HOW TO STICK TO YOUR RENOVATION RESOLUTIONS

Good planning, sticking to your budget and being creative will take you over the finish line.

So, this is the year you’re going to tackle that project or renovation you’ve been mulling over. It can be tough to get started, keep the project on target, and, of course, stick to your budget.

Here’s some tips and tricks to help you take the plunge - and stay on track.

Organisation and planning

Resene colour consultant Jackie Nicholls says there are many challenges when renovating a home, but a bit of thought and planning can make all the difference.

“If you are undertaking a major renovation, it would definitely be worth reaching out to an architect or professional designer.” she says. “They will be aware of regulations and have a knowledge of products and possibilities. Most importantly, they will bring a new perspective to your ideas.

Sticking to the budget

An important part of the journey is knowing how much you have to spend.

“Resene can give you some good painting contacts if needed, from reliable tradespeople and our certified eco decorators( using environmentally friendly practices ), and they will be happy to give you a quote so you can plan your costs.”

Top tip: When you’re planning painting projects, tools like Resene’s paint calculator and Resene testpots can help you work out exactly how much paint you’ll need and what colours you love, before you commit.

Get creative

If you’re struggling to find the motivation to get your projects started you might be missing out the fun part - getting creative and letting your imagination run wild.

Start with some visual aids, like a mood board or a simple online document where you can save your favourite pictures, patterns, shapes and colours.

The point is, no matter how simple or mundane your project seems, take a moment to think about the possibilities and imagine how much better your room or your exterior will look so you stay motivated to finish.

Other tips for staying on track: • Follow other home renovators for inspiration and ideas. www. habitatbyresene.com is a great place to start. Setting up a social account to share your progress with friends and supporters is a great way to get motivating compliments and feedback.

• Take time off. Feeling tired, stuck and overwhelmed is guaranteed to stall your project so walk away from it for a few days if and when you need to.

• If you have a few half-finished projects that need your attention, but you’re more interested in starting something new, make a list. List everything that needs finishing and assign an amount of time you think it needs to get done, and any materials you need. When you’re tackling new projects you might find yourself also painting surfaces you haven’t prepped or painted before. Ask staff at your local Resene ColorShop for advice to make the job easier or use the free online Ask a Resene Paint Expert service, www.resene.com/paintexpert.

Painted pops of Resene Quarter Turbo on the stool, coat rack and the wall sign with Resene Stack give this shed corner an inspiring sense of fun. Wall painted in Resene Silver Chalice with floor in Resene Stack and Resene Nero. The pallet is Resene Stack. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

This rear wall is painted in Resene Wallpaper Collection 36001-3, against a diagonal shape in Resene Westar. Floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, sideboard in Resene Half Rice Cake.. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.

Wall in Resene Wallpaper Collection 37530-1, floor in Resene Tiara, rattan chair, headboard and vase in Resene Amulet, bedside table in Resene Blue Bayoux and pendant light in Resene Nepal. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

Wall and floor painted in Resene Ocean Waves with a headboard in Resene Element. The bench seat is Resene Watermark and the chair and the vase are in Resene Eau De Nil. Project by Melle Van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.