Renovation Advice

Renovation Advice

11 Top Tips for Your Property Renovation

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and making this year the one to start that dream renovation project, then these tips might come in handy.

We’d love to hear your own renovation tips. Whether you are mid project or basking in renovation success, we want you to share design advice, material recommendations or top tips to make the process as stress free as possible. What was crucial to your renovation success and is there anything that you would have done differently?

Let us know by commenting below or sharing your advice on our social media pages using @fromtheanvil

Here's our 11 top tips for your next renovation...

 

1.) Stay True

Perhaps the golden rule with any conversion is; stay true to the building. Keep this rule in mind throughout the entire design process to maintain your building’s integrity and preserve its character.

Black & white thatched cottage with a modern side extension, outdoor shrubs, and a double timber gate.

 

2.) Preservation

Preserve as many original features as practically possible.

A Pewter Avon Lever Espag. Lock Set on a wooden door of a stone barn, with a larged, arched window next to it.

Above: a Pewter Avon Lever Espag. Lock Set at Hinton Manor. See the full case study of this spectacular barn conversion here.

 

3.) Find Inspiration

Get inspired by your surroundings. Use authentic materials that complement the local landscape.

A stone building with a mountain landscape in the background and green plants in the foreground.

Above: external view of The Great Barn. See the full case study of this property here!

 

4.) Create Contrast

Try using contrasting materials for all new structures to create a clear distinction between old and new.

Pewter Avon Lever and Peardrop Fasteners on a white door and aluminium windows in a staircase hallway.

Above: Pewter Handmade Peardrop Fasteners and Pewter Avon Lever Latch Set. See the full Thatched Cottage Fusion case study here.

 

5.) Timbers

The main charm of a barn conversion is often the irregularity of the roof shape. Maintain as many of the original timbers as practically possible.

Large, open space converted barn with wooden beams, stone firepit, copper tube, wooden sofa, and wooden door.

Above: our Black Straight Lever Lock Set featured in Tigbourne Farm. Discover the full case study here.

 

6.) Establish Essentials

Reduce stress by making a clear distinction between wants and needs. With so many ideas, trends and materials available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Gain control of your renovation by writing a short list of must haves to focus on. By establishing a strict line between the two, you won’t get side-tracked by tasks that don’t really matter in the long run.

Rustic interior with wooden beams, cow hide rug, large window, low hanging bulb, grey leather sofas, and a dining room table and chairs.

Above: Black Handmade Peardrop Stays and Black Handmade Peardrop Fasteners in the Cruck Barn. Get the look here.

 

7.) Heating

Consider underfloor heating for barn conversions. The radiant warmth it produces can provide a more even climate in an open-plan, vaulted space that is common in most barns.

Open converted barn space with high wooden beams, wooden staircase & internal doors with Black thumblatches & T Hinges.

Above: Black Penny End T Hinges, Black Bean Thumblatches, Black Shepherd's Crook Stays, and Black Shepherd's Crook Fasteners. Discover the aesthetic here.

 

8.) Opt for Quality

Don’t compromise your long-term home by scrimping at the building stage. Good quality, well designed windows are important aesthetically and can save on heating bills.

Exterior view of a cottage with sage green windows, a neat, low hedge and shrubbery, with thatched rooves and a large gate in the background.

Above: an exterior shot of a 17th Century thatched cottage in the Cotswolds. Explore the full Thatched Cottage Fusion case study here.

 

9.) Keep it Bright

Decorate large, vaulted ceilings and exposed beams in light colours to maximize the sense of height and space.

A bright blue and wooden kitchen with an island, 3 bar stools, a small plant, wooden ceiling beams, and a large door with a Pewter Lever handle.

Above: our Large Avon Lever Lock Set showcased in Friars Court. Get this look here.

 

10.) Let in the Light

Old buildings often have small windows. Introduce more light with added glazing. Replace barn doors with large sliding, French or bi-folding doors. Rooflights can also be a useful addition.

A large, arched, painted timber window with double patio doors on the side of a stone property.

Above: a pair of Pewter Avon Lever Espag. Lock Sets displayed at The Great Hall. Find the entire case study here.

 

11.) Plan Ahead

Plan ahead. Think about important decisions such as ironmongery when choosing your windows and doors to achieve a cohesive look throughout. Many people don’t realise that windows, doors and kitchens can be purchased without ironmongery, which can be sourced afterwards. Good quality ironmongery can totally transform the interior style, feel and function of any property.

Modern home with stone floors and ledge & brace doors with Pewter Thumblatches, leading into a bedroom with dragonfly wallpaper.

Above: ledge and brace doors with Pewter Medium Bean Thumblatches at Ty Newydd. Discover more about this look here.

 

For more project advice, visit our Planning Ahead blog.

Or to learn more about barn conversions, explore our Advice from an Expert post.

 

Email: info@fromtheanvil.co.uk

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