When renovating a room, there are small details that tend to steal our attention. For example, when carrying out a kitchen makeover, most people will focus on aspects like the countertops, the cabinets and the sink.
Smaller details like sockets and door handles can often get overlooked. But sometimes these small details can have a big impact on the appearance and function of the room. To make sure that you’re completely happy with your home renovation, here are just some of the interior details that you don’t want to forget.
Sockets
Home renovations can be a great time to install new electrical sockets. These can be particularly handy in kitchens – many of us have lots of electrical countertop appliances like toaster and slow cookers and air fryers, but not enough sockets to plug them all in.
An electrician can install sockets for you. You can shop for sockets and other electrical parts online. Find a style of outlet that suits your home.
Light switches
Upgrading your light switches could be something to consider when renovating a room. This could be particularly worthwhile if you’ve got old toggle switches – upgrading to a roller switch could help bring your home into the 21st century.
There are other types of switches that you can consider such as dimmer switches for greater light control. You could even look into smart switches that are controlled via an app on your smartphone.
Radiators
Old radiators could be worth replacing while renovating your home. If your radiators have become rusty or heat up slowly even after bleeding them, it could be a sure sign that they need replacing.
You can buy radiators in all kinds of unique styles. This includes multi-purpose radiators such as heated towel rails – these can help dry multiple towels and heat up the room at the same time. A plumber will be able to replace your radiators.
Skirting boards
Skirting boards shouldn’t be overlooked when planning a renovation. Over time, they can get scuffed and scratched up – particularly if you have pets or kids. You can often hide minor damage by repairing skirting boards. But if your skirting boards are starting to warp or come away from the wall, you should seriously think about replacing them.
While skirting boards come in a few different styles, you should ideally stick to the same style of skirting board used throughout the rest of your home to maintain consistency. Replacing skirting boards is generally not too difficult a DIY task, but some people may still prefer to hire a pro.
Kitchen Backsplash
Kitchen backsplashes are vital for protecting the wall between your cabinet and your countertop. They usually consist of ceramic tiles or another easy-to-clean surface like acrylic.
When moving your kitchen around, don’t overlook the backsplash. A kitchen renovation could also be a good time to replace an existing old backsplash – particular if it’s cracked or worn. Tiles may be worth replacing if the grouting is stained or starting to come loose.
Extractor fans
Good ventilation is important in a home. It’s particularly important in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, where a lot of steam or smoke can be produced. Fail to provide good ventilation and you may get mold growth and stains on walls.
Extractor fans can provide constant ventilation without having to open windows – which can be useful in winter. All kitchens and bathrooms should ideally have them installed. Unfortunately, many people forget to install them when adding new bathrooms or kitchens. Wall fans are recommended for bathrooms, while hood exhaust fans are the best option for kitchens.
Mirror lighting
Many homes have poorly placed lighting. A common room where this is the case is the bathroom. If you want to be able to see your face clearly in the mirror, there should ideally be some lighting behind or around the mirror. This can help to light up your face to help with tasks like applying make-up.
You can buy mirrors that are backlit. Alternatively, you could consider installing some wall lighting either side of your mirror or above it.
Ceiling colour
When repainting a room, most of us focus purely on the walls. But what about the ceiling? If your ceiling is looking a bit faded or has started peeling, it could be time to repaint this too.
Choosing the right colour is essential. Many people simply paint the ceiling the same colour as the walls – which can be a good idea with lighter colours, but not recommended with darker colours. Deep greens or dark blues on walls should instead be contrasted with a white ceiling. Choosing a dark colour for the ceiling could make the room feel gloomy and smaller. A light ceiling colour will help to reflect any ceiling lighting downwards and can make the room feel more open.
Flooring underlay
When laying down new flooring, it’s important to lay down an underlay first. This is particularly important with hard floors. Many people carrying out DIY flooring installation don’t lay down any underlay or choose the wrong type of underlay. This is something worth looking into beforehand.
Underlay can help provide cushioning and absorb pressure – making flooring more comfortable to walk on and longer lasting. Some types of underlay can also provide insulation, helping to prevent hard floors from getting as cold. There are also underlays that you can install that provide sound insulation, which are great for upstairs hard floors.
Door handles
Door handles are often overlooked, despite us using them every day. These fixtures could be worth replacing if they’re looking worn or aren’t latching/locking properly.
There are a few different styles of door handle you can consider from door knobs to modern steel handles, however, it’s recommended that you maintain the same style of handle throughout your home for aesthetic consistency. Strike plates can also be replaced if they are damaged. This is a task you might be able to do yourself. However, when replacing a front door handle, it may be better to hire a locksmith.
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