Don't Move, Improve: How to transform your Home to work for you

Written by Lucy Winters-Underwood, Founder of Lucy Winterwood Luxury Interior Design Studio. Serving St Albans, Harpenden, Hertfordshire & North London.

The concept of ‘Don't Move, improve’ has become increasingly popular as homeowners seek to make their current spaces more functional and enjoyable rather than going through the hassle and expense of moving. In the blog we look at ways to transform your Home to work better for you. With rising property prices, moving costs, and the emotional attachment to a home, it makes sense to maximise what you already have. Here are some practical ways to transform your home so that it serves you better and fits your evolving needs.

Re-imagine Your Layout

The first Stage of every design project we undertake is to create a ‘to-scale’ technical drawing. This ensures the spaces we are designing are both practical and true to size. Sometimes, a simple layout change can dramatically improve how a space feels and functions. For example:

Open-plan living: knocking down non-structural walls can create an airy, spacious feel.
Re-purposing rooms: if you rarely use the dining room, or you have a space that acts as a dumping ground, could it work better as a home office, playroom or Utility?
Furniture rearrangement: experiment with different furniture placements to improve flow and accessibility.

Upgrade Storage Solutions

When we are discussing projects budgets, one of the most expensive and most valuable items we recommend you invest in are smart storage solutions. Whether that be a budget friendly IKEA hack, a carpenters MDF cupboard fit to size or a Bespoke Cabinet Makers masterpiece, they all add insurmountable value to a home. Clutter can make any home feel smaller and more chaotic. Smart storage solutions can make all the difference:

Built-in shelving: utilise vertical space with built-in bookshelves, cabinets, or storage benches.
Multi-functional furniture: storage ottoman beds, fold-out desks, coffee tables with hidden compartments can all maximize your space without changing the space plan
Decluttering: sometimes, improving your home starts with getting rid of unnecessary items.

Enhance Natural Light

Encouraging more natural light into the Interior can make your home feel larger and more inviting. Try these changes to make an impact:

Mirrors: positioning mirrors opposite windows reflects light and makes a space feel bigger. Over a tall staircase is a favourite of ours.
Lighter colours: painting walls in light shades can brighten a room
Larger windows, adding bi-folds or a skylight: if your budget allows, increasing window size or adding skylights can flood your space with daylight.
Window Dressings: do you have curtains taking up space over the window? Extend them wider, shutters covering the full height? Consider café curtain height?

Invest in a new Kitchen or Bathroom

These two areas can have the biggest impact on both your daily life and home value. How often do you use the Kitchen or Bathroom? How well does the room function for you?

Kitchen: consider updating cabinetry, even just the door fronts, a lick of paint can make a great impact. Replacing countertops, wall tiles or adding a built in banquette seat can optimise the space and make you feel like you’re in a boujee restaurant.
Bathroom: swap outdated fixtures, install a walk-in shower, or add smart storage solutions to make the space more efficient. Refresh with new tiles, flooring, mirrors or accessories. Even a set of plush towels or a bath mat can bring you joy where you least expect it!

Transform your home to work for you, create outdoor Living areas

Extending your living space outdoors can make your home feel larger and more functional. In a world where we crave to ‘earth’ ourselves and get away from screens, making our garden or outdoor space more appealing can have a positive impact on our mental health.

Patio or deck: adding a deck or patio directly outside the house creates a space for relaxation and entertainment. What’s more, add an awning so the weather can’t stop you from sipping your morning coffee with the birds and the bees.
Garden upgrades: landscaping, planters, and water features can make your garden feel like a retreat.
Outdoor kitchen or seating: a firepit, BBQ area, or covered pergola can enhance usability year-round. Why limit yourself to the glorious British Summer?

Create a space that reflects your personality

Your home should reflect both your personality and lifestyle. Small changes can have a big impact! We invest time to take a ‘Full Client Brief’ asking you likes, dislikes, daily habits, movements and family set-up.

Accent walls: a bold paint colour or wallpaper can transform a room’s feel. But if this sounds too scary for you, start somewhere small – the cloakroom is always the boldest space in a home.
Artwork, décor, family heirlooms or Antiques: displaying personal artwork or cherished items makes a space feel more like home. Special family heirlooms do not have to be expensive, but can tell a story that resonates with you. Antiques add interest and history. Not everything needs to be clean lines, minimal and clinical.
History: we are all too fast to rip out the decorative mouldings and warm wooden features. But honouring the character of a building can bring back life, quality and help to resonate with a space. Find ways to work with what you have. Wainscotting can be painted, ceiling roses enhanced and original doors stripped back to their glory.

So before considering a move, think about how you can improve your current home to better suit your needs. Whether through a space planning exercise, changing the function of a room or creating bespoke storage solutions. Thoughtful changes can make a big impact. By embracing the ‘don't Move, improve’ mindset, you can create a home that truly works for you without the stress and expense of relocating.