Renovation is a huge step. It requires careful thought and consideration. In many cases, renovation is absolutely worth the chaos and the cost. This is especially true in older homes. In other situations, it may not be worth it, and it may not even be necessary. The condition of your home and its contents play a major role in making this determination.
If your home is in great shape and cabinets, fixtures, etc., are highly quality and well maintained, you may just need some simple updating. A few cosmetic changes may go a long way and you may realize that your space doesn’t need a full blown facelift.
One of the simplest ways to decide is to rearrange what you have. That may be all that is necessary to achiever a cleaner, more modern feel. Moving things around so your spaces have good flow and getting rid of clutter are two of the best ways to change a space without major expenditures of time or money.
Of course, you may also need to add some fresh new color and some modern artwork or accessories, but these steps are much less labor intensive and much more cost effective than renovation. Even if you have to replace some furniture, it’s simpler and less costly than demolition and construction (not to mention a lot less messy!)
If you need more, you might try a partial remodel. A great example is removing ceiling hung cabinets that separate the kitchen from the dining area. A project like this will open up the space and give it a more modern feel instantly. While it requires a lot less work, time, and expense, it will make a huge impact. Then, simply add a some cosmetic changes, such as painting the walls and re-facing the remaining cabinetry.
It is amazing how completely you can transform the look and feel of a space without a total renovation.