Designing Your Dream Space From Scratch

You’ve dreamt about what you’d do if you could create your dream home from scratch. The possibilities are endless – where do you start?

Whether you’ve decided to build a custom home or you’re starting a renovation by taking a room right back to the studs, working with a clean slate can be both a blessing and a curse.

If you’re staring at a blank page with no idea what to do next, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your fresh start and create the space of your dreams.

Benefits of Designing From Scratch

Of course, it’s not always possible to start from scratch. There are often existing design elements or structural considerations that dictate your design choices. But when the opportunity arises, you can enjoy the many benefits of starting fresh, including:

Creative Freedom

With minimal limitations and constraints, you have carte blanche to bring your vision to life.

Personalized Design

One of the most significant advantages of starting from scratch is the ability to customize every aspect of the space to fit your needs and preferences.

Enhanced Efficiency

When starting from scratch, it can be easier to incorporate energy-efficient systems and upgrade to modern technologies for a home that is more comfortable, cost-effective to maintain, and environmentally friendly.

When Should You Renovate From Scratch?

Deciding whether to work with what you have or start from scratch isn’t always straightforward. Here are a few common scenarios when renovating from scratch might be the best option:

Structural Issues and Damage

If your existing structure has severe issues like foundation problems, extensive fire or water damage, or termite infestation, it may be more cost-effective and practical to start fresh.

Style Shortcomings

You might have specific design preferences for your home that cannot be achieved through remodeling or minor renovations. Starting from scratch lets you get exactly what you want – without compromise.

Functional Flaws

When the existing layout of the home is outdated, inefficient, or does not meet your needs, starting from scratch lets you optimize the layout to improve functionality and flow.

The decision to renovate from scratch requires careful consideration of many factors including your budget, timeline, and goals. Consulting with qualified professionals like contractors, designers, or realtors can help you assess your options.

How Designers Can Help You Renovate From Scratch

When you’re paralyzed by indecision, you can count on an interior design professional for invaluable expertise, creativity, and guidance in creating your dream space from scratch.

Designers help with:

Design Concepts and Space Planning

A designer will help you hone in on your vision, goals, and priorities for the renovation project and translate your ideas into a cohesive design concept.

Budgeting

Designers can help you establish a realistic budget, allocate resources for maximum impact and source cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or design integrity.

Material and Finishes Selection

Designers use their experience and knowledge to select materials that are beautiful, functional, and durable.

Project Management

Designers manage all aspects of the renovation project, coordinating trades, scheduling deliveries, and addressing any issues that come up.

Creating a Serene Bedroom Retreat From Scratch

Over the years, we’ve completed many designs that started from scratch, like this beautiful bedroom project.

After a devastating tornado, our clients had to replace everything. This gave us the opportunity to reconfigure their primary bedroom to fulfill their wish for additional privacy. A curved wall helped to divide a new vestibule from the main bedroom area, providing a buffer from the rest of the home.

Once we established a new layout, it was time to turn the space into the serene retreat of their dreams. Using a calm, peaceful colour palette of pale grey and blue, the upholstered headboard and area rug added softness while wallpaper on the curved wall brought in additional texture and interest.

The room’s lighter tones were complemented by rich, dark wood nightstands and built-in cabinetry, which grounded the space.

In the ensuite bath, shades of warm grey were layered throughout the space, from the subtly patterned floor tile and accents in the shower to the beautiful painted cabinets and quartz counters.

To complete this primary bedroom oasis, a luxurious custom closet ensured that there was a place for everything.