Renovating Your Home: A Fresh Checklist

With a new year comes a fresh perspective, and many of us are starting to feel like our homes could use a refresh. Whether it's transforming an underused room into a multifunctional home office, carving out a peaceful wellness nook, or updating outdated spaces with modern design, now is the perfect time to reimagine your surroundings. At Koala Living, we have everything you need to revitalize your space, from statement furniture pieces to stylish décor that can instantly elevate any room.

If you’re thinking about renovating but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a simple refresh or a major transformation, the process can be overwhelming. But with the right plan—and the right pieces from Koala Living—bringing your ideas to life becomes much more manageable. This checklist will guide you step by step, turning your inspiration into reality and making your home feel new again. 

Create a Moodboard of Your Interior Design Style

For many, this is the fun part – pulling together all your favorite interior design styles. Whether you prefer the old-school method of magazines and scissors or a digital approach like Instagram and Pinterest, gather styled spaces, finishes, materials, furniture, and colors that catch your eye. Even abstract interior design ideas can be invaluable. Start broad, then narrow it down – this will help you find the common threads in your preferences.

Not everyone will design their renovation around a new fabric sofa – but we’ll definitely applaud you if you do! And if you’re looking for a piece to inspire your moodboard, our Astoria III 3 Seater Sofa is a showstopper. Its heavenly tufts and lush velvet bring both elegance and comfort, making it the perfect muse for your style choices. At this stage, don’t feel restricted by what’s actually possible.

Even the most unrealistic references can serve as a source of inspiration and spark creative ideas. Use your moodboard to narrow down your preferences into a brief that you can discuss with your contractors. Remember to note functional features as well, such as storage, lighting, and layout. A good moodboard captures both the aesthetics you love and the practicality you need to make your space both beautiful and livable.

Set a Budget and Get Quotes

Whether you set a budget first or gather quotes and then decide, expect to refine your costs after consulting with tradespeople. A larger budget may offer more options, while a smaller one might spark creative solutions. Always add a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses, so you're covered for any surprises along the way.

Plan for materials, contractor time, and any extras like architects or interior designers. Don’t forget to include furniture and décor for the final touches, such as a Melody Marble Dining Table for the dining room or a Delphine Occasional Chair for a cozy corner.

Use your moodboard to identify 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves,' helping you prioritize and stretch your budget effectively. And if renovating multiple rooms, consider tackling them all at once or staggering the work to ease the financial burden.

Get to Know Your Local Development Control Plan

Before diving into your renovation, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your local Development Control Plan (DCP). Reach out to your local council to obtain the DCP relevant to your area. This document outlines the specific regulations and guidelines for what you can and can’t do with your property—whether it’s altering the façade, adding an extension, or building an additional storey.

Understanding these rules from the outset can save you from potential setbacks and disappointment. There’s nothing worse than pouring time and money into planning a vision, only to discover it doesn’t align with council regulations. By knowing the DCP early on, you can tailor your renovation plans to ensure they comply, giving you a smoother approval process and peace of mind

Know When to Engage an Architect or Draftsperson

Choosing between an architect and a draftsperson depends on your renovation’s size and complexity. Architects have extensive training and can manage intricate projects, including coordinating with councils and contractors. Draftspersons, with less training, are well-suited for simpler designs, providing cost-effective solutions. If your project doesn’t require complex design, a draftsperson can keep things efficient, and a good architect will tell you when their services aren't needed.

Know When to Engage a Builder

While DIY can be appealing, hiring a builder ensures your renovation meets standards and codes. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or local groups, and check reviews online. Architects and builders often have strong partnerships, so ask for referrals if you’re already working with one. Review portfolios for style compatibility and compare prices, timelines, and services. Interview potential builders to understand their quality and approach, keeping in mind that cheapest isn’t always best, and clarify how they’ll collaborate with your architect and who your main point of contact will be.

Ready to Get Started?

Now is the perfect time to plan your home renovation—and we’re here to help you make this year the one where your home transforms into the space of your dreams. Whether you're refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, Koala Living has the furniture and décor to bring your vision to life. From luxurious sofas to statement dining tables, our collections are designed to elevate every corner of your space.

Visit one of our Koala Living galleries to explore our range in person, get inspired, and speak with our team about how we can help you create a stylish, comfortable home that you’ll love for years to come. Your dream space is closer than you think—let’s make it a reality together!