Do take time and care to plan your layout
This is so important and should be carefully decided upon before anything else - knowing how you will use a room and move through a space is key.
Do consider multiple styles and heights of light sources
Mixing daintier table lamps with taller statement ones and even a floor lamp if you can fit one is always a good idea. Add in some beautiful wall lights and ceiling lighting too, be it a striking pendant or some directional spots illuminating artwork - a combination of these across a room is what will make for a really atmospheric, well-lit space.
Don’t ever assume the builder will make a decision that you will like, in your absence
Often with build and interior related things there is no right and wrong, and so what the builder might think is the ideal location or height for something, it’s likely you will wholly disagree.
Do make sure you look at your paint swatches at different times of day and on different areas of wall
Some paint shades need lots of natural light to bring them to life and others work well in smaller, more dimly-lit spaces, and it’s important to understand your samples on the wall before you commit to a whole room.
Do put all your lights on dimmer switches to have the ability to turn them up or down according to the time of day
It’s a really simple thing to add in and makes the world of difference.
Do mix pieces from different eras
There’s no reason that a beautiful mid century chair can’t sit happily alongside a 19th-century cabinet. Attractive, well-made pieces from differing periods make for a more interesting room.
Don’t do a feature wall in a room
Ever.
Do consider the ergonomics and flow of a kitchen space
For instance it is incredibly useful to have your dishwasher close to where you keep your chinaware, for ease when putting away. Likewise, a bin on an island (if you have space for one) is handy when preparing food so that you can scrape waste into it quickly.
Don’t forget to ask your builder to check your water pressure before you add a sizeable shower rose to your bathroom
We’ve all become accustomed to wanting fairly large heads in our showers now which is all well and good but not if a tiny trickle comes out when turned on. Make sure your water system can handle a big rose.
Don’t forget to apportion a chunk of your budget towards your furniture, lighting and accessories
A renovation might go over budget for a whole number of reasons but it’s important to ensure you have a sum of money for the exciting items that really make a house a home.
Do make sure you install a 5 amp circuit for all the lamps in the room
That way you don't have to go round turning all your lamps on individually and then turning them off again later. A total faff!
Do try and conceal your television screen if you can
A small-ish one in the corner of the room is fine but more and more people opt for pretty sizeable screens these days and they just become a bit of an eye-sore in a space or dominate too much. So if you can, consider concealing your TV.
