Where to Begin a Room Makeover

Discover how to give any space a look you love while keeping it practical for your family, with these tips for kicking off a room makeover!

I know the feeling of staring at an empty-feeling room with no idea where to begin. Turning a room into a lovely, practical space can seem overwhelming.

Since I'm constantly in the middle of a room makeover myself, I wanted to share the approach I use to get started and turn your home into the space you've always pictured!

How to Start a Room Makeover | TheTurquoiseHome.com

I used to begin by choosing a paint color and then get stuck from there. Over time I've learned a few lessons and found a smarter way to tackle a makeover.

Whether you simply want to refresh how a room looks or need it to work better for your family, the process is simple and easy to follow. Let's get going!

Getting Started on Your Room Makeover

Navy Living Room with Wood Tones — Take a Look at My Living Room

1. Map out what you need

This step focuses on how the room functions. If a space doesn't serve your daily needs, then in my view, no amount of beauty will fix it.

Do you need a place to sleep, more storage, or both? Write everything down. Spend a few weeks noticing how you use the room now, or how you'd like to use it down the road. Keep notes and build a list!

You might not be able to fit in every function, but aim to tick off as many items on the list as you can.

Garage Organization Ideas — Garage Refresh

2. Consider the mood you want

How do you want the room to feel? I recently worked with a client on a small room refresh. The space had felt chilly and uninviting, and she wanted it to feel cozy, warm and relaxed.

You might want a space that feels light, bright and breezy, or one that feels dark, cozy and moody. Settle on a direction, perhaps three words, and keep them visible for the next step. Jot them down and keep them in view!

When I began my dining room makeover, I wanted it to feel polished yet easy to live in. I also committed to a two-color palette: blue and green!

Traditional Blue and Green Dining Room Makeover — Dining Room Layout Plan

3. Find inspiration

Back in high school and college I browsed magazines and cut out pictures I loved. I kept a binder with a separate section for each room. That approach still works.

Or you can open Pinterest, or sign up, and create a new board for the room you're planning. I keep a board for every room in my house and constantly save ideas for spaces I hope to tackle someday.

Powder Room Decor — Powder Room Transformation

Once you've gathered inspiration, look for shared elements or themes. Are the walls mostly light or white? Is there wood furniture? Does one color, or a lot of color, keep showing up? Note the recurring details across your photos.

With your function, feeling and inspiration in hand, it's time to set a budget and choose your key pieces!

4. Set a budget

This is a great way to keep a makeover on track! Set a realistic budget, then add 20% as a cushion. I always forget something or underestimate a cost. This will give you a clear idea of how much money you need before you start.

Spending adds up quickly without you noticing. And room makeovers always end up costing more than I expect.

5. Pick your fabric or wallpaper first

Once you know the feeling you want and have gathered inspiration, settle on your fabric (and wallpaper, if you're using it). I used to choose paint first, too, but I'm much happier when fabric or wallpaper comes first.

A very neutral fabric might not affect the wall color much. Or you might fall for a floral or bold pattern and need paint that complements it. Finding a fabric that matches an existing paint color is much harder, and then you're usually limited to neutrals.

How to Choose Wallpaper {Decorating 101}

6. Choose your paint and accent colors

This is my favorite part. I absolutely love a great paint color! Once the fabric is settled, it's easy to find a paint that coordinates and to pick the accent colors you enjoy.

I like to choose an accent color that appears only sparingly in the patterned fabric. It's a fun way to highlight it!

Traditional Coastal Kitchen Mood Board — My Kitchen Refresh

I've written a number of posts to help you pick paint colors that flow through your whole house, and explain how to paint a room yourself. I've also shared plenty of paint color features highlighting favorite decorating shades!

7. Set the vision with a design board

With fabric and paint chosen, you can select furniture and accessories. Narrow your picks and put together a mood board.

I build a design plan or mood board for every room makeover! Being able to see the finished result before I start is a real help.

Traditional Powder Bathroom Design Board — Powder Room Inspiration

The mood board is flexible. I'm always changing things, but picturing it beforehand helps a lot before anything gets ordered!

8. Buy and install everything for the room

Now it's time to purchase everything and get it installed! I do as much DIY as I can, but if you need to bring in a contractor or two, book their schedule early.

You're finally ready to begin the makeover. After all this planning you're probably eager to be finished. But trust me, these steps are what separate a room you love from one that's just okay.

Is there any other step you'd add? I'd love to hear it!

Have fun and happy decorating!