Home Renovation Guide for New Homeowners

When Meredith Wuori, a three-time homeowner and DIY home project blogger, bought her house in 2022, she knew it required house renovation … and the first project consisted of turning the garage into a family room. With four kids, the family needed a dedicated recreation area. The project took three months. They hired a contractor for more difficult tasks, such as electrical and drywall work, and Wuori and her husband tackled the rest.

“What we learned along the way is that you don't have to do everything at once,” said the new homeowner. “Do what you can, to make the room functional and livable. Put off projects that aren't absolutely necessary if you need to save on time and money — you can always do them down the road.”

Photo credit: Meredith Wuori

What room should you redecorate first?

The average home is 2522 square feet in the United States, according to Statista — that’s a big space to redecorate. So, how do you choose what to tackle first? “I think it's essential to prioritize based on both practicality and impact,” advised Raf Michalowski, founder of Meble Furniture. “Consider starting with high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen, where updates can make a significant difference in daily life. Focus on rooms that have the most outdated or worn-out elements, as refreshing these spaces can instantly elevate the overall look and feel of your home.”

Whatever room you choose, you’ll need to develop a cohesive look for your home that considers your style, the architecture of your space and any specific furniture or design elements you want to include. “Start by gathering inspiration from various sources such as design magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram,” suggested Michalowski. “Create mood boards or visual collages to help visualize different styles and color schemes. Choose a look that resonates with you and reflects your lifestyle and personality.”

While the internet provides a terrific starting point, you’ll also want to visit stores to sea and touch the materials to understand their true colors, textures and how they might interact with your home, recommended Courtney Cole, an interior designer at Yabby.

“The transition from vision to actuality is a gradual one,” she offered. “After your mood board feels right, you should begin collecting actual samples — a paint swatch, a piece of wallpaper, a fabric sample for curtains or upholstery. Seeing these elements together in the room where they will be used is invaluable. It gives you a sense of how they'll look under your lighting conditions and how they interact with each other.”

With the average home improvement project costing more than $6000, going DIY can save almost 60 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Housing Survey. While not everyone has the skillset to do plumbing or electric work, smaller projects like painting, changing hardware or installing simple light fixtures offer opportunities for a do-it-yourself moment.

If you need a professional for the work, make sure to vet your contractors thoroughly. Ask about their experience with similar projects, get references and ensure they are licensed and insured, said Cole. “Communication is key, so make sure they understand your vision and can provide a detailed contract and timeline,” she offered.

Rugs and carpets

Flooring is an important part of your décor and when adding rugs and carpets not only should you choose designs you like but those that function well in your living space. “First, reflect on the room's purpose that the rug or carpet will occupy,” advised Connor Butterworth, the CEO and owner of Southwestern Rugs Depot. “For areas with high foot traffic like the living room or hallway, opt for durable rugs made from materials like wool or nylon. For bedrooms, plush, soft pile rugs can add a luxe and cozy touch underfoot.”

Before shopping know the dimensions of your room and furniture layout. “In a living room, for instance, a rug that at least goes under the first two legs of your furniture gives your room a balanced, anchored look,” explained Butterworth. “In bedrooms, the rug should extend beyond the edges of the bed.”

Choosing between a rug and wall-to-wall carpeting really is about personal preference and your ability to maintain such items. Carpets offer coverage and warmth while area rugs offer simple swap outs and easy cleaning. Both of these options provide other functions that add to a room's comfort, sound absorption and ambience. So, really think about what your overall goal is before making decisions.

Photo credit: Meredith Wuori

Painting 101 

Before choosing colors, look at the room you want to paint and consider its function and the mood you want to create. For instance, according to Michalowski, calming tones like blues and greens are good for bedrooms and relaxation areas, while bright hues like yellows and oranges can energize spaces such as kitchens or home offices. “You can take cues from existing decor elements such as furniture, flooring and artwork,” he said. “Choose paint colors that complement these elements and create a cohesive look throughout the space.”

Consider the natural light the room gets during the day. Darker and bolder paint colors work well with spaces filled with brightness, while darker rooms need lighter hues to compensate. Be sure to test paint colors in the area before making your decision. “Paint swatches may look different under various lighting conditions, so painting small sections of the wall and observing them throughout the day can help you visualize how the color will appear in the room,” said Michalowski.

Photo credit: Meredith Wuori

The best way to place furniture

As you select furniture and decide where to place it, consider the functionality and flow within the space, advised Michalowski. “Choose furniture that serves a purpose and does not clutter the room unnecessarily,” he said. “Consider the scale of your furniture to the size of the room, and ensure there is enough walking space for easy movement.”

Try to find places that offer maximum impact, for example a coach in front of a window makes a lovely reading area, but putting it against a wall can open up the room, making it feel more spacious, offered Michalowski.

Learn more tips on home ownership by reading our piece on renovation decisions that can save you money.

Featured photo: Hovia