I really admire Kelly Hoppen’s interior style. I love her soothing palettes of textured neutrals and taupes. My DIY home isn’t anywhere near a high-end showhome yet, and I often wonder how light-coloured choices would stand up to dog paw prints and the everyday wear of family life. Even so, her approach to proportion, texture and calm colour schemes is inspiring and something I try to adapt to my own, more practical projects.
Recently Kelly appeared in a Facebook LIVE interview and answered a question I asked about doing major renovations on a budget as a first-time buyer. While I no longer have the clip, I can share what she said in summary and expand on it with practical, down-to-earth tips that have helped me on my renovation journey.
Key Renovation Priorities: Practical Advice from a Designer’s Point of View
Her advice was simple and sensible. Below I’ve paraphrased her main points and added practical suggestions you can use when planning a remodel or renovation on a limited budget.
- Prioritise essentials: electrical, plumbing and heating first.
Start by making sure the home is safe and functional. Fixing electrical faults, replacing old wiring, repairing or updating plumbing and ensuring the heating system works efficiently are investments that protect your property and prevent costly emergency repairs later. Have a qualified tradesperson inspect the major services early on so you can plan and budget with confidence.
- Plan thoroughly, but avoid planning paralysis.
Create a realistic plan and timeline for each phase of work, but be careful not to overthink every small choice. Detailed plans help you sequence work logically and reduce costly mistakes, but perfectionism can stall progress. Decide which areas need detailed specification (kitchens, bathrooms) and which can be more flexible (decorative finishes), then set milestones to keep the project moving.
- Always budget for the unexpected.
Unexpected issues inevitably arise in older homes or when walls and floors are opened up. Include a contingency fund—commonly 10–20% of your total budget—so you can handle surprises without derailing the whole project. Track actual spending against estimates and update the budget as work progresses to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Don’t over-invest in interiors early—affordable solutions work well.
Interior finishes can be upgraded over time. Choose durable, neutral base finishes now and add higher-end decorative touches later when you can afford them. Affordable paint colours, practical flooring options and simple, well-made fittings can look cohesive and stylish without overspending. Focus on longevity and ease of maintenance, especially in high-traffic areas.
On my own project we’ve faced some big logistical challenges—moving a staircase, for example, which has a domino effect on room layouts, structural supports and wiring runs. Big changes like that require careful sequencing, structural advice and clear communication with your contractor so other trades can work efficiently around the main changes.
If you’re embarking on a renovation, take time to research tradespeople, gather several quotes, and ask for references or examples of past work. Prioritise clear contracts that outline scope, timelines and payment stages. Good communication and realistic expectations between you and the team on site will save both time and money.
Practical Tips for DIYers and New Homeowners
Here are a few simple, practical tips I’ve found useful when renovating on a budget:
- Document the condition of the property before work begins and take photos as work progresses.
- Reuse or repurpose existing fixtures where it makes sense—refinishing doors or cabinets can be far cheaper than full replacements.
- Do the prep work you can safely manage yourself—clearing, painting or sanding—then hire qualified trades for technical tasks.
- Choose neutral, timeless finishes for large surfaces so upgrades later are easier and less costly.
I’ll report back as the project progresses and share lessons learned, helpful tools, and mistakes to avoid. If you’re following your own DIY journey, consider keeping a renovation journal with budgets, photos and notes—it’s a great way to track progress and stay motivated.
Easy Home Renovations You Might Like to Try
- What the cost of a new kitchen is
- Easy woodworking for beginners, such as how to hang a door with flush hinges
- Decorating and planning a room makeover
- How to plumb a kitchen sink
- Tiling for the first time
Follow along for updates, practical tips and honest reflections from a hands-on renovation process. Whether you’re a first-time buyer tackling a full refurbishment or a renter making subtle improvements, sensible planning, realistic budgeting and a willingness to learn will take you a long way.