Recently, I started working with a client who wanted to revamp the facade of his house. He built the house about 10 years ago but had come to regret some of the decisions he made back then.
While there is nothing wrong with the house in its present state, there is also nothing that makes it stand out.
So, where do you start when you’re doing up the facade of your house? Most people think that a new coat of paint is enough to freshen up the exterior. Giving the walls, windows and trims a paint job will certainly help, but there is much more to it than that.
It’s important to add something to the facade that will give the house depth. This can be done by using different textures and materials. For example, a bit of timber can add interest and warmth.
Creating balance is also important. This can be achieved by making sure that whatever is on the right-hand side is balanced out by something on the left. That doesn’t mean it’s mirrored or symmetrical, it means it is visually balanced. It might be a big garage door on the left and a big plant or window on the right.
Another thing to do is create a single focal point on the facade of the house. With the house in question, I added a detail across the parapet.
This client thought it might be a good idea to create a second focal point using the garage door, but I think it’s best to stick with just one. I love beautiful garage doors but, generally, they should be used to balance out other things visually rather than act as a focal point. Plenty of houses out there that have lots of focal points going on, but it’s rare that they work well.
You can also use landscaping to your advantage when doing up the facade of your house. If you have a visually heavy, brick house, use large, dense foliage to anchor it. If you have a visually lighter house, you can get away with plants with a more delicate structure.
So, if you’re doing up the exterior of your house, don’t just give it a coat of paint. Take into account design concepts like focal points, visual balance and landscaping to add that wow factor.
Contrary to popular belief, a beautiful renovation does not have to cost mountains of money. The reason a renovation looks great is because of how the elements, colours and products are put together – not because the individual components are expensive.
A design project’s success is often down to how the principles of design (focus, balance, cohesion, repetition) have been applied.
And the reason some renovations don’t turn out as planned is often due to ignorance of these principles, or a misunderstanding of “why” something looks good or bad.
A style that looks great in a TV-show bathroom or kitchen can look very different in your own home for a multitude of reasons – the shape of the room, or the lighting, or the architectural style of your property.
Good design is about cohesion
An interior/exterior designer will ensure each space looks different to the next and beautiful in its own right. They will, however, also make sure each room has visual and physical coherence.
A designer is trained to think about the layout and functionality of space
A designer has a perception of space in their mind’s eye that most others don’t, and can visualise how the completed space will look and feel before it has materialised.
A designer has a knowledge of trends, but also what is less likely to date
Most people are aware of what’s in fashion, but the key is knowing how to create something modern and contemporary that won’t date. There’s a fine balance between a home that is on-trend right now and a contemporary design that will last 10 years or more.
A designer knows what things cost
The real reason most new renovators blow their budgets is because they underestimate the final cost.
One example is tiling. You might think working out the cost a simple case of calculating the square metres of tiles required, multiplied by the price of the tiles, plus the cost of labour. That’s a start, but other aspects need to be taken into account, for instance, floor prep and waterproofing. What you estimate as being a $700 or $800 job is probably more likely to be a $1500 to $2000 job.
To get the best result from your renovation, learn about the principles of design and implement them, or call a professional to help bring your ideas to life.
Conclusion
Finally, a beautiful and effective renovation doesn’t require a big budget. The right planning, smart design, and the choice of appropriate materials can make your home look great, without increasing expenses. It all depends on your design approach and preferences.
With Hotspace Consultants, we turn beautiful and functional design solutions into reality within your budget limits. If you want to give your home a new look without spending a lot, start your journey with us and see that good design doesn’t always have to be expensive!
