Renovators’ notes

Update your old furniture pieces by reupholstering and repainting them. Q&A

with Iris

Any cost-cutting tips? I kept all my old furniture and simply reupholstered the chairs and couches in lovely grey fabrics for an instant update. I’ve also repainted all my old frames in black – they look gorgeous!

Lots of magazines and Pinterest; I also love browsing on home design site houzz.com. I’m all for trying new things; admittedly, most times it’s a case of trial and error.

A few final finishes such as some windows and a beautiful pivot door for the front when our budget allows for it, and then the landscaping. “I definitely want to renovate again – renovation is in my bones! I’d also buy online again; I love to spend hours browsing through sites. Your best tip for other renovators? Pay as much attention to the stuff no one will ever see – I had the best tradesmen when it came to electrical, roofing and kitchen work. What would you do differently next time? I’d ask an expert to finish my concrete kitchen island countertop. I did it myself and, sadly, it shows.