How to Avoid Common Renovation Mistakes

(and Actually Create the Home You Dream About)

A renovation should feel exciting - the chance to finally knock through that wall, create a kitchen worthy of Nigella, or wake up in a bedroom that looks straight out of an interiors magazine. But here’s the rub: without a bit of foresight, that dream can quickly unravel into delays, blown budgets, and beige regret.

The key? Learning from the mistakes others have made so you don’t have to. Pair a little planning with the right inspiration, and your £10k budget can go further than you ever imagined.

1. Forgetting the Big Picture

It’s easy to obsess over tap handles or paint charts, but without a clear vision, you risk a patchwork home. Create a moodboard (or let someone like @thebarnrenovation do it for you) so every detail ties together into one considered story.

2. Underestimating Costs

The glossy “after” photos don’t show the unglamorous extras like rewiring or replastering. Build in a contingency so you can still splash out on those dream fixtures without financial panic.

3. Chasing Trends, Not Timelessness

A sage-green kitchen or fluted cabinetry might look fabulous on Instagram now - but will you still love it in ten years? Blend a timeless base with trend-led flourishes that are easy to update.

4. Overlooking the Invisible Wins

Sure, you want statement lighting, but don’t forget insulation, natural light, and storage. These invisible details are what make a home feel good day to day - and they’re what people notice even if they can’t put their finger on why.

5. Trying to Do It All at Once

Renovation fatigue is real. Phase your project so the essentials come first, then layer on the luxuries. You’ll enjoy the process more, and your budget will breathe easier.

✨ Imagine this: a £10,000 makeover where every choice feels deliberate, every corner feels designed, and none of the classic mistakes stand in your way.

🎁 We’re giving one lucky Spruce member the chance to win exactly that - a £10k home renovation prize, complete with a personalised moodboard from @thebarnrenovation.

👉 Enter the competition here and make your dream space a reality.

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