Photo Source: Ana Interiors

Think of your renovation like a book with at least 25 chapters in it, where each chapter acts as a major storyteller of the novel. Now try to imagine reading this book with missing pages? That is what a renovation is like without calling a designer first. Where a homeowner might start on the first page and continue forward, a designer actually starts on the last page and works backward to achieve the ideal story. Once a designer listens to your wish list, allotted budget and style likes and dislikes, they will interpret your home renovation into complete, cohesive chapters which will translate into a perfectly schemed, visually interesting and most riveting read.

Hire a designer before your renovation begins to make sure:

  1. Any existing furnishings can actually fit into the new space, physically and stylistically.
  2. Electrical items are correctly placed on walls, ceilings and floors; especially chandeliers, sconces, switches, and outlets.
  3. Cabinetry and millwork are selected to accommodate appliances, plumbing fixtures, venting, storage needs and the needs of all users.
  4. Optimum flow, look and feel are achieved by maximizing every inch of available space; implementing details which make the design concept shine; and offering suggestions that you may have overlooked or not even thought about.
  5. Money is spent wisely. There is no greater stress during a renovation than knowing a mistake is going to cost you more to fix or take longer than anticipated. Some designers even share their discounts and that’s reason enough alone. What you may spend on professional design fees, are usually offset by the money they will be saving you.
  6. You get what you are looking for. Every day there is something new in this industry that will help improve your life in your home. Whether that be an oven that you can preheat from your phone, a desk that monitors your workday or new windows that reduce your heating and cooling bills, designers are in the know about how to access what’s new and what’s great for your space.
  7. That the new renovation ties into the home nicely. You want everything to look as seamless and purposeful as possible. Patchwork only ever looked great on crazy quilts and Holly Hobby.
  8. You increase the value of your home not decrease it. I’ve seen some renovations in open houses that really could’ve been saved by a consultation with a designer first. If you plan to stay in your home forever, you are free to personalize the space as you choose..Jungle room?
  9. Design decisions are made in the correct order, and orders are placed in a timely fashion.
  10. Undertones in the colours of your surface selections, paints, fabrics and wall coverings, work harmoniously with each other, not clash.

Photo Source: Ana Interiors

Expanded from Canadian Home Trends Magazine Renovations 2017, Text by Ana Cummings, ANA Interiors

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Canadian Home Trends magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos across Canada. You'll be inspired by a selection of accessible home décor products, trend reports, simple yet stylish DIY projects, and much more. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you've always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, colour palette and furniture pairings, and Canada's best places to shop.