Wide-open spaces for the kids to run and explore, an expansive garden full of beautiful blooms, and the ability to live comfortably in something larger than 900 square feet? Welcome to home sweet suburbia. Sure, city life has its unique set of perks, but there comes a time when that longing for a cozy home in a picturesque neighborhood surpasses the desire to live in the hustle and bustle of the city.

While the living possibilities may be endless in the suburbs, it’s also true that most homes will need some updating to perfectly fit your needs. And if you have renovated your city apartment before, it’s important to know renovating a suburban home is a whole different animal.

The good news? The sky’s the limit (really), and the tips I’m sharing with you today will help make your transition to the ‘burbs as seamless and stress-free as possible! Keep reading…

Tip 1. Thoughtfully consider your lifestyle needs.

There is a reason behind trading your city life for the suburbs, right? Spend some time curating a list of your unique needs to make the most out of your transition. Perhaps city living has had you dreaming of a designated mudroom to streamline your mornings in your new home. Or maybe you’re craving functional spaces for things like laundry (soo much laundry), family meals, and hosting.

*Before and After: This beautiful home is now well equipped to effortlessly host friends and family.*

Get clear on how your new home can support your lifestyle differently than your apartment did. Then, prioritize those goals and communicate them to the amazing people who will bring them to life. Which brings us to our next tip...

Tip 2. Enlist the right fields of expertise.

Compared to an apartment renovation, a whole-home renovation requires a greater number of trade partners and vendors. Think contractors, subcontractors, landscapers, architects, builders, permits…and more. Does managing each aspect of the renovation make your head spin? Don’t worry, that’s what interior designers do.

If your primary goal is to create a personal, meaningful, and collected home, it’s essential to engage an interior designer first. Why? Several reasons:

We will ensure that the home is designed for your style and lifestyle off the bat. It’s easier to design this way from the start (and make changes on paper) then try to do so after the renovation has begun.
We can introduce you to all those trades we listed above, giving you access to our trusted network of professionals and saving you from the depths of Google.
We will help manage your project from concept to completion, including ordering, scheduling, being the liaison between you and contractors, and more.

This also means that we provide onsite management, relieving you from a daily commute from the city to the ‘burbs. Yes, please.

*Before and After: As you can see, incredible results transpire from hiring the right team members from the beginning.*

Tip 3. Complete your renovation before moving in.

There is a chance you've lived through a renovation in your city apartment, but we're here to tell you that renovating a suburban home is an entirely different ballgame. With so many more spaces to consider, there is endless potential for creating a home that is perfect for your lifestyle.

That said, we always suggest completing your renovation before moving in. Why? For the simple reason that living through a renovation can be difficult, especially in a new-to-you home where you're still getting your bearings.

Imagine stepping over unpacked boxes of your belongings while undergoing a change to the entire floor plan of your living room, all while not having a proper place to cook a meal because your kitchen is being gutted. Doesn't exactly sound fun, does it? What is fun is living your normal everyday life, trusting your renovation and design team to handle details, and getting to come home to a beautiful, fully finished space. Bliss.

*Before and After: Living in a construction zone isn’t the most fun. Instead, wait to move in until the project is complete.*

Tip 4. Consider the existing style of your home.

In any interior design project or renovation, it's important to remember to consider the architecture of the space and know that this will ultimately influence your design decisions. With city apartments, you won’t usually have a ton of existing architectural detail to work with. Suburban homes, however, have bigger personalities and come in all different shapes and sizes.

Picture walking into a Colonial style home only to be met with minimalistic and Scandinavian interior furnishings. Confusing, right?
Instead, let the character of the home have a consistent presence throughout, from the landscaping to the front porch to the interiors. This promotes a cohesive aesthetic and a warm and inviting experience from the moment you pull into your glorious driveway (farewell city parking!).

This craftsman style home feels modern yet true to its heritage, with a brick entryway, natural wood accents, shiplap ceiling, and transitional detailing on the cabinets and island. The perfect blend of fresh yet collected.

Tip 5. Be prepared to have endurance.

We're serious when we say great design is a marathon, not a sprint. During a renovation, plans can be altered at any moment, and everything takes longer than initially anticipated. For this reason, it's best to manage your expectations from the beginning.

For example, suppose you go into the process already knowing that furnishings could take up to a year to arrive. Having this clear expectation from the beginning will set you up for success and save you stress in the long run. Best case scenario? Everything goes perfectly, your furniture arrives ahead of schedule, and your end result becomes a happy surprise!

Having trouble finding the light at the end of the sawdust? We have a tip for you. There comes the point when a lengthy renovation project can be downright trying on your patience. We suggest keeping your gorgeous inspiration photos and design boards front and center to remind you that the end result will be well worth the wait.

So…where should you begin?

If you’re in the early phases of considering a home renovation, start by collecting your inspiration and setting clear goals for your project. Next, read through our helpful list and determine whether you’re ready to engage an interior designer.

Once you decide the timing is right, reach out to us here, and we’ll work together to develop a clear renovation plan and a fun and inspiring suburban home that is thoughtful, meaningful, effortlessly beautiful, and best of all…authentically yours.

Talk soon,

Renovating in the Suburbs? Here’s What You Should Know…