Room Makeover Foundations: Finally Stop Overthinking and Start Your Home Project Today!

Ready to Stop Overthinking and Finally Start Your Room Makeover?

Starting a room makeover can feel massive. You’ve got big dreams, endless Pinterest boards, and maybe even a budget in mind—but when it comes to actually getting started, it’s like hitting a brick wall.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: every amazing makeover starts with one small, simple step. That’s it. You don’t need to figure out everything right now. Just take that first little step, and you’ll build momentum from there.

This is where we lay the foundations—not the kind that involves cement (unless you’re renovating a patio!), but the kind that gives you clarity, confidence, and a solid plan to build on.

So, grab a pen (or your laptop), and let’s break it down.

Start with Purpose

Every room needs a purpose. What’s yours?

Take a moment to think about the room you’re tackling. What’s the main goal here? Is it a space for relaxing, working, entertaining, or just getting the toys out from under your feet?

💡 Pro tip: Don’t overcomplicate this step. Start with what you know and let the rest evolve as we go.

This lounge or living area is used for relaxing, family time and occasionally for entertaining guests.

This bedroom has extra space, so as well as resting and sleeping, it's also use for relaxation, studying and chilling with friends.

Set the Mood

Once you’ve nailed the purpose, think about how you want the room to feel.

Do you want it to be cosy and welcoming? Light and energising? Calm and soothing? Whatever it is, jot it down. This will guide all the design decisions you make later—from colours to furniture to lighting.

This room feels calm and inviting, with soft textures, warm lighting, and subtle pops of teal for a serence and sophisticated atmosphere.

This kitchen/dining area conveys a nostalgic and cosy mood, with warm tones, vintage patterns, and layered textures that evoke a sense of old-time charm.

Consider What's Working and What's Not

Here’s where we get real.

What’s driving you nuts about this room right now? Maybe it’s the lack of storage, the awkward layout, or that one piece of furniture that definitely doesn’t spark joy anymore.

And on the flip side—what’s working? Is there a killer feature you love or something you’d like to highlight? Write it all down.

Really Think About Your Budget

Yes, I know—budgeting isn’t the fun part, but let's get real here, because it is one of the most important steps. Setting at least a ballpark figure now will save you a ton of headaches later on.

Whether you’ve got $500, $5,000, $50,000 jot it down. Then, take a moment to think beyond just numbers:

• What’s non-negotiable for you? Are there pieces you’ve been dreaming of—like a statement chair, custom-built storage, or gorgeous wallpaper?

• What kind of shopper are you? Do you prefer big-box bargains, vintage treasures, or supporting local artisans and sustainable makers?

• How do you want this space to feel? Would you splurge on a luxe, long-lasting rug or go bold with handcrafted lighting?
  

Remember, this is your chance to create a home that reflects you—not just one that fills a cart with the cheapest options. Yes, creativity can stretch even a small budget further than you might expect, but if you can up the quality, it will pay off in the long run.

And if you’re unsure where to start or what’s realistic? Don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for! Together, we’ll make the most of your budget while keeping your vision front and centre.

Think About Your Whole Home

Even if you're tackling just one room (which I recommend!), it’s worth taking a moment to think about your entire home. Why? Because your home is like one big story, and each room is a chapter. When the chapters flow seamlessly, the story feels complete.

Here’s what to consider:

1. Style:

   • What is the overarching style or aesthetic of your home? Is it modern, vintage, cottagecore, or an eclectic mix (hint: you don't need to know the 'name' of a particular style, just write down what it is to you)?

   • Does this room’s style need to match or flow with the rest of your home, or are you okay with a contrast?

2. Feel:

   • How do you want the entire home to feel as you move from room to room? Welcoming, cohesive, energising, calm?

   • Are there certain spaces where you want a stronger impact (e.g., a bold and energising kitchen) and others where you crave calm (e.g., a serene bedroom)?

3. Flow:

   • What are the adjoining rooms, and how does this room visually connect to them?

   • Are there any existing colours, patterns, or materials in nearby spaces that you need to consider?

   • What can you see outside the windows? This will affect how the room feels, and the light in the room.

4. Function:

   • Is there a possibility that another room might better suit this room’s intended purpose?

   • Are there items that move between spaces (e.g., toys, storage solutions)?

Write It Down:
Jot down a few words to describe the overall feel of your home. Then list the main purpose of each room and how they relate to each other. Do any overlaps or gaps stand out?

Get Inspired (But Not Overwhelmed)!

Finally, the fun stuff: inspiration!

Don't worry about a thing - just have fun. We're right at the beginning, and this is all about exploring what you love.

If you already have a hundred pinterest or mood boards for this room, now's the time to edit them. Go through and toss/delete anything that no longer lights you up, or that you added just because you thought it was trendy, or would impress your mother-in-law, but really isn't your thing. Go on, you have my permission - move it now! If you're trying to please everyone, you'll confuse yourself and please no one, I promise!

If you don't have anything started, now is your moment. Whatever your preferred method of collection is - be it online or physical, start collecting items, colours or designs that draw you or inspire you.

Here’s the key: don’t drown in Pinterest. Aim for just a handful of images or ideas that truly speak to you and align with the purpose and feeling you’re aiming for in this room.

And if you’re not sure where to start? Don’t stress. This is a process of discovery—sometimes it’s about experimenting and seeing what clicks.

💡 Pro Tip #1: Keep it simple and iterative. Assemble your inspiration in one place, look at it regularly, and don’t hesitate to remove items that no longer feel right. This is your space—let your instincts guide you.

💡 Pro Tip #2: Designing a shared space? Here’s a great starting point: ask other invested individuals (like your partner or kids) to gather their own ideas—whether it’s through a mood board, favourite colours, or inspiration images. You don’t need to combine everything just yet! Simply collect their input for now.

Later, you can review these ideas together to find common threads—or, if it feels too tricky to balance everyone’s needs, that’s where a design expert (like me) can help. I specialise in blending different styles and preferences to create a space that works beautifully for everyone.

Ready For More?

That’s it—you’ve laid the foundations for your room makeover! 🎉

Remember, this isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Even if all you do today is define the purpose of your room, that’s a huge step forward.

If you’re ready for more, why not join my Colour Confidence Series (see footer for free sign up)? It’s packed with tips and inspiration to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Or, if you’re looking for something more in-depth, my House to Home Guide or Service Packages are here to help you turn your ideas into reality—step by step.

Let’s make this the year you finally fall in love with your home.