How to Plan Your Apartment Design and Renovation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Interior design and home renovation: improvise or plan ahead?

Which word – improvise or plan – to italicize is totally up to you. But common sense whispers: as for design and renovation questions, planning is a must.

To plan means to have a clear understanding of your budget and to minimize unexpected expenses wherever possible. Wherever possible – because, let’s be honest, there are always surprises like extra costs, last-minute changes, or that one irresistible item that’s simply too perfect to pass up (even if the price makes you wince). It’s okay to listen to your heart over your wallet once or twice.

But planning isn’t only about money (though it’s crucial). Having a solid plan – even if it lives in your phone or laptop – helps you stay on schedule. “You can’t finish a renovation; you can only pause it,” seems like a true story. But let’s prove that wrong. If you’re mentally ready for a two-month sprint, you might actually make your deadline. Without a plan – or if you keep changing it – that “two months” can easily stretch into a year (or more).

“Okay, I want minimalism – neutral tones, clean lines. Hmm… too boring. Maybe a splash of boho color? Or should I go with Provence and its charming rustic vibe?”

You can spend forever thinking about your dream space. There are endless design styles, and chasing perfection can turn into a lifelong quest.

That’s where a plan comes to the rescue – think of it as your roadmap. It keeps you steering the project instead of being swept along by it. But how do you make that plan right? What should it include to help you stay on track and reach your dream result?

Let’s find out – step by step.

Step 1. “What do I want?” multiplied by “What can I afford?”

You step into the room or apartment that’s about to become your next big adventure – the renovation zone. Close your eyes and imagine your dream space. You don’t need to be a designer or have a perfect visual imagination – just outline what you expect in terms of:

• Style and atmosphere. Even if your vision is as “specific” as “neutral colors, not too much furniture, and a peaceful vibe,” that’s already a solid starting point.
  
• Functionality. What’s each room for? Is it a relaxation area, workspace, or bedroom? Maybe you need a smart combo – say, an office-plus-bedroom setup? Defining these functions early helps make every square foot practical and livable.

• Budget. Money is the bridge between vision and reality. You don’t need millions – just clarity, which brings us to the next step, and yes, it’s also about planning.

Step 2. The design project: how to create it (and whether to call in the pros)

Once you’ve set your timeline, style, and budget, the next question is: Should you hire a contractor or try to bring your dream space to life on your own?

Consulting professionals might seem like the obvious move – they’ll handle the layout, pick out furniture and decorations, and efficiently divide the space into zones. Besides, interior designers’ experience can be invaluable, especially if you’re unsure about your own aesthetic sense (or practicality).

But there’s a catch. Remember the TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” – where the homeowners are typically thrilled with the final reveal? Real life isn’t always that simple. 

Even the most detailed project approved by a design studio doesn’t guarantee that the final result will feel like “home.” And designer fees can easily push your budget over the edge.

So what’s the alternative? For non-professionals, choosing a design style can be daunting – but risking your entire budget isn’t wise either. That’s where online interior design apps come in handy. Many are free and surprisingly powerful.

Such tools can save you from multiple headaches:

• No endless waiting for design drafts – see layout and furniture options instantly.
  
• No scheduling meetings or juggling time with a designer.
  
• No need to hunt for specialists for every type of space – online visualizers can handle apartments, homes, offices, or even rental units.

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Step 3. Now comes the renovation

Why is renovation only Step 3? Well, because theory comes first: the visualization, design project (done yourself, via an online app, or with a studio), and a list of all planned work and materials. Once deadlines and tasks are set with your contractor, theory turns into practice – and your vision starts taking shape.

Here’s what that process typically looks like – with timelines and checklists prepared in advance (that’s why Step 1 is so important):

• Demolition and preparatory work. Out with the old floors, finishes, and plumbing. At this stage, furniture placement, outlets, and plumbing points are also marked – all according to your design plan.
  
• Construction and rough work. This includes leveling walls and ceilings, plastering, and laying the subfloor. Zoning also happens here – so that no wall or partition ends up in the wrong spot later.
  
• Finishing. This is when your cozy future takes shape: painting, wallpapering, flooring, tiles, doors, windows, furniture, and fixtures. Without a finalized design plan, chaos reigns. With one, everything flows smoothly in sync with your concept.
  
• The final touches. Time to add a bit of a homeowner personality here – art, lighting, soft textiles, decor. These little details make a house feel like home (or an office you actually enjoy walking into). Even here, your design plan matters – so you don’t overload the space or break the aesthetic harmony.

Concluding thoughts

Here’s a quick checklist for working with your designer (if you choose to hire one) and the construction crew:

• Discuss the budget upfront. Make clear where you want to save and where you’re willing to splurge. If good sleep is your priority – don’t economize on the bed.
  
• Put agreements in writing – in an email, shared doc, or group chat (whatever you’ll find the most convenient).
  
• Approve all materials and finishes in advance. Tiles, flooring, fixtures – check everything before purchase. Review quality at each stage so it’s easier to catch and fix issues ASAP.
  
• Set clear payment rules. Use your shared chat for photo updates, receipts, and cost tracking.

Here’s to a renovation that goes according to plan! Because when you have a clear one – you’re already halfway to success.