January 20, 2026
Blog
Planning a full home makeover is a big decision and without a clear structure it can quickly become stressful, expensive, and disjointed. Whether you are renovating a family home, upgrading a long term property, or preparing a house for the next stage of life, planning properly from the start is the key to a successful result.
A full home makeover should be treated as one cohesive project rather than a series of individual rooms. This approach creates better flow, consistency, and long-term value, particularly for larger homes and character properties. If you want end to end guidance, explore Full Home Interior Design.
Before thinking about colours, furniture, or finishes, focus on how you want your home to feel and function. Consider your daily routines, how you use each space, and what currently causes frustration.
Common issues include poor flow between rooms, lack of storage, dark spaces, or rooms that feel disconnected. Writing these down helps clarify what the makeover really needs to solve rather than just how it should look.
Not every room or feature carries the same importance. Identify which spaces matter most to your lifestyle, such as kitchens, living areas, or bedrooms.
Separate non negotiables from nice to haves so decisions are easier later. Clear priorities help prevent budget drift and ensure the most important spaces receive the right level of attention.
A full home makeover budget should account for more than just visible finishes. Costs often include building works, trades, electrics, plumbing, lighting, furniture, window treatments, and styling.
Older properties often benefit from a contingency allowance to cover unexpected findings once work begins. A realistic budget allows you to make confident decisions and avoid compromises later.
Layout is the foundation of good interior design. Furniture placement, circulation routes, storage, and lighting positions should all be resolved before selecting colours or materials.
Poor layout planning is one of the most common reasons homes fail to feel right, even after significant investment. If you want to understand what is included in professional support, view the Services page.
A full home makeover works best when there is one overarching design direction. This does not mean every room should look the same, but they should feel connected through colour palettes, materials, and overall style.
Establishing this direction early avoids rooms feeling disjointed and makes future decisions quicker and more confident.
Large projects are easier to manage when broken into clear phases. Structural and technical work should come first, followed by plastering, decorating, then furnishings and styling.
Phasing is especially important if you are living in the property during works. Careful planning reduces disruption and keeps the project moving efficiently.
Not every item needs to be high end. Focus investment on areas that affect daily living, such as layout improvements, lighting, and key furniture pieces.
More flexible items like accessories and soft furnishings can be upgraded over time. If you want a targeted upgrade to one space while planning a larger project, consider Room Refresh and Styling.
Common mistakes include decorating before finalising layouts, buying furniture without measuring properly, choosing finishes room by room, and underestimating lead times. A clear plan and professional guidance help avoid these issues and keep the project on track.
The earlier an interior designer is involved, the more value they can add. Early planning improves layouts, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures the entire homework as one cohesive space.
For homeowners planning a full home makeover, a structured design process leads to a calmer experience and a stronger result. To discuss your project, use the Contact page.
If you are ready to plan a full home makeover with a cohesive, whole house approach, explore Full Home Interior Design, review the Services, and get in touch via the Contact page.
Ilze Reinke Interiors specialises in luxury interior design for private homes and boutique hotels. Working with clients across Cheshire, Four Oaks, Knutsford, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and The Cotswolds, Ilze creates timeless interiors defined by warmth, character, and thoughtful detail. Each project is carefully tailored to reflect the lifestyle, architecture, and individuality of the space.
Whether you are planning a residential project or a boutique hotel interior, Ilze Reinke Interiors works with clients across the UK to bring thoughtful, elegant spaces to life.
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