As an interior designer, it’s incredibly important to me that I keep my process as mystery-free as possible. Luckily, I love talking about what I do 😄. The last thing I want is for my clients to feel discouraged throughout the process of reinventing their home, and I especially don’t want them to misunderstand the scope of their project and then be caught off guard financially. So, in the spirit of complete transparency, I’d like to share the 7 items every room tends to need in a remodel.
How to Use These Lists
Real quick before we jump in, I’d like to note that these lists aren’t definite. Instead, they are suggestions based off of my real experience regarding what you will most likely need. You may not need to replace all of these things, but you should take all of these items into consideration and do a little research before jumping into your project to get an idea of a price-point. Also, it is totally fine (in fact, it’s encouraged) to be completely honest with your designer when it comes to your budget and the things you already own that you want to keep. Please don’t be shy, open communication makes the design process so much easier!
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Always Be Prepared
Now, there are a number of other things a room would need, lots of things to take into consideration, and various set-backs that can pop up along the way. But I want you all to start fostering a realistic idea of what this process usually requires so when you book your next project, you can come prepared and the process can be smooth sailing from the get-go.
The Scout motto is so versatile; Always be prepared. There’s very little worse than going into a big undertaking like remodeling or redesigning your home surrounded by unknowns. I hope I can help alleviate some of the mystery and stress. After all, this is supposed to be a fun and exciting journey to a home you absolutely adore!
Take a look at these lists, comment below or shoot me an email with questions, and shop around some of the curated collections.
Bedroom
- Window treatments
Window treatments are absolutely vital! If you like your current curtains, perfect! If not, I offer custom window treatment services that you should add to your list of expenses and needs. Make sure to discuss this in your meetings with your designer.
- Art
Now, you don’t have to buy new art. Take a look around your house and decide what you’d like to keep and what you’d like to add. There are endless art options out there, so a designer can help reign in the options.
- Area rug and pad
The biggest part of this one is don’t forget about the pad! If you don’t already have carpeting in your room, a pad for underneath the rug is an added expenditure that easily gets lost in the shuffle.
- Bench
Benches are underrated. They can be great places to store things, act as a place to sit and put on shoes, and even add a decorative element that ties the room together.
- Bedding (Duvet cover, quilt, linens, pillows & throw)
If you’re changing the color, theme, and overall feel of a room, a change in bedding will most likely be necessary.
- Nightstands
While not an absolute necessity, this is one of the most common items that gets refreshed in bedroom makeovers.
- Bedside lamps
Along with nightstands, new lights are a very common item that gets replaced. Don’t underestimate the power of updated lighting!
Shop Bedroom Necessities
Bathroom
- Odds and ends (a.k.a. Soap Pump, Toothbrush Holder, Tray, Tissue Box Cover, and Wastebasket)
These are the things you may not think about immediately when it comes to redesigning your bathroom. We get excited about paint colors, hardware, and new vanities, and forget about the lowly tissue box cover.
- Linens
New towels are one of life’s greatest comforts and little joys. For a completely fresh start with your new bathroom, definitely take into consideration the fact that you’ll want new linens and towels.
- Exhaust fan
This might be overlooked, but it is so commonly a part of redesigns and remodels, that I have to bring it to your awareness. This can be a very unexpected expense, so make sure this is at the top of your mind when going into your bathroom project.
- Sinks
There are so many options for sinks out there. Some are more expensive than others depending on materials, designs, and where it is coming from. Designers often have some great discounts that they can offer, but a realistic idea of how much a new sink costs will cut out some surprises.
- Mirrors
One essential bathroom element is a mirror. It is incredibly rare for a bathroom to not have a mirror, so add this to your list as a definite need.
- Stone (Vanity Top, Backsplash, Door Saddle, Niche Trim, Shower Bench, Curb at shower entry)
Often one of the most unexpected elements for bathrooms are things like stone features. This includes tile work, countertops, backsplashes, trim, shower benches, etc. You obviously don’t need all of these things, but a few of them might pop up in the design process, so it’s something to keep in mind.
- Shower features
Shower heads have come a long way. There are lots of options to upgrade your shower experience, so I suggest taking a look at what’s out there, there might be an option that fits in your budget and upgrades your bathroom to a luxury spa experience.
Shop Bathroom Necessities
Living Room
- Coffee table
A coffee table offers a lot of uses from ottoman to tabletop. It can also be a great way to add some character into a living room, so it’s definitely worth a little research and attention.
- Art
Just as with bedrooms and other rooms in the house, art is almost inevitable. It’s worth taking a look around what you already have and deciding if there is anything else you’d like to add.
- Media console
Media consoles or credenzas are a great addition to living rooms, especially if you want extra storage or display space.
- Lights
Floor lights, table lights, and chandeliers or pendant lights are all options for living room lights. Your designer will help you determine what would work best in your space, but keep in mind that you might need one of each of these light types for your lifestyle and needs.
- Bar cart
If you’re a party host through and through, or just love mixology, a bar cart should definitely be added to your list. They are a chic and fun way to display your favorite barware and make the essentials easily accessible when you have guests over.
- Area rugs and pad
Just like for other rooms, area rugs might be a great element to add some color, design, and comfort, but the extra pad is often left unconsidered and ends up being a surprise expense.
- Window treatments
Window treatments control light, offer privacy, and add a fun design element. I offer custom window treatment services that will help you find the perfect window treatment solution for your living space.
Shop Living Room Necessities
Dining Room
- Light fixtures
Chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces all add drama and atmosphere to your dining space.
- Accessories
You probably don’t think accessories when you think dining room, but everything from chargers to placemats, to centerpieces, and more count as accessories.
- Console or credenza
Consoles or credenzas are a great way to add more storage to your dining room without taking up too much space.
- Dining table
Replacing your dining room table might not be necessary, but it is something to take into consideration.
- Dining chairs
Dining chairs can come included in the dining table price, but you might have to price them separately. Additionally, you might want to get decorative chairs for the head of the table, so those might be an added expense.
- Art
Even dining rooms need art. This is just another thing to keep at the top of your mind.
- Window treatments
Depending on the windows in your dining room, you might want to add window treatments to control light and add some privacy.
Shop Dining Room Necessities
Kitchen
- Stools
Especially if you have a kitchen island, stools might come up as a necessary addition to maximize seating space and create a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Countertops
Countertops are a big deal in kitchens. They can make or break your cooking experience. There are plenty of options out there, so don’t get discouraged at the price tag of certain options.
- Backsplash and grout
A backsplash adds a wonderful design element, some character, and can save your walls! So it should definitely be taken into consideration for all kitchen spaces.
- Linens
New towels might not be completely necessary, but in order to match the new design of your kitchen, you might want to consider buying decorative towels, cloth napkins, and new dishcloths.
- Kitchen table
We’ll take a look at your space and see if it would be possible to add a kitchen table, but if it’s something you’re interested in, add it to your list and price out some options so you’re not taken off guard.
- Floors
Whether you’re looking to upgrade the tile or switch to hardwood floors, it’s definitely a good idea to discuss this with your designer because it will add to the scope of the project, and definitely the price-point.
- Sink
The kitchen sink is important, and again there are a lot of options out there. We will discuss what your needs are and what your preferred style is because that will heavily influence what sink is best for your kitchen.
Shop the Kitchen Necessities
Foyer
- Light fixture
Oddly, light fixtures are so so important for foyers. In my experience, they can make or break the space, so it will be a focus point for us in our meetings.
- Rug
An entryway rug is important for absorbing water and dirt from shoes that might be dragged in from outside, but they can also be a great way to introduce color and art.
- Mirror
Mirrors are a great way to add a decorative, art-like element while also adding a functional piece to your foyer. Before you head out, your foyer mirror will give you a chance to sneak a peek at your outfit, hair, etc. so you can leave your home with confidence.
- Side Table
In my mind, side tables in foyers are essential. They offer storage, a place to put a pretty dish for keys and knick knacks, and can be a great way to add some character to a potentially small space.
- Lamps
Whether it’s a table lamp for the side table, a pair of sconces, or a floor lamp for a darker corner, a lamp is a great item to have and to leave on when you’re not at home so you don’t walk into a dark house.
- Floors
Tile, hard wood, or faux wood options are all great for foyers. They can help create drama, they come in a variety of stains and tile patterns. In other words, it’s an important consideration for any foyer make-over.
- Art
Big or small entryways and foyers can benefit from a little bit of art. Big or small, art makes a huge difference and can really set the tone for the whole house. It doesn’t have to be anything major, but definitely keep this in mind.
Shop Foyer Necessities
So, it may seem like a lot, but don’t get overwhelmed. My purpose of providing this information is to help you keep a realistic mindset when it comes to your next home project. It’s to make our conversations easier, give you good information, and help the process go smoothly.
As I said before, it’s not necessary that all of these items be replaced or upgraded in your home, but when it comes to redesigns and remodels, they are the things that most often get addressed.
If you have any questions, let me know! I’m your partner in design, after all, so you’ll never be alone.
Your partner in design,
This blog post contains affiliate links, but I never recommend products and brands I wouldn’t use in my own home.
