also protect it from dust, dirt and damage. However, transporting your belongings in your car isn’t the most efficient solution. You’ll end up going back and forth, and your furniture might get damaged during the transport. Instead, you should consider renting one or two moving trucks. This is also a cost-effective solution because you can find great deals online. For example, the leading Budget truck rental agency provides specials discounts and offers, which can help you cut your expenses. They also offer a range of vehicle options, so you can easily find one that will meet your needs and enable you to transport your belongings safely.
5. Focus on functionality
Your new and improved home should feature a functional design that will enable you to keep your home organised and enjoyable. You need to find the perfect house layout that will provide you with a great level of connectivity, visibility and functionality. Consider going with an open floor plan with a great flow that will enable you to keep your eye on your children while still completing your daily tasks. Implementing plenty of storage solutions, especially built-in units, will free up a lot of space and help you control clutter. If you’re planning to design a single children’s bedroom, make sure to plan a proper layout that will provide each of your children with enough personal space. In addition, each room should have a clear purpose and feature a look that will suit that purpose.
6. Find your family style
No matter how much you love French-inspired interiors or some other specific style, you need to choose a look that all of you will love. You need to create a playful atmosphere that will speak to your children. Implementing a lot of colour and pattern can help you create visual appeal that won’t be overbearing. You should also let your children make certain design choices for their rooms.
7. Invest in quality flooring
You need to pick a practical, quality and durable flooring solution that will withstand running around, hide footprints and be easy to maintain. Wood flooring is one of the best family-friendly options because you can easily vacuum and mop it. If you go with a rustic, mid-toned wood design, you’ll mask any prints or possible scratches. What’s more, wooden floors are truly appealing and versatile, so they’ll easily fit into your general home design.
8. Make it cosy and inviting
A soft palette of warm neutrals will fill your space with a feeling of comfort and style. Of course, occasional pops of colour will keep it cheerful and playful. Lighting should be multifunctional and layered, enabling you to adjust it depending on the time of day and your needs. You will make your new haven even cosier if you layer different materials and fabrics. Finally, don’t hesitate to display your family memorabilia and decorations for a personalised look.
Designing the perfect family home requires you to prepare for the remodelling process properly, keep your family engaged and introduce the right design and décor solutions that will meet your family’s needs and style.
