Milena Bica-Shibata is a multidisciplinary designer and maker. She is the founder and director of The Whistling Well, a design + wellness studio, as well as a certified KonMari Consultant.
Renovating your home is an exciting journey. However, before you dive into the construction phase, it’s important to do some groundwork to ensure the changes you make truly reflect your lifestyle and needs. Here are five key things to do before you start your home renovation to create a space that’s both functional and an expression of who you are.
Organize and declutter: Get rid of unnecessary items
Before reaching out to a designer, take a step back and look at your home through a different lens. Start by organizing your space and purging anything that no longer serves a purpose. This includes items collecting dust in your attic or basement, furniture that hasn’t been used in the last year, or things you simply don’t enjoy anymore. By clearing out the clutter, you’ll not only make room for the new design but also gain clarity on how to better utilize your space. Remember, the goal is to create a home that feels fresh and reflective of your ideal lifestyle. So, don’t hesitate to donate or recycle items that no longer spark joy or serve a function.
Reflect on what you wish to improve
This step is crucial. Taking time to reflect on what you want to improve in your space will help guide your renovation plans. Are there areas of your home that aren’t meeting your needs? For example, if you love to cook and spend hours preparing meals, your kitchen should be a central focus of your renovation. On the other hand, if your family spends a lot of time in the living room or entertainment spaces, it might make sense to allocate more of your budget there. By prioritizing areas that matter most to you, you’ll create a space tailored to your daily life.
Determine how you want to live
Think about how you want to spend your time at home. Do you want more family bonding time or more privacy and solitude? Your environment plays a significant role in how you feel and engage with others. Consider whether your current space supports the lifestyle you’re striving for. For instance, if you want to spend more quality time with family, creating an open-plan kitchen and dining area or designing a cozy space where everyone can gather may be a great choice. If work-life balance is a priority, you might need a designated home office or a serene environment that fosters relaxation.
Understand your desires and align them with your lifestyle
Go a step further to understand what you truly want and whether your desires align with the lifestyle you want to lead. For instance, if you’re someone who hates cooking and rarely spends time in the kitchen, it wouldn’t make sense to pour money into a gourmet chef’s kitchen.
However, if you love unwinding with a warm bath every evening, investing in a luxurious bathroom retreat would enhance your daily life. Knowing your personal preferences will help you make smart, focused decisions about where to allocate your resources. Tailor your renovation to your actual needs, not societal pressures or fleeting trends.
Hire a professional designer
Hiring a professional designer may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can make your renovation process smoother and ensure the creative vision is executed perfectly. Letting your general contractor (GC) make design decisions is rarely a recipe for success, as their focus is typically on the build, not the aesthetics. A professional designer brings a wealth of knowledge, training, and creativity to the table. They can help you create a unique and functional space tailored to your needs and budget, whether it’s a modest renovation or a grand transformation.
Their expertise ensures that every detail—from layout to color schemes to furniture choices—works together harmoniously, elevating the final result and saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Final thoughts
Renovating your home is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports your lifestyle, passions, and future plans. By organizing your belongings, reflecting on what needs improvement, and aligning your renovation choices with your true desires, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that feels uniquely yours. Take your time with these five steps, and when it’s time for the renovation to begin, you’ll have a clear vision and a space that truly feels like home.
Read more from Milena Bica-Shibata
Milena Bica-Shibata, Multidisciplinary Designer and Studio Director
Milena Bica-Shibata is a multidisciplinary designer and maker. She is the founder and director of The Whistling Well, a design + wellness studio, as well as a certified Interior Designer and KonMari Consultant.
