Renovating vs. Furnishing: Which Do You Really Need?

renovating vs. furnishing styleberry creative interior design studio design for home renovations

Should you renovate or should you furnish? If there’s a space in your home that you avoid eye contact with (been there), you’ve probably been asking yourself this question. In some cases, the answer is clear. In others…well, you have some options. 

Today, I’m walking you through both types of home projects, their pros and cons & their potential. For each, I’ll also share some helpful resources for finally taking action with confidence. You with me?!

Is Renovating Right for You?

styleberry creative san antonio tx bathroom remodel design custom vanity zero entry shower light blue renovating vs. furnishing

A Renovation, By Definition

A renovation usually refers to updates made in your Kitchen, Bathroom or Mudroom, where we are replacing fixed materials (flooring, counters, cabinets, plumbing, etc.) and possibly moving or altering walls. However, a renovation can also apply to Living Spaces if we are demoing and replacing any fixed elements, like floors, trim, & stonework. If there’s no demo happening, then it’s probably not a renovation. 

Examples of Renovations

How to Know if the Timing is Right

Knowing that you want to renovate isn’t the same thing as being ready for one, and these days especially, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Here are some signs that the timing is right:

  • You are ready for big changes & willing to invest in your home
  • You can tolerate noise and mess (or relocate during the construction process)
  • You are ready to hire a GC to come transform your space
  • You are patient (there are lots of supply chain challenges right now)
  • You are willing to take smart steps to do it right the first time

If these sound like you, renovate away! If not, you may be better off focusing on some simple yet transformative cosmetic updates instead, such as new paint, refinishing cabinets, or adding in new hardware & light fixtures. 

Resources Available to You

Whether you’re ready for a major renovation or you’ve decided cosmetic updates would be better, there are ways we can help streamline your success:

Custom Renovation Design Plans for San Antonio locals, which includes a functional layout (with or without a floor plan change), renderings & technical drawings for your GC, handpicked materials, fixtures, & finishes, custom cabinetry designs, and more.

Is a Home Furnishing Project Right For You?

interior design studio san antonio tx living room decorating plan interior design home furnishing online

A Home Furnishing Project, By Definition

A home furnishing project creates a complete design with new furniture, decor, lighting, art, and other soft goods. It’s best for a space that has been recently renovated or already has the right footprint. While it won’t include any GC-related work, you may require handyman installation or carpentry/built-ins. 

Home Furnishing Before & Afters

How to Know if the Timing is Right

  • You’re looking for a “do-over” (not a refresh) and want all new furniture
  • You cannot figure out how to make furniture fit in the space in a way that makes sense 
  • You want to invest in quality items, but you don’t know where to shop or what to look for
  • You’re ready for cohesive style, comfortable furnishings & a space you won’t want to leave

If these sound like you, a home furnishing project will transform the way you live in your space. However, if you already have your major furniture, a home furnishing project probably isn’t the right move. Instead, you will likely just need a couple pieces of art & decor to spice things up.

Our Resource Available to You

Custom Interior Design for Home Furnishing Projects, available nationwide. We will map out your space plan for functionality, create a color palette, select furniture, accessories & decor you love, design custom built-ins (if desired), and offer white glove delivery for San Antonio locals. This is the easiest way to get a custom design plan you can pull together at your own pace.

before after online interior design home furnishing project rendering and final design shavano tx
Custom Rendering & Final Design for The Claremont Project

So, which is right for you? You be the judge! Each of our homes & our lifestyles are personal. Only you can decide how much or how little is the sweet spot for creating the relaxed, meaningful, joyful place you know your home can be. 

Want our help with a custom plan? You know where to find us. 😉

Xoxo,
Shawna

Styleberry Creative Interiors specializes in fresh, relaxed design crafted in a meaningful way. With a team and process you can trust, we’ll help you create soul-soothing spaces that inspire you to unwind, connect, and finally… exhale. Our studio is based in downtown San Antonio, Texas and serves clients in the Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, and greater San Antonio Metropolitan areas, as well as Nationwide.

Ready for a refresh?

5 Steps to Selecting the Perfect Sofa

From style to comfort, quality to size, finding the right sofa takes a trained eye and some strategy! Get our step-by-step guide to discovering your perfect match.