Which room first

[TC07]

I'm hoping to move into a new home soon and although it's liveable every room needs updating (painting/wallpaper/skirtings etc) it's presentable now but very basically decorated.

I want to do it all at once but financially it's impossible. I also don't want to do it all cheaply as we plan to be there for a good few years so I want to do one room at a time to save getting into debt.

If this was you - or has been you - which room would you prioritise?

I’m an interior designer and when my clients hire me but for a room at the time I often discuss with them the rooms they plan to spend most of their time in.

For me always a given is the bedroom - even though we are asleep for most of the time we spend in the bedroom it is important that it is a sanctuary. It’s investing in functionality over aesthetic. You can get good quality decor at good prices, that also look amazing. invest the money instead in good mattress and bed linen. Quality sleep is everything. Also good quality window treatments are key. Also advise this for other occupied bedrooms(kids etc)

Next up is living space, if some of my clients have had a family room and formal sitting room. I advise the family room first as that’s where most of the time will be spent, then formal sitting room. If they’ve only had one sitting room then that’s the space next after a bedroom.

Dining room- next on the list. if open plan with living space then I would get it all done at once if possible.

Next hallway and landing. You want to feel great when you get back home after being out. It’s the area that greets you when you come home and the landing when getting out of bed in the morning- so these spaces you want to feel good from them. Interior is a lot of psychology,

The next would be kitchen/bathrooms that’s if needed. Unless budget permits then these would be higher up. Often they’re big investments so it’s worth holding back to get exactly what you want.

Guest bedrooms. Often they can be slotted in anywhere on the list and I also find things can be added along the way. I would advise to invest in a good mattress and bed linen here to, not as much as you would your own, but you want guests to have an enjoyable stay.

If you work from home I would recommend whatever space you work from to be high on the list. Sometimes with my clients the study is the room done after the bedroom. As they spend most time in it.

Landscaping- it is worth investing in your garden. If you’re not much of a gardener, it’s worth investing so you can keep maintenance down.

My main tip would be not to start investing in another space until a previous is complete. Try and complete everything to at least a 90% level before moving on. Finishing touches like accessories can be added but many bulk of work get complete. Also if carpets or flooring need to be replaced, and for instance all your bedrooms, are the same or if any are the same as the landing and stairs then try and get them done at once. It can save on money and also fitting can work out better.

I hope this helps any questions, let me know.

Then any guest bedrooms.

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Wow what a response! Thank you very much!

I'd say hall stairs and landing last, particularly if you are doing the bathroom, otherwise you risk damaging your new paint when moving things around.

We prioritize the kids rooms first (usually done 2nd week of moving, before unpacking all their stuff) then the room we spend most time in (living room). We then did the dinning room as that was just new paint and curtains, so cheap.

So our order goes:

• kids rooms
• big issues facing many rooms, e.g. rewiring, new windows
• living room
• dining room
• bathroom

We have now stopped for a bit (new baby) but once we restart it'll be:

• en suite ,(currently leaks so can't redecorate the hall or bedroom below until fixed)
• guest bedroom painting (because that's all it needs. En suite is in the guest bedroom so can't be done before)
• master bedroom (this needs taking back to brick and replastering and new fitted wardrobes so bug job)
• hall, stairs landing. This is a replastering and painting job but as well as repairs to the ceiling where the en suite leaked.
• carpet the stairs and all of the upstairs rooms (downstairs is sanded& varnished floorboards.

Our final job is the kitchen. It's currently barely useable but we he'd an extension on it, which will also add a utility room and downstairs loo. But that project is a few years off yet, unless we win the lottery!

Agree hallways last because trades people - even if they are careful - will inevitably mark walls carrying things in and out. Some tool boxes are huge. New furniture comes in boxes which are sometimes marked with grime that they've pucked up from the van whilst in transit. If you've got massively wide hallways maybe not so much of an issue though.