Renovating vs. Redecorating Expert Tips

The Renovation in this Sunroom involved a simple bench addition to a sunroom, fresh paint, carpeting and lighting

When deciding between renovating and redecorating, it’s essential to consider the scope of your needs and any lifestyle changes. Renovations are ideal for clients looking to improve functionality or make structural changes while redecorating is often best for those who want to refresh the look of their space.

In most cases, our renovation projects also include furnishings to complete the transformation. During our discovery calls, we ask thoughtful questions to uncover each client’s specific challenges—whether it's an awkward layout, outdated finishes, or a need for more storage. By understanding these pain points, we can recommend the best approach to making your space beautiful and functional.

When is a Renovation or Remodel Truly Necessary?

During our discovery call and full-service consultation, we assess whether a renovation is necessary to meet your needs. For example, in a current project, two awkwardly placed columns disrupted the flow of the space, making it challenging to create a functional layout. After consulting with our licensed architect, we determined that the columns could be removed and replaced with a steel beam, allowing for a more open and functional floor plan. 

This is a prime example of when a renovation is essential. Other cases for renovation may include moving windows, repositioning doors, or updating plumbing and electrical systems.

The flooring and fireplace updates during the Mid Century Meets New England renovation. 

What Will Be the Results of Your Renovation?

When you work with a designer on your renovation, you can offload your list of needs, wants, and frustrations with your current space before the design process begins. This allows us to create customized solutions that reflect your personality and cater to your daily routines. For example, we can design a dedicated spot in your kitchen for making smoothies, with perfectly positioned cabinets to store your blender, powders, and other essentials—keeping your countertops clutter-free. These thoughtful renovation details truly transform a house into a home.

The completed results from the Mid Century Meets New England project. 

When is Redecorating the Home a Better Option?

If your home's core structure and layout work well and there are no major issues with the interior architecture—such as flow problems or the need for new plumbing or electrical—sometimes a simple refresh can make all the difference. A thoughtful update with new paint, wallpaper, furnishings, and drapery might be all that’s needed to resolve your functional and aesthetic concerns.

A fresh coat of paint or the right wallpaper can dramatically transform a room’s mood and energy, while updated furnishings can improve comfort and usability. Swapping outdated drapery for more modern, stylish window treatments can enhance privacy and light control, instantly elevating the look and feel of a space. These relatively simple changes are cost-effective ways to bring new life to your home without the disruption of a complete renovation. 

Often, clients are surprised by how powerful a well-executed refresh can be. By carefully selecting colors, textures, and fabrics that resonate with your personal style, a refresh can create a home that feels both updated and uniquely yours—without the need for major construction work. It’s perfect for those looking to solve functional and aesthetic issues while staying within a manageable budget and timeline.

What Will the Results of the Redecoration Be?

Now that you have a clearer idea of when a renovation is necessary versus when a simple refresh with new furnishings will do the trick, you might wonder how to get started. A great first step is to spend a week observing your daily habits and routines, jotting down what’s working well in your home and what isn’t. Take note of any pain points, room by room—whether it's a lack of storage in the kitchen, awkward furniture placement in the living room, or poor lighting in the bedroom. These insights will help guide your design decisions and ensure that any updates you make truly address your needs.

At Justine Sterling Design, our Full-Service in-home consultations are designed to do more than assess your aesthetic preferences. They allow us to explore your specific needs, goals, and challenges, creating a solid foundation for your project. Whether you’re considering a full renovation or a simple refresh, this initial step is crucial in defining the proper scope of work.

During these consultations, we carefully evaluate each space, considering your current needs and future possibilities. We might recommend reducing the scope to stay within your budget without compromising quality, or we may suggest expanding the scope to avoid future disruptions—such as addressing plumbing, electrical, or layout issues during a renovation. By taking a holistic approach, we ensure that any decisions made today will benefit your home for years to come, saving you time and stress down the road.

This consultation is our first step in "Discovering Home." It’s a collaborative process where we begin to shape a beautiful, functional, and tailored project to your lifestyle. Before formally engaging, we build this foundational framework to ensure we are fully aligned on the vision, goals, and strategy moving forward. 

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions every step of the way, ensuring that your home becomes a true reflection of you and solving any functional challenges you might face. With a clear plan from the start, we can confidently move forward, knowing that the groundwork for success has been firmly laid.

If you would like a professional's opinion about your home and how to make it work better for you, we would love to help. Reach out, and let's chat!

Warmly,

Justine