✨ Your Top Questions About Our Renovation Project — Answered! ✨

Renovations are full of lessons, surprises, and small wins along the way — and this one was no exception. Over the years, I’ve renovated many homes, but each one teaches me something new. No matter how experienced you are, every project has its own rhythm, challenges, and rewards.

This renovation was particularly meaningful to me because it marked a turning point — the point where I began transforming my experience in property renovation into a design studio of my own. It was both a family home and a creative testing ground — where design met reality in the most hands-on way possible.

So many of you have asked questions about this renovation — from the biggest challenges to the materials we chose — so I thought I’d take you behind the scenes and answer a few of the most common ones.

1️⃣ What was the biggest challenge during the renovation?

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I always live on-site during my renovations. It’s not for everyone — it’s dusty, noisy, and chaotic — but it gives me an incredible perspective on how a home evolves through every stage of transformation.

We usually section off a part of the house where we can still cook and live as a family. It’s not glamorous — think makeshift kitchens, meals cooked on camping hobs, and plenty of dust sheets — but it’s real life. My children have grown up seeing walls come down, floors sanded, and spaces completely reborn.

There’s something exciting about waking up each morning and seeing visible progress — even if it’s just a newly plastered wall or the sound of the builders arriving with a plan for the day. But of course, it’s not always smooth sailing.

My biggest challenge on this project was with the drawings. The builders were working from an older set of plans that still included an extension over the garage — something we had removed from the design to keep the project within budget. It led to confusion and some delays at the start.

It was a good reminder that no matter how experienced you are, communication and up-to-date documentation are everything. Always, always make sure your drawings are current before work begins — and that every contractor is working from the same set. That one detail can save so much stress later on.

2️⃣ How did you choose the colour palette and materials?

For me, design always starts with what’s already there. Every property has its own story — its materials, textures, and light. I don’t believe in stripping that away to start fresh. Instead, I work with what exists, revealing its beauty and layering it with new materials that feel connected and timeless.

In this home, I started with the architectural bones: the natural oak floors, the light that moved through the space, and the subtle tones of the surrounding landscape. I wanted the design to feel calm and rooted — nothing too perfect or polished, but warm and lived in.

The palette came together slowly: soft, neutral walls painted in Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone, oak cabinetry in the kitchen, a mix of linen fabrics, wicker textures, and touches of black metal for contrast.

I always say that materials should do the talking. I lean towards natural finishes — wood, stone, linen, clay, and metals that age gracefully. They develop character over time and tell the story of how the home is lived in.

Each room has its own tone but connects back to the whole. That’s something I love — when a house flows naturally, with subtle variations that make every space feel special but still part of the same story.

3️⃣ What’s your favourite part of the transformation?

Without a doubt, the open-plan kitchen and living area. It’s now the heart of our home — a space that brings everyone together, whether it’s busy family breakfasts or quiet evenings by the fire.

The space was once two small, separate rooms that didn’t make the most of the light or the layout. Opening it up completely changed the way we live. Suddenly, the garden felt like part of the house, the light flowed beautifully throughout the day, and we could all be together even while doing different things.

But what I’m most proud of is how much of the original character we managed to preserve. I’m a big believer that renovation doesn’t mean erasing the past. Wherever possible, I try to salvage and restore.

In this project, we saved the original wood floors, which had been hidden under old carpet for decades. After sanding and finishing them with Osmo Oil, they came back to life — matt, warm, and full of texture.

We also reimagined the staircase rather than replacing it. A fresh coat of paint, updated balustrades, and some detailing completely transformed it without losing its character. It’s those kinds of details that make a renovation feel authentic — a blend of old and new that tells a story.

4️⃣ How did you stay on budget without compromising design?

This is one of the questions I get asked most often — and for good reason! Budgeting is always one of the most challenging parts of renovation.

For me, it comes down to prioritising and planning. I always begin with the essentials — the things that affect the structure, safety, or comfort of the home — before moving to aesthetics.

In this project, the major investments came early: replacing the single-glazed windows with black aluminium frames, rewiring the electrics, and installing a new boiler. These aren’t the most exciting upgrades visually, but they make a huge difference to how the home feels and functions.

Once those were done, I focused on creative ways to save. We reused furniture, repainted pieces, and styled with art and accessories I already owned. The staircase, as I mentioned, was updated rather than replaced — and I reused several original doors, simply sanding and refinishing them.

I think it’s about balance — investing where it matters most (things that will stand the test of time) and getting creative with the rest. Renovation is as much about restraint as it is about design.

5️⃣ What advice would you give to someone starting their own renovation?

If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: invest time upfront. Planning is everything.

Before you even pick up a hammer or call a builder, get really clear on your vision. Think about how you want to live in the space — not just how it should look. Do you want open-plan living, or would you prefer defined rooms? Where does the light fall? How do you move through the house?

Get your planning permissions sorted early, and find a building team you trust completely. This stage took us over a year — but it was worth every moment.

Once the renovation begins, try to stick to your plan. Every change you make on the spot adds costs, delays, and stress. It’s easy to get caught up in small decisions, but having a clear vision helps you stay grounded.

And finally, be prepared for the unexpected. Renovations always take longer and cost more than expected. That’s just the nature of working with existing buildings — you never know what’s behind a wall until you open it up!

My golden rule? Assume it will take twice as long and cost twice as much. If you come in under, it’s a bonus — but if not, you’ll have the contingency to keep things moving without panic.

Above all, be patient. Renovation is a journey, not a race. There will be moments of frustration, but also moments of pure joy when you see your vision take shape. And trust me — when it all comes together, it’s worth every bit of effort.

6️⃣ What did you learn personally through this renovation?

Every project teaches me something new. This one reminded me how powerful patience and adaptability are.

As a designer, it’s easy to get caught up in the vision — but living through a renovation brings you back to the human side of it. It’s about creating spaces that feel lived-in, functional, and warm. Not just perfect on paper, but real.

It also deepened my appreciation for craftsmanship. Seeing the builders, joiners, and trades bring each detail to life is something that never gets old. A good team truly makes all the difference.

And lastly — this project reminded me why I love what I do. The design process, the creative problem-solving, the transformation — but most of all, the way a home can completely change how you feel day to day.

Final Thoughts

Renovation is never just about design — it’s about emotion, resilience, and creativity. It’s about seeing potential where others might not and bringing a tired space back to life with intention.

This project challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me of the power of good design — not just to make things look beautiful, but to make everyday life flow more easily.

If you’re planning your own renovation, my biggest advice is to take your time, trust your instincts, and focus on what truly matters to you and your family. The best spaces aren’t the ones that look perfect — they’re the ones that feel like home.

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Have more renovation questions? Drop them below or send me a message — I love hearing your stories and helping wherever I can.

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Renovation progress in Tunbridge Wells: Workers install a modern, metal-framed glass structure at a residential property, enhancing the open-plan staircase design.

Renovation insight: A mid-century modern hallway features a classic herringbone wood floor, leading to a cozy living room. The vintage staircase and stylish pendant light reflect the charm of the home's original design.

Family member removing dated wallpaper in a cozy 1960s bathroom as part of a modern renovation project.

Transforming the room: My husband uses a steamer to strip away the old floral wallpaper, revealing a fresh start beneath.

Modern kitchen extension featuring sleek cabinetry, a spacious island with a stovetop, and large windows that bring in abundant natural light.

Modern dining area featuring elegant wooden furniture and chic decor, showcasing the transformation of a renovated part of the building.

A modern interior featuring a sleek, original staircase and herringbone wood flooring, with abundant natural light highlighting the minimalist design and potted plants for added warmth.