Summertime means vacations, laying out by the pool and gathering with friends for a relaxing dinner under the stars. It also means we’re halfway through the year and before you know it the holidays will be here! And as crazy as it sounds, summer is the perfect time to start planning for your holiday entertaining and renovating your home.
 
I know it’s a strange concept to be thinking about Thanksgiving when it’s 100 degrees outside, but from start to finish, the design process takes several months to complete. 

When we work with clients on their home renovation for the holidays, there are a few key areas we focus on. Updates in your kitchen, powder bath, and foyer make a huge difference in the overall feel of your home. Depending on the scope of your project, we can get many home renovations for the holidays done in 6 to 12 months.

When I talk to clients about home renovations for the holidays, here are the 8 areas I focus on.

holiday home renovation of powder bathroom designed by Laura U

Chic powder bath accessories give any space an instant decorative pick me up

1. Refresh the Powder Bath

The holidays bring more friends and family into your home than at any other time during the year. You want your home to be inviting and stylish, ready to welcome in whoever stops by.

Add new accessories

One simple way to refresh your home is to update your powder bath accessories. Adding a few fun powder bath details gives the space an instant decorative pick me up. Pigeon and Poodle and Crate and Barrel are two of our favorite places to shop for bath accessories.

Updating the mirror is an easy way to instantly change the look of your powder bath as well. Mirrors give the illusion of more space and add depth. Indulge in an antique or high-end design mirror that’s sure to impress your guests.

Upgrade your lighting

Even in smaller spaces like powder baths, lighting can be used to make a design statement. Replacing recessed lighting with flush mount pendants or sconces allows you to have more fun with the room’s design. They provide a more natural light which gives the space warmth and great energy.

Update your fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are an unexpected way to incorporate your personality into the design. For a modern twist on the classic faucet, this ombre finish faucet from Kohler is gorgeous – and is one of our designer faves! It’s the perfect blend of warm and cool tones. Swap out the traditional chrome or polished stainless steel faucet for copper or gold faucet to add a cozy feel.

Music room home renovation project for the holidays design by Laura U

These gorgeous drapes provide the perfect backdrop for the piano player at your holiday party

2. Make Custom Updates to your Walls and Windows

New wallcoverings make a huge difference! We often create custom works with our clients that you won’t find anywhere else. Wallcoverings from vendors like Fromental and Phillip Jeffries come in bold patterns and luxe materials, like hand-woven silk. They’re perfect for bringing glamour and luxury to any room. Maya Romanoff wallcoverings are a great way to add texture and visual movement to the design.

If you’re not ready to commit to using wallcoverings in a whole room, don’t worry! You can use Tempaper temporary wallpaper to dress up your walls. This removable wallpaper gives you the ability to have a statement-making wallpaper without making a permanent commitment.

Home renovation project featuring custom built-ins designed by Laura U

Custom built ins are great for displaying family photos and cherished memorabilia

Add custom built-ins

We work with our trusted partner, El Dorado Woodworks, to design custom built-ins for our clients. These built-in pieces provide additional storage space and keep the room clean and the clutter out of sight.

Install new drapery

Custom drapery never disappoints. In the same way paint can completely transform a room, changing your drapery has the same effect. Go for warmer, softer, more inviting colors to change the mood of the space. Rich fabrics like velvet or something with a sheen like satin room work in any room and with any style. We like Kravet and Crypton fabrics because they’re luxurious, yet durable.

home renovation project for the holidays designed by Laura U Interior Design

A custom neon sign transformed this space into a chic spot to gather with friends and family

3. Replace Light Fixtures with Modern, Statement Pieces

Oftentimes, light fixtures are forgotten about once you select them. As you think about updating a room, you don’t necessarily think about light fixtures. You may think about changing the cabinet hardware, choosing a new paint color, or reupholstering your furniture.

However, one of my favorite ways to update any space is with statement lighting. In my morning room, for example, I change out my chandelier seasonally. Replacing lighting fixtures is a simple and easy way to completely transform your home.

Here are some spaces where lighting can easily be updated:

  • Sconces in the powder bath
  • Sitting area fixtures – The lighting should create conversation and reading zones for guests.
  • Your dining room chandelier – Christopher Boots is a great brand – so chic!
  • Kitchen pendants and sconces
  • Guest bedroom lighting – Lighting that’s more natural to the body promotes wellness and healthier sleep patterns.

Dining room home renovation project designed by Laura U Interior Design

A new piece of art in your dining room is sure to spark a conversation or two during the holidays

4. Invest in a New Art Piece

It’s no secret to my readers that Michael and I love art. We celebrate each anniversary with a new painting, usually one that we select together while on our anniversary getaway! Like an anniversary or birthday, the holidays are a special time of year. If you’ve been meaning to add to your collection, why not commemorate the season with a new piece of art. It’s a fabulous conversation starter and never goes out of style!

Living room home renovation project in neutral color palette accented with touches of oranges

Plush pillows and plenty of light make this the perfect spot for your guests to curl up with a good book during the holidays

5. Consider the Comfort of Your Guests

A lot of people have family and friends staying at their home for the holidays. As you think about home renovations for the holidays, think about soft goods. Make their stay as comfortable and elegant as possible. Select bed linens they can sink into at the end of the day. Layer a beautiful duvet with a cozy throw and some plush pillows. Stock the bathroom with some luxurious amenities and fresh flowers to make them feel at home.

Chairs

With the arrival of the holidays, having enough seating is a must! You’ll have more people in your space and it’s important to accommodate them accordingly. Accent chairs are a functional and beautiful way to refresh you home’s interior for the holidays. They aren’t a drastic investment, but they make a dramatic change in the design and never go out of style.

Modern, open concept kitchen renovation project with two islands

Double islands give you plenty of space for entertaing friends and family during the holidays

6. Install New Kitchen Cabinetry and Redesign the Butler’s Pantry

One of the most valuable home renovation projects you can do is upgrade the kitchen. These renovations provide a great return on your investment and can change the mind of even the most stubborn buyers. As busy as the holidays are though, you may not want to take on a full kitchen remodel and that’s okay! Upgrading simple things like the cabinets, lights, fixtures, and backsplash make a huge impact and instantly refresh the space.

Gold bar cart decorated for the holidays by Laura U Interior Design

A fully stocked bar is a must for the holiday season!

Butler’s Pantry

The butler’s pantry is a small space, but you’re going to use it a lot during the holidays. It’s the perfect spot for your caterer to prep food for your holiday party and for your guests to mix up their favorite cocktails. You want to make sure it’s a functional and beautiful space.

Home renovation project - Contemporary foyer withe bold art designed by Laura U

This colorful and bold vignette welcomes guests and makes them feel right at home

7. Welcome Guests to a Stunning Foyer

Your foyer welcomes guests into your home and sets the tone for the rest of the design. It should provide some visual interest, as well as a functional space for guests to drop off small gifts when they enter. I love adding a console table under a beautiful mirror or piece of art in the foyer.

black and white foyer renovation by Laura U featuring custom stair runner

Bold, dramatic and glamorous, this black and white entry makes quite the statement!

8. Add a Stair Runner

If you don’t have one already, install a stair runner. These are especially helpful if you’ll have lots of kiddos or pets in your home for the holidays. Stair runners attenuate loud footsteps and mitigate falls. They’re a functional piece you can use to completely update the look of your staircase.

Home renovations for the holidays by Laura U Interior design

A touch of fresh greenery adds a festive touch to any interior space

Home Renovation for the Holidays

Boldly thoughtful and luxuriously livable interior spaces take time to design. By starting on your home renovation projects now, we’ll have time to get your home ready for the holidays! Contact us today so we can get started renovating your home for the holidays.