Patrice Garrioch | Home Decor Interiors

23rd Nov 2021 Patrice Garrioch Home, News

How To Turn A Spare Room Into A Full Home Office

Home offices are now more of a necessity and less of a frivolous add-on. So whether you work from home occasionally or full time, you will need a space to work. This seems to be the new normal and chances are we’ll be doing a lot more of it in the foreseeable future.

The flexibility and extra time that working from home offers can be quite beneficial, but there are pitfalls. If the space and environment you are working in is not conducive, a lot of your time could be wasted. You can avoid that by ensuring that the space you are in allows you to be productive.

And how do you that you may ask?

Well, we are going to show you how you can transform a spare bedroom into a home office.

Lets’ look at how it’s done;

Make a fresh start

The first important thing to do when you transform your spare bedroom into a home office is to make a fresh start. If you’ve used the spare bedroom for any other purpose previously, then you’ll want to start afresh. This applies to the decor, the painted walls and the furniture. Clearing the room will allow you to have a fresh canvas to work from.

Choose the right colour

Research shows that the colour of the walls you work within can have a profound impact on your productivity. Natural toned colours such as green and blue hues can improve efficiency and focus, while warm yellows can trigger optimism, creativity and fresh energy. So choose your colours carefully.

Light & Airy

Ensure that there is enough natural light and fresh air coming into the room. You don’t want to feel as though you are sitting in some sort of dungeon. This will make your work space a much more enjoyable atmosphere. Bring in some green plants and flowers to give it more life.

Maximize your desk space

If your home doesn’t have a built-in desk option, then you’ll need to invest in a stand-alone sturdy desk for your computer and other office necessities. Focus on desks that maximize the space in your office. Whether it’s an L-shaped desk that fits in a corner, a writing desk that you can push up against the wall or maybe a floating desk that opens up floor space, but be sure to get one that works best for your environment and needs.

Avoid bulky office chairs

When setting up a home office in a limited space, such as a bedroom it’s important to maximize your workspace as much as possible. You can do this by opting for an office chair that slides easily under the desk. If possible, avoid wide, bulky office chairs with armrests. Choosing a desk chair that doubles as a dining chair or sitting chair may be another great way to save space.

Minimize wires

The myriad of gadgetry we use today also comes with the unsightly tangle of wires. To minimize the appearance of all these chargers and cords, consider getting items like power strips, flexi cable organizers, cable ties or even cable trunking. Another ingenious idea would be to add wire slots to your office desk, it will hide the clutter of wires while you keep your gadgets on the table.

Keep it simple

Keep your workspace simple and avoid cluttering with too many decorative pieces. Limit items on your desk to just your computer, keyboard, mouse, and maybe a picture frame and a lamp. Adding too many personal items to your office will only distract you from working and limit the amount of desk space you have to work on. Drawer organisers also help to keep work efficient by having a specific space for all your office items – no time lost searching for odd items like a pen or scissors. It also keeps the clutter contained and looks good too!

Focus on storage

Don’t count on a lot of floor space for storage when setting up a home office. Instead, focus on vertical storage. Instead of file cabinets, consider installing shelves or built-in cupboards above your desk to hold files, books and other office necessities. If you’d like to avoid nailing anything into the wall, consider using a free-standing ladder desk that includes vertical shelves.

Home Decor Interiors can help!

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the process of turning your spare bedroom into a home office or maybe you simply don’t have the time, then let us help! Here at Home Decor Interiors, we streamline the process to make it hassle-free and convenient for you.

Get in touch with us for a free quotation or for more information

23rd Dec 2019 Patrice Garrioch Home, Kitchen, News

How To Tell When It’s Time To Renovate

So your house is starting to look a little like that old, dusty, crumbling house straight from the corner of your least favourite horror film. And naturally, you’ve been thinking about renovating for a while now.. But even so, you’re still not quite sure whether or not now is the right time. But, if now isn’t the right time, then when is?

To help you make the right choice, we’ve put a few simple steps together on how to evaluate whether your home is ready for a renovation, or not:

Home renovations can be expensive, time-consuming and require extraordinary, superhero-like courage. But have no fear, we are here to make these steps seem like a walk in the park.

Step one: Property valuation

It’s hard to think about selling if you’re about to spend a small fortune on a place you’re already living in (unless your plan is to Hulk it out and flip the property), but you should know what your property is worth. Moreover, what it can be worth after the renovation, and what houses typically sell for in your neighbourhood.

You don’t want to spend R1 million on a house that’s already worth R2 million in an area where the biggest property sale in the last five years was R2,3 million.

Consult your real estate agent or contractor about what the housing market looks like, and, whether or not they foresee an uptick in demand. This can be six months to a year from when you wish to begin. And, while they’re at it, they can tell you which parts of your house need improvement and will yield the highest returns, in terms of raising your property’s value.

Step two: Visualise

This is an entire topic on it’s own. It’s the fun part. Envision exactly what needs to be done, down to the very last tile or piece of wallpaper. Figure out every cost, like building materials, paints, finishes, contractor’s and draftsman’s fees, and absolutely everything in between. And in your evaluation, it’s also critical to figure out how long it will take – bearing in mind that you might need a little wiggle room.

Your home will be your new canvas, and a great way to build your vision before laying down any work is to create a 3D model of your idea.

Step three: ‘Tis the season to be building

Obviously the best time of the year to do any building is in the summer, when construction won’t be halted due to bad weather conditions. Yet, this also depends on what you’re doing. For example, kitchen countertops or light fixtures can (and should) be done in winter. It’s all about supply and demand.

Furthermore, window installations in February can cost more in terms of building materials, as well as a contractor’s labour fees. They might have more work in summer, and have less during the winter. It’s not advisable, however, to actually do the work during winter, because rain will undoubtedly interfere (unless you’re in a part of the country with summer rainfall).

Opt for narrowly off-season periods, like April or May, when the busy summer period is slowing down. However, when it comes to materials, nothing is stopping you from buying them in July and simply storing them until it’s time to begin.

Every superhero requires a mapped-out plan and vision before he or she can take on the world. Successful projects are the ones which have been well-thought-out, where most of the planning and logistics are out of the way, long before the grind even begins.

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of homes We pride ourselves on being a premium home renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

26th Nov 2019 Patrice Garrioch Bedroom, Home, News

Bring the Beach Home with a Sea-Side Inspired Bedroom

Gone are the days of jumping through hoops and chasing sheep in the hopes of also catching some decent sleep. Instead, we’re heading out of the fields, and onto the sandy shores of beach-inspired design. It’s time to hop on board and ride the wave into the new year, opting for a relaxing seaside home renovation.

Ready? Set sail!

It can be easy to want to set sail into different directions when your compass is not set on a specific end-goal. First, hone in and anchor your design before you start implementing any serious structural work. Beach-inspired homes are popular amongst ocean-lovers, so it can be easy to become tangled between too many ideas.

Gather your resources.

Time to act out that favourite movie of yours. Yes – the one where the hero is suffocating by his surroundings and, in the end, lands up making some pretty nifty stuff to survive. A tired-looking bedroom can feel like this, too. But, just keep swimming! Time to gather your resources, literally. You’ll start seeing results in no time.

Function vs. Decoration:

Collect wooden-planks, rope, shells, bottles, and anything from the ocean which brings you joy. However, stay afloat by avoiding clutter! Choose only that which serves a functional purpose, with the odd exception used as decoration. For example, a thick, brown rope is great for “panelling” mirrors and walls. Rounded mirrors work well to encompass that “ship-inspired” feel, whereas rectangular shapes work well for walls.

Furthermore, bottles can serve as both functional and visually pleasing pieces. You can use them as candle or plant holders, fill them with shells or beach sand, or even clear fairy lights to add an extra grain of magic. Use driftwood to inspire your headboard. If you can’t find driftwood, use a ”white-wash” paint effect to create the appropriate level of rustic “ship-wrecked” or classic look and feel.

Set-up, step-up.

Wooden stairs built around beds are a great way to experience that covered “cabin” feel. Not only this, but you can use them to create “decks” above beds for additional storage or seating or even sleeping space.

Furthermore, you can use thick sailor rope to suspend your bed from the ceiling. Not only will this make you physically feel the sway of the ocean, but also gives the visual impression it’s floating. In addition to your bed, hammocks are also a great way to paint that relaxed, ocean experience.

Colour:

When it comes to colour-combos in ocean-inspired bedrooms, it’s no secret that shades of blue, brown and white complement each other well. Opt for large windows to allow for blue skies and light, with wooden panelling where possible. As mentioned, you can white-wash wood for a more modern feel, and leave them natural for more of an aged approach. When it comes to decor, add touches of coral reds and burnt orange in the room to bring in the ocean floor.

Lighting:

Old-school, industrial or copper lighting will help to further create that “beachy” vibe. For less direct lighting, opt for thin wooden shutters. This will give off an impression of palm-trees and add natural shade. If curtains are more your thing, choose airy, white fabrics. White or white-washed wooden flooring will further add light to your beach-inspired bedroom.

Whatever you do, don’t jump ship.

We’ve come a long way on our journey in the design world, and yet the general feeling towards beach-inspired bedrooms remains the same – they’re relaxing, inspiring and timeless. So, what are you waiting for? All aboard!

Find out more about home renovations

22nd Oct 2019 Patrice Garrioch Home, News

Simple Ideas For Renovating On A Budget

Is your home starting to look a little dusty and dated? Sure, that’s okay when Halloween is just around the corner, but those cobwebs don’t have to be! Modernising doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. Creating a fresh look, without bringing out the sledgehammers or breaking the bank, is a lot easier than you think.

Here are a few basic renovation ideas to elevate your property’s value, and make your run-down room look brand new.

Clean, de-clutter & depersonalise

Firstly, get rid of all personal items, as well as any random “stuff” laying around in your rooms. These things are just taking up space and become an eyesore for potential homebuyers. Once you’ve de-cluttered and depersonalised, wind-up some serious elbow grease!

Nobody wants Mr. Mould Patch watching them shower. Only once you have a clean, blank canvas, will you be able to truly start your new creative adventure with all its potential.

Let your ‘walls’ down

Ever noticed on home renovation shows that the first thing to be changed, are walls being broken down? By doing this, living spaces instantly appear significantly bigger.

Furthermore, the entire face of the home changes. If it’s in your budget to make radical changes, you can never go wrong by opening up your floor plan.

However, if you need a cost-effective renovation, you don’t always need to start with demolishing. Moving furniture around can change your perception of a room, by opening spaces on a more visual level.

New skin

When last did the walls get a fresh coat of paint? A fresh ‘splash of magic’ can change the tone of a room, make it appear lighter and even look bigger – if you pick the right colours. Fresh fittings can instantly modernise a home.

Moreover, revitalising changes like lifting old carpets and sanding wooden floors, are also an option. However, don’t be fooled, these are where your biggest expenses will be in your home’s facelift.

Taking your time and spending the money will be worth it, though, because this is what will completely restore your aged property and make it feel brand new.

Trim the hedges

Before anybody puts a foot into your house, they go through your garden. An unkempt garden is a realtor’s worst nightmare. You should make sure your garden, whatever size it is, has been weeded, lawn-mowed and given a good all-round polish.

No need to bring in landscapers, but your home will look a whole lot more attractive to potential buyers if your garden looks pristine.

Restoring an aged home is never easy and requires a lot of imagination. Furthermore, it’s even harder to do so on a small budget. Having said this, follow our simple, cost-effective renovation ideas and you’ll be well on your way to creating a fresh-looking, modern, revitalised house that you can be proud of.

Find out more about home renovations

23rd Sep 2019 Patrice Garrioch Bedroom, Home

Bedroom Makeover Ideas For Kids

Revamping kids bedrooms are a tricky task. You need to encompass versatility, use the space you have creatively and allow them the chance to express themselves at the same time.

Try to remember that you want a makeover that not only fits in with the rest of the house but reflects your kid’s identity, which is constantly developing.

Keep it simple, stupid.

You want simple furniture that is timeless and isn’t going to need to change over the years. A racing car bed is great for a seven-year-old, but not when they’re 13. Favour daybeds which double-up as seating in smaller rooms. This will add versatility and create more space for playtime.

When looking at colour, opt for varnished wood. This creates a ‘quick to clean’ safety net for all future spills and the wear and tear of a well played-out childhood in general. Natural wooden colours also make for a suitable colour-scheme for kids of all ages.

Design spaces by age.

While furniture styles are important, how you arrange the furniture is equally as critical. Spaces to store clothes, move, play and entertain must be designed with your child in mind. Toddlers need more floor space to play in, whilst teens prefer more seating for when their friends are visiting.

Allow your kid’s bedroom space to grow with them. Moreover, height also plays an important role when designing any new room.

Don’t neglect the fact that if you have small kids, their rooms must be refurbished with everything at their height.

Colour schemes.

I know we mentioned the timeless beauty of wood, but if you do want to be a little more vibrant, let’s talk colour. Colour is one of the easiest ways to refurbish your kid’s room over the years.

They can have their say in it and choose the colours they want at certain ages. Not a fan of bright colours? Create a wall of art for both you and the kids to express yourselves using chalk paint.

Quick design tip:

If your walls have trims, such as curtain rails and skirting boards, paint them white throughout the house. Then when room colours change, the flow will be less disruptive. In fact, you could probably settle on a colour that compliments the rest of the house if you plan it well.

More of the growing, less of the pains.

Kids go through many changes and therefore, your kid’s bedroom renovations are likely to be plentiful too. Getting the basics right and creating a bedroom that’s dynamic means that your children will have the freedom to grow in whichever direction they choose. And, while they do, you will still be able to maintain some design order in your house as a whole. Furthermore, you can make things fun by turning new projects into extra bonding time.

Quick design tip:

Instead of creating boulders in your walls with Prestick, rather frame something that expresses what they’re interested in and hang it up. Instead of tacky, half-torn posters ruining the paint-job, kids can express themselves with something that not only looks better, but can also be replaced when the time is right without ruining the walls.

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of bedrooms. We pride ourselves on being a premium bedroom renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

6th Sep 2019 Patrice Garrioch Bathroom, Home, News

Bathroom Remodeling Guide: Where to Use Ceramic

Ceramic has been used to build and decorate homes for thousands of years. Archaeologists continue to discover ancient pieces of ceramic buried deep in the Earth. It’s a durable material that is also gorgeous to look at. Ceramic tiles can be used for flooring, backsplashes, or even to decorate your shower.

If you are in the process of remodelling your bathroom, you’ll want to consider using these unique and beautiful materials.

We’re going to talk about where you can use ceramic tile in your bathroom and the benefits of selecting this material for your renovations.

Durability

You’d probably think that ceramic tiles can be pretty delicate. But ceramic can be very strong and durable. Suppliers, manufacturers, and contractors use the Porcelain Enamel Institute abrasion test to rank ceramic tiles based on their hardness and durability.

The scale ranks from zero to five. Tiles carrying strength of one and two are often strong enough to handle use in a bathroom, especially for flooring.

However, if you have young kids or a large family, you might want to consider purchasing a stronger tile. Ceramic tiles are also water-resistant. It’s a perfect option to use in the bathroom.

Some tiles are heavier than others. You’ll need to reconsider your tile selection based on your project. If you are using ceramic tile for a backsplash or countertops, you’ll want to choose a lighter tile. Projects that include flooring can use a heavier tile.

Cleaning

Ceramic tiles offer another perk to those with busy families. It is extremely easy to keep your ceramic floors, showers, countertops, and backsplashes clean.

All you need is some warm water, soap, and a mop. Simply sweep or dust the tile every day while mopping or wiping down the counters once every few days.

Most heavy-duty cleaners and soaps will not damage the ceramic tile. You can also get a special grout to make cleanup even easier.

Ceramic is a non-porous material that does not stain easily. It’s also a great, hypoallergenic option for those with allergies. The hard tile does not trap irritants like dander, hair, or bacteria. You can also glaze your ceramic tile floors, countertops, or backsplash once you’ve finished the installation.

This will add another layer of protection from dirt, stains, and scratches. If you do manage to crack one of the tiles, it is easy to replace the one damaged tile while preserving the rest of the floor or countertop.

Staying Warm

Ceramic can stay cooler for longer periods of time. While this might be ideal during the summer, ceramic floors and countertops can create a chilly environment in the winter.

You can fight the cold by purchasing rugs and mats for your bathroom floors.

For those with a larger budget, an underfloor heating system can be installed between the floorboards and the ceramic tile. This will add an additional layer of heat in your bathroom and save your feet in the colder months.

Colours and Design

Ceramic tile comes in thousands of colours and designs. Traditional colours include shades of white, grey, and blue.

You can also find different patterns like floral, paisley, or stripes. You can get creative and use different styles of ceramic tile to provide a unique look. However, you’ll want to limit yourself to three different tile designs for your bathroom.

Coloured ceramic tiles paired with all white walls can provide a striking look in your bathroom. This design can make smaller bathrooms look larger. You can also purchase tile in different shapes, like hexagons or rectangles.

If you are concerned about recycling, you can purchase ceramic tile that has been leftover from previous projects. You can usually get this type of tile at a discounted rate as well.

Price

Ceramic tile can be more expensive compared to linoleum and carpet. However, the sturdy material is more durable and will last longer over time.

Choosing ceramic tile will also help you out in case of a water leak. Water can seriously damage linoleum and carpet while ceramic is water-resistant.

Ceramic tiles are also cheaper than natural stone tiles like marble, granite, and quartz.

Installation

It is possible for an amateur to install their own ceramic tile. However, it is a tedious process and if you can afford to hire a contractor, it’s best to hire a professional.

There can be a lot of factors that impact your final bill. This includes the type of tile you purchase, how much is needed, and the difficulty of the project itself.

If you do decide to go down the do-it-yourself route, you’ll need to follow the step-by-step process. This includes taking the proper measurements, cutting out the supplies, and purchasing materials.

You’ll need underlayment, grout, mortar, and the tiles itself. You will also need a tile saw and several other tools.

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of bathrooms. We pride ourselves on being a premium bathroom renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

Complete bathroom restoration with white built in cabinets and gold finishes

23rd Aug 2019 Patrice Garrioch Bathroom, Home, News

Bathroom Renovation vs. Bathroom Refurbishment

When delving into the realm of interior makeovers, face-lifts and general home improvements, one can easily find themselves tangled in terminology. So, to renovate or to refurbish? What’s the difference? Here’s a quick breakdown of both routes, with a couple, added bonus bathroom design tips!

A ‘Mish’ to refurbish?

At first glance, this word might sound like the doorway to a never-ending, tedious travel towards your new bathroom. However, the process is rather the opposite and much closer resembles the ease of the word rolling off your tongue. In fact, a refurbish has a lot more to do with the restoration of what you already have.

Rather than hack-away at your entire space, refurbishing acts as a general face-lift for your home instead. Sound more up your alley? Well, if you’re looking at refurbishing your bathroom, you’re most likely looking at things like redecorating and “adding” rather than resurrecting completely.

Redecorating

When redecorating your bathroom, one might opt for new light fixtures, a new paint job, some fancy new copper basin taps or even adding some modern cabinet doors to replace the existing ones.

Quick design tip: Refurbishing will naturally clean-up your space, but be sure to keep to a clean bathroom design too if you’re looking for a real “wow” transformation.

Retrofitting

This term isn’t nearly as retro-old school as it might sound. In fact, retrofitting falls under refurbishing and is often necessary to bring your bathroom into the modern age. This includes adding improvements mostly based around installations. Think heating, adding improved piping fixtures and anything which essentially makes what you already have, work better.

Quick design tip: Keep your light fixtures close to your bathroom mirror, and opt for timeless pieces which will blend with the rest of your home.

Next up, renovation station!

Rather than restoration, this term deals more closely with a complete bathroom re-work and resurrection. And yes, it can be just as daunting as it sounds. Don’t worry though, with the help of a team of trusted renovation experts, the efforts of heading this route can be most rewarding.

Okay, so plainly put, to renovate is the opposite of a face-lift. Instead, it is to commit complete surgery on your bathroom space.

When looking to renovate your bathroom, one might look at stripping everything clear and starting anew on a blank canvas. This leaves multiple options for an entirely new bathtub, flooring, walls, storage-space, shower, or even storage-space IN the shower! The possibilities are endless.

Quick design tip: When you are installing a new bathroom, pay close attention to the heights of things. Make sure they are both beautiful AND practical. Also, be aware of future water-damage when choosing materials to work with.

If done well, then no matter which route you go, both are bound to give you the boost your bathroom deserves. Happy designing!

Find out more about home renovations

A white Island Kitchen With matching Cabinets

30th Jul 2019 Patrice Garrioch Home, Kitchen, News

Benefits of a Kitchen Island: What Are They?

It’s pretty safe to say that having an island in the kitchen, not only looks visually pleasing, but its benefits also reach far beyond just the visual aspects. And no, we aren’t talking about a tropical vacation in the middle of your home. We are, however, most definitely talking about adding a splash of kitchenware paradise and festivities to bask around.

When looking at any kitchen, it’s always clear that the kitchen is the heart and soul of any home. The kitchen is the one area which accompanies you on sleepless nights, the room which hosts the sound of guilty pitter-patter of footsteps, backwards and forwards, as you seek solace at the back of an empty fridge. It’s the place where the smell of mom’s home-made pie and steamed veggies lures you to on a Sunday afternoon.

It’s the powerhouse, within a house. So, will you really benefit from a kitchen island addition?

The Social Totem

An island serves as an anchor-point to any kitchen. Not only does it draw your attention to the middle of a room, creating a sense of space and elegance, but it also creates a mini gathering point. A space where everyone can huddle and socialise around after a long day. Feeling far from guests? Add some wheels and roll on over.

Goodbye Musical Chairs

Another nifty benefit of the addition of a kitchen island is actually the additional seating around it. Not only does an island kitchen provide the gateway for charming conversation, but it can double-up as a seating solution as well.

No bar? No problem. Pull up some barstools for the wine and dine, and some cute floral arrangements for tea-time.

Too Many Chefs in the Kitchen?

Too many people in the kitchen cramping your culinary creativity? Hit the road, Jack. If seclusion is your fancy, an island in the kitchen is a great way to create and section-off an entirely separate workspace.

Storage Shortage

Another overlooked benefit of kitchen islands is their value-added storage space. Add draws to your island and not only will you have what you need at your fingertips, but you won’t bite off your own searching for places to put all your things.

These are just some of the many benefits of a kitchen island. You can also use them as room separators, to hold extra appliances and far more. So, what are you waiting for? Get the island rolling!

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of kitchens. We pride ourselves on being a premium kitchen renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

man sitting on couch stressed about home renovation

25th Jun 2019 Patrice Garrioch Home, News

How to Minimise Home Renovation Stress: A 21st Century Guide

With all the stress that comes along with living in the 21^st century, why make your home renovation the root cause of it? The home is and should remain to be, a place of rest. A place where one can find solace at the end of a hard day – a space protected by invisible grains of salt, resting along doorways meant for good vibes only.

Okay, okay, so you can’t always completely banish all of the stress, but you sure can minimise it. Modern-day problems require modern-day solutions. So, here are some tips to help you and your home renovation plans live to see another day!

Get away from the stress and getaway to a mini vacation

When dealing with any major home renovation, there may come a time where your contractor may advise against being on the premises. This could be because of anything from harmful dust, a water shortage worse than stage 5, complete power-cuts, (don’t worry Eskom, we won’t blame you on this one), or otherwise.

We know not everyone can afford a 5 star trip to Paris, but why not use the opportunity to take some time off? This could even mean a mini vacation to a cute home-stay just down the road. Either way, we assure you the price you’ll pay will be far cheaper than what stress can cost you and your family, both individually and as a unit.

Oh, and by the way…

Some contractors charge more if you wish to remain on the premises. This is because it takes longer to work around your family and generally, creates more inconvenience for everyone. So really, only positives can come from it – it’s a win-win for everyone! Yes, even you, grumpy Gary. Of course, with smaller renovations, this might not be the case.

Take bite-sizes of that bread, buttered on both sides

When dealing with any home renovation project, it’s safe to say that the process can become pretty darn stressful. From perfectly tuned colour-pallets to razor-sharp specific measurements, it all adds to the pressure and anxiety. Together with your contractor, create a time-frame which allows room for “baby steps” and clear direction.

Of course, these steps are nothing but baby. However, if you create clear expectations from the get-go, you’ll be more likely to manage them. It also means you’ll know how many hours a day to put into your renovation, and how many into keeping yourself sane.

Run, Forrest, run!

Speaking of remaining sane, remember all of those things which have kept you from the brink of doom, your entire life? Well, why stop them now? Exercise and sticking to a routine will help you to remain on track of an organised and relaxed head-space.

Whether heading to the gym, or to Paris, trust that your contractor is going to do all the heavy-lifting work for you. You might even find that you come out the other side even more inspired, energetic, and twice as enthusiastic about the entire process than you ever could have hoped for.

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of homes. We pride ourselves on being a premium home renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

Single bedroom with white built in cupboards

17th May 2019 Patrice Garrioch Bedroom

Why Built-in Cupboards Are a Must in Your New Home

If you’ve grown tired of your current bedrooms look and feel, or you’ve moved into a new place and the decor just doesn’t seem to appeal to you, especially in a room as private as your bedroom then my friend I’ve got news for you. Those feelings are the exact feelings everyone has right before they opt for a bedroom renovation.

One of the key elements to a sound bedroom renovation is of-course the built-in cupboards and do they suit your look and personal storage needs. However, most people don’t give these functional elements to a room much thought.

It’s just a place to hang my clothes out of site right? So what is all the fuss about? Why are built-in cupboards so important?

1. Because sometimes adults want secret lairs, too.

Not only can built-in cupboards provide a gateway to an entire realm of storage possibilities, they can also be the gateway entrance to an entirely new room! Think cupboards that so effortlessly blend with the rest of your built-in cupboard space. Now, picture these doubling-up as doors to your bathroom or walk-in closet! How’s that for a twist on a bedroom renovation?

Built-in cupboards like this are basically everything Narnia, but for adults. Although, make no mistake, kids enjoy these secret lairs just as much as we do! Can’t picture it? Check out this bedroom renovation we worked on in Newlands.

2. Built-in cupboards look good in your home and even better on your list of investments.

Firstly, built-in cupboards, especially custom-designed ones, age extremely well.

This means when you decide to build your own cupboards, you are actually building onto the house value as well. They are an addition which stays with the house itself, unlike regular freestanding cupboards which come and go.

Secondly, they’ll remain on trend forever.

Built-in cupboards can be customised to suit the exact look and feel of your newly renovated home. Not only are they the most modern choice, but they are also modest in that they don’t hog all of the attention. Instead, they create room, quite literally, to focus on and play with the rest of your space!

3. Less time spent cleaning, more time spent enjoying.

With built-in cupboards there’s no need to hassle your friendly neighbour from next-door, to help you drag your heavy cabinet out of the way. Built-in cupboards fit perfectly into the wall space, so there’s no need to have to heave your way through cleaning the dust beneath them. In fact, they require minimal cleaning, if any.

Are you using your bedrooms space correctly?

4. Lighten-up, Buttercup.

Another dull moment which can arise with free-standing cupboards, is a general loss of lighting. Oftentimes, they end up blocking light from windows if situated in the wrong place. Built-in cupboards fit effortlessly alongside existing wall space. This not only means no blocking of natural light, but it can also provide space for additional built-in light fixtures.

Looking for alternative light sources other than the usual light fixtures? Why not add a mirror against your built-in cupboards. This will add both light and space to your new bedroom!

5. Speaking of blocked windows…

Sometimes the space we are working with is less than ideal. Luckily, built-in cupboards tend to add to our space rather than to take from them. A great example of this would be using them to create both seating/bed platforms, as well as for storage.

One way would be to build bench-like storage.

Instead of using a cupboard cabinet which not only takes up vital space, but also blocks windows, why not build around those windows? This way not only can you save space, but you can enjoy a cup of tea on top of that storage, too!

Another way to maximize your space would be to create built-in storage, which doubles up as your mattress base. This makes for a great place to keep all your bulky winter bedding!

Whether it’s cleaning less, seeking out a daily adventure to Narnia, or merely finding more space to relax with your cup of tea, built-in cupboards are much more than just cupboards. They’re an exciting opportunity to make the most of your space in your new home.

Find out more about bedroom renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of homes. We pride ourselves on being a premium bedroom renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

Articles by: Patrice Garrioch

Make a fresh start

Choose the right colour

Light & Airy

Maximize your desk space

Avoid bulky office chairs

Minimize wires

Keep it simple

Focus on storage

Home Decor Interiors can help!

Step one: Property valuation

Step two: Visualise

Step three: ‘Tis the season to be building

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Ready? Set sail!

Gather your resources.

Function vs. Decoration:

Set-up, step-up.

Colour:

Lighting:

Whatever you do, don’t jump ship.

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Clean, de-clutter & depersonalise

Let your ‘walls’ down

New skin

Trim the hedges

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Keep it simple, stupid.

Design spaces by age.

Colour schemes.

More of the growing, less of the pains.

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Durability

Cleaning

Staying Warm

Colours and Design

Price

Installation

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A ‘Mish’ to refurbish?

Redecorating

Retrofitting

Next up, renovation station!

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The Social Totem

Goodbye Musical Chairs

Too Many Chefs in the Kitchen?

Storage Shortage

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Get away from the stress and getaway to a mini vacation

Oh, and by the way…

Take bite-sizes of that bread, buttered on both sides

Run, Forrest, run!

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1. Because sometimes adults want secret lairs, too.

2. Built-in cupboards look good in your home and even better on your list of investments.

3. Less time spent cleaning, more time spent enjoying.

4. Lighten-up, Buttercup.

5. Speaking of blocked windows…

Find out more about bedroom renovations

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