June | Making the most of your budget |

So you’re drowning in stuff and would LOVE some more space – you are not the only one.

We have spent a lot of time staring at the same walls over the last two years and everyone is itching for a refresh. For a period of time, houses were not just homes; they were schools and workplaces - and many assumed building an extension would ease those space worries.

"Spending money smartly

is my jam."

If you've tried reconfiguring your existing space and it's still not working for you or your family - here are four ways I can make the most of your budget:

1. What exactly do you or your family need? Don’t lose sight of it. You can (currently) extend up to 6 metres deep and under 3 metres high without planning, but do you feasibly need that much room? Through several sketches we can whittle down how many metres you physically need, so you don't lose money to the build that could be better spent across the project.

2. You've got the chunk of cash and the 'look' in mind - but how do you know if you can afford it all? As standard in my detail packages, I'll curate a schedule that not only will include the big ticket items, but all the extra details that give each room that something 'extra'. Do you really want that big spend in one area and an empty space right next to it after living in a state of chaos for three months?

3. You've already had the plans drawn… but are the new walls in the right place? Example: You are planning on having an ensuite and the architect has dropped in the standard drawing blocks - free standing toilet, free standing sink and square shower. This then denotes the built wall dimension…. but is that what you want your ensuite to look like? What if we could move the wall an extra 300mm and fit in a double sink and a walk in shower without taking anything other than extra circulation away from the bedroom?

4. I've been in this business for over ten years and know where you need to invest or pare back, plus hidden costs you won’t have realised are part of a project or decisions you'll need to make. The benefits of under floor heating over radiators, flexible kitchen islands versus fixed, how IKEA and Wren kitchens truly function. Spending money smartly is my jam.

5. Okay... and a sneaky extra one and my favourite - what about elements that add wow factor for minimal to no cost increase: What are the sightlines? Make it interesting. Make it sexy. Can you use a mix of finishes? Woods, Marble, Laminates, Metals. Symmetry vs Asymmetry?

There are also ways you can make your space work for you now. The more work you put into setting these spaces up, the less managing you’ll need to do moving forward. Read on for some elements to lift your space immediately:

1. Design your space so that it doesn’t require perfection to function – set up elements that can run without you such as baskets/shelves for the blankets/toys, base them on a rug so even when toys are 'out' they will be in their own ‘zone’ - as seen in left hand image.

2. Add flowers to the rooms you spend the most time in. A pop of colour and a fresh smell can take you far.

3. Move side tables/ lights, armchairs around your home - to give each room a refresh.

4. Paint paint paint! Paint can be such a game changer – it can make a room feel lighter, warmer, darker – whatever change you need.

If you liked something in this blog, call me or whatsapp me to set up a chat! Also keep an eye on my Instagram stories for my favourite rugs and baskets to help with storage, and a SUPER EXCITING Summer Special Price reveal for July only.... good luck with your projects!

Kim, x