Renovate or Refresh? What Interior Decorators in Vancouver Say

Few things feel as good as coming home to a beautifully designed space. From the open-concept kitchens where we gather to spill over the events of the day to the spa-like bathrooms where we hide away and recharge, beautiful interior spaces help lighten your mood and lift your spirit. However, over time, even fabulously decorated interiors will become dated and show signs of wear. But when that happens, you have options.

Most interior decorators in Vancouver suggest clients think about giving their homes a minor refresh every 3 to 5 years, and major renovations every 5 to 10. If it’s been a while since the last time you updated, or if your home is no longer bringing you joy, it’s time to do something about it.

Room Refresh: Major Change on a Modest Budget

Giving your current space a facelift is a cost-effective solution to update your home’s look that, done right, can still pack a major aesthetic punch. Interior decorators in Vancouver, networks like Home and HGTV, and social media influencers are full of ideas on how you can completely transform the look and feel of a space without breaking the bank. If your space is still working for you, but the design is just a little tired, refreshing certain elements rather than fully renovating the space can make all the difference.

Paint and Wall Treatments

One unassuming way to take your home from 2020 to 2025 is by updating your paint. Whether you opt for a crisp neutral or a bold feature wall, fresh paint can completely change the vibe of a room in just a day or two.

Go a step further and add an eye-catching wall treatment to make a space pop. From textured wallpaper to wooden slat feature walls or even limewash or decorative plaster, these subtle design choices add layers of interest and inject your unique personality throughout your home.

New Lighting

Swapping out old fixtures for modern lighting can drastically improve the style and atmosphere in your space. Organic materials, funky lampshades, and oversized statement lights are replacing some of the more subtle trends from a few years ago, but even a few well-placed sconces can make a significant impact on your space.

Updated Hardware

Even the smallest details can have a dramatic impact on the look of your space. Kitchen trends are constantly changing, and while you can’t realistically update your kitchen every few years to keep up, replacing hardware is an inexpensive way to incorporate design-forward finishes that catch your eye in your space and give it a fresh look.

If it’s within your budget, replacing hardware and refinishing your cabinetry can make your kitchen feel brand new for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. In 2025, Vancouver interior decorators are loving earth tones and warm, rich hues. Think greens, blues, and soft browns.

Renovate for Maximum Impact

When you’re looking for more than a cosmetic upgrade but aren’t ready to move, renovating gives you nearly unlimited potential to transform your space into whatever you want. Working with an interior decorator, your renovations can not only improve how your home looks, but also how the space functions.

Kitchen Remodels

Kitchens are very often the focus of any major renovation, and for good reason. For most families, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and updating this area can have a dramatic impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of the space.

Because kitchen renovations are usually a high-cost upgrade, it’s one area in particular where the skills of an interior decorator can be most valuable. From material selection and cabinet layout to coordinating the trades and builders that bring it all together, hiring an interior decorator in Vancouver can make a big difference in the success of a kitchen overhaul.

Bathroom Upgrades

After the kitchen, bathrooms are the next most popular home renovation. And this one can be easier than you think to tackle. If the layout of your current space is working, turning your bathroom into a mini spa can be as easy as upgrading things like tile, fixtures, and lighting while adding a few luxurious extras such as heated flooring or a walk-in steam shower.

Open Concept Living

How we lived 30 or 40 years ago is very different from how we live now. Where older homes tend to have lots of walls, homeowners today generally favour open concept living.

Knocking down a few non-load-bearing walls can help visually make your space feel larger and brighter while improving sightlines and flow, plus making entertaining easier. Tearing down walls is another job where you might want to consider working with an interior designer, or at the very least, hiring an extremely reputable contractor who will ensure all work done is permitted and to the Vancouver building code.