Three Homeowners Discuss the Single Home Improvement They'd Undertake - Detailing Their Reasons
I'm a home remodeling fanatic, and it's been a lifetime habit, dating back to my teenage years when my parents would find my room rearranged. Even now, in my adult life with more rooms to play with, I'm still at it (much to my husband's dismay). Some changes are small tweaks, while others are ambitious plans waiting on the wishlist for someday. Working in the interiors industry puts me smack in the middle of the latest design trends, which sends me down a constant rabbit hole of re-examining my past choices and shifting taste.
We've all faced this dilemma: a new home with a list of changes or second thoughts about something previously liked. Three interior professionals mused about the one change they'd make in their own homes. Here's what they had to say:
Adding an En-Suite to the Primary Bedroom
Georgina Wilson, founder, and principal architect at Georgina Wilson Associates, lists an en-suite bathroom for her primary bedroom as her top priority. "Our terrace house has limited space, and I sacrificed my ensuite for my children's individual rooms. But, a few extra square meters could have easily been used for my dream bathroom. With five members in the family, sharing the main bathroom can be chaotic, especially with the teenagers."
Design a Larger Utility Room
Irene Gunter, founder, and creative director of Gunter & Co, wants a larger utility room after contemplating one less en-suite bathroom. "Prioritizing space for laundry would have been more beneficial in the long run. I thought giving each child their own bathroom took precedence over a cramped laundry room, but in hindsight, it seems like a missed opportunity."
Explore More with Dramatic Colors
Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish, yearns to introduce more bold, striking color schemes in various spaces. "My hallway's transformation with a decorative wallpaper and vibrant trim truly 'wowed' me, and I'd love to reproduce that effect elsewhere in my home."
As homeowners, we make decisions based on immediate needs, but sometimes we realize a different configuration would have been more advantageous. So, dream big, and remember that change is inevitable as our personal tastes evolve.
These experts have their favorite corners in their homes—snug nooks offering a sense of comfort and familiarity. If you're eager to learn more about interior design tips and tricks, don't hesitate to delve deeper:
- Enrichment Data
Interior design professionals often look for ways to optimize their personal spaces while maintaining a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Common improvements include:
- Utilizing natural light by adding big windows or skylights
- Introducing natural materials like wood and stone
- Making compromises in shared spaces
- Updating and modernizing outdated elements
- Focusing on practical renovations to boost functionality and overall value
On a more personal note, designers often:
- Personalize spaces with unique decorative pieces and collectibles
- Create a cohesive aesthetic that reflects their tastes
Whether it's a small modification or a grand transformation, these changes can elevate the beauty of a home while showcasing the designer's personality and creativity.
In the realm of interior design, I find myself consistently captivated by the potential for transformation, as seen in a larger utility room for easier laundry management (Irene Gunter). Just like how a bolder, more dramatic color scheme can breathe new life into a mundane space (Caroline Milns), even small tweaks can make a significant impact. For instance, I share the desire for an en-suite bathroom with Georgina Wilson, to alleviate the chaos caused by sharing a main bathroom with multiple family members.
Sometimes, our personal preferences and lifestyles evolve, calling for changes in our homes. Adding massive tiles in the kitchen or introducing artful flooring can serve as a reflection of our unique tastes and lifestyle (home-and-garden). After all, interior design isn't just about functionality; it's a means to showcase our creativity and curate a space that speaks to who we are (interior-design, lifestyle).
As advocates for thoughtful design, it's essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality while making the most of available space. When taking on remodeling projects, always keep in mind elements like natural light, incorporating eco-friendly materials, and updating outdated features (kitchen, flooring, tiles).
In doing so, we'll not only create a home that serves our needs but also a sanctuary that showcases our personal touch and unique artistic sensibilities (art, decor). So continue embracing the inner designer within, and remember—dream big, as change is an integral part of our ever-evolving personal tastes.
