5 Things Often Overlooked When Building or Renovating
These seemingly-minor considerations can make a huge difference during the renovation process
When building or renovating, we tend to focus on items that will have the most visual effect and impact on cost: colour scheme, flooring, tapware, kitchen cabinetry, etc. However, there are often a number of minor considerations that aren’t given enough thought, and result in homes that never feel quite right. Read about five areas that are commonly overlooked when building or renovating but that can make a significant difference to your home both in terms of finishes and practicality.
Traditionally installed in worker’s cottages and Victorian homes, skirting boards are equally important in contemporary spaces where they give structure and style.
Skirting boards can also be installed in bathrooms. They don’t have to be made of tiles either – any water-resistant material will be suitable.
Light switches
These are mostly functional and so often come last on the priority list of the builder or renovator. While there is nothing wrong with standard white builder switches, more elaborate designs are welcome, especially in homes of medium to high standard. Antique-looking brass switches, as an example, are a wonderful addition to period homes.
These are mostly functional and so often come last on the priority list of the builder or renovator. While there is nothing wrong with standard white builder switches, more elaborate designs are welcome, especially in homes of medium to high standard. Antique-looking brass switches, as an example, are a wonderful addition to period homes.
Glass switches are increasingly popular, especially in contemporary homes. They come in different colours and finishes to match your interior.
Grout colour
Thoughtful consideration is often given to the choice of tiles, but grout colour is commonly a decision left to the builder or tiler. Here, the grout was selected to match the colour of the tiles, so it doesn’t stand out and visually break the continuity of tiling.
Thoughtful consideration is often given to the choice of tiles, but grout colour is commonly a decision left to the builder or tiler. Here, the grout was selected to match the colour of the tiles, so it doesn’t stand out and visually break the continuity of tiling.
On other occasions, grout can be used to bring contrast and pattern to a tiled area. A dark grout against white subway tiles has been very trendy for the last couple of years or so. Not only does it bring interest, but it is easier to maintain than white grout which can become stained, mouldy or turn yellow over time.
On a multicoloured tiled area, too, grout can either match one of the colours or it can be a contrasting shade to better enhance the pattern created by the tiles.
Storage in entries or hallways
Entries are getting bigger and are more and more designed to make a strong visual statement. While it is important to feel good about your home as soon as you walk in, it is also crucial to think of your entrance as a functional space. When you enter your home, you might want to drop your handbag or coat, take your shoes off, leave your keys and sunglasses. Good entries are ones that address your needs in terms of both practicality and look.
Entries are getting bigger and are more and more designed to make a strong visual statement. While it is important to feel good about your home as soon as you walk in, it is also crucial to think of your entrance as a functional space. When you enter your home, you might want to drop your handbag or coat, take your shoes off, leave your keys and sunglasses. Good entries are ones that address your needs in terms of both practicality and look.
Not all entries are rooms on their own. Often, they are limited spaces that are open to other areas. Maximise storage with narrow cabinets that can accommodate shoes, keys and other knick-knacks. Chose materials that are in line with the finishes of the adjacent rooms, and dress your space with relevant decorative items such as vases, artwork, a table lamp, mirror, etc.
A long narrow entry doesn’t leave much space for anything. However, when building, you might want to consider fitting in concealed floor-to-ceiling cupboards along it, as opposed to a standard wall. This trick will provide essential storage without any visual overload.
More: Heaven-Sent Entries: 12 Ways to Make Your Home More Welcoming
More: Heaven-Sent Entries: 12 Ways to Make Your Home More Welcoming
Practicality of benchtop material
Over recent years “the bigger and more luxurious the better” seems to be a very common motto among kitchen renovators and homeowners. As part of this trend, many people tend to overlook the practicality of their benchtop material in their considerations.
Over recent years “the bigger and more luxurious the better” seems to be a very common motto among kitchen renovators and homeowners. As part of this trend, many people tend to overlook the practicality of their benchtop material in their considerations.
Before selecting your benchtop, think about how you use your kitchen and consider the strengths and weaknesses of each material so you can make an informed choice. Some materials, such as marble, react poorly to acidity and can etch easily, while other surfaces need to be sanded and sealed regularly. No material is absolutely perfect but, to avoid any costly disappointment, it is crucial to know your material and its limitations.
TELL US
Have you built or renovated your home and overlooked any of the areas mentioned here? Share your stories in the comments section.
MORE
Renovate Right: 6 Lessons Learned the Hard Way
How to Decide Whether to Stay or Go During Your Renovation
Renovating on a Budget: How to Get More From Your Windows for Less
Renovator’s Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Construction Begins
TELL US
Have you built or renovated your home and overlooked any of the areas mentioned here? Share your stories in the comments section.
MORE
Renovate Right: 6 Lessons Learned the Hard Way
How to Decide Whether to Stay or Go During Your Renovation
Renovating on a Budget: How to Get More From Your Windows for Less
Renovator’s Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Construction Begins
Whether your floors are tiled, carpeted or made of timber, skirting boards are an essential element for a finished, subtly sophisticated look.