How to Remodel Your Home for Comfort & Functionality

What changes will make your home more you?

Your home remodeling project is a chance to address those design issues that nag at you. But what changes will make the space more functional? And, how to begin?

A lot depends on your budget and goals. If you're ready for a major upgrade, you might hire a renovation company and start from the ground up. On the other hand, if you're looking for small but significant changes, you'll want to think about things like lighting and storage.

Below, we've outlined a list of factors to consider to help you get going on a better home.

Consider These Interior Design Factors Before Starting Your Remodel

LAYOUT

Do parts of your home feel constantly crowded, no matter how much rearranging or reorganizing you do? In that case, it might be time to revise the layout or floor plan of your home. For example, if your living room doesn't comfortably fit your loved ones, consider expanding it to the adjacent room. With the trend toward open-plan homes, extending rooms is easier than you may imagine. Depending on your home, it might not even involve removing a wall. However, if it does, you'll want to consult with your renovation company about whether the wall is load-bearing, and what rooms it'll be possible to reshape.

Another room that can often use a layout revamp is the kitchen. Think about how you can better use the space you have. If your kitchen is small, there might not be room for a dining table. In this case, consider installing an island with stools. This way, you can still enjoy meals in the kitchen without taking up valuable space.

STORAGE

Lack of storage is one of the top issues faced by homeowners and affects most rooms of the house. The elegant interior design you envisioned is cluttered with toys, shoes, jackets, and all the other odds and ends that make up your life. Now's your chance to tackle this with more built-in storage.

In bedrooms, the closets are rarely suited to your needs. Consider what you need more of (hanging space? shelf space? shoe organizers?) and draw a plan with your renovation specialist. When doing this for kids, be sure to think about how their needs may change over time. More toy storage now, but more clothing storage for down the road.

In the kitchen, add more shelving and cabinets. For cabinets, extending them to the ceiling can add a lot more space and do away with that dusty dead zone. Try open shelving in the kitchen as it's convenient and gives a more spacious feel to the room.

LIGHTING

The key to home lighting is creating layers to suit your different moods and tasks. In the bedrooms, add a dimmer to overhead lights with a convenient switch by the bed so you don't have to get up to adjust. Also, put in bedside lamps or sconces for reading.

In the kitchen, let the tasks guide your lighting. Add a pendant light overhead for charm, and recessed lighting throughout that'll illuminate your workspace. It's also a good idea to add under-cabinet lighting to make it easier to safely chop, saLute, and stir.

Lighting the living room can be tricky because it's used so often and for a range of activities. It's a safe bet to opt for a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. A pendant light can create a nice ambient glow, perfect for a family movie or games night, while lamps throughout make it easy to read or play a board game. Recessed lights are great for highlighting design features like bookshelves or a painting. This combination should keep the whole family happy.

under-cabinet

FIXTURES & APPLIANCES

For a small but significant renovation, consider upgrading a few fixtures. In the bathroom, for example, adding a standalone tub can make the space more luxurious. Similarly, add heated floors for a cozier bathroom through the winter months. Whatever you do, in every bathroom, make sure there's plenty of room to use all the fixtures and move through the space without getting any bruises.

Those more focused on sustainability might upgrade to more efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets and shower heads.

Heading over the kitchen– make a few upgrades to keep the space modern. Add another oven to make it easier to cook bigger meals or install a wine fridge and lean into your sommelier side.

Start Planning Your Dream Home Today

Using your remodeling project to tailor the space to your needs. Whether you're looking to add storage, upgrade appliances, or create more luxury, a renovation company will help complete your vision.

RD Construction is a reputable renovation company. We guide you through every step of a luxury renovation: Design, selecting and purchasing materials, and construction.

So, give us a call, and we'll help turn your renovation dreams into a reality. Check out our Instagram for design inspiration.