Do you ever feel like your room should work… but it just doesn’t?
So you nudge the sofa. Swap the chairs. Roll out a different rug. Light more candles. And somehow it still feels unfinished.
In this latest Decorate or Renovate!? episode, I explain why that happens. When a room never quite lands, it’s usually not the layout that’s wrong — it’s what’s missing.
The Budget
This particular makeover started with a $1,000 budget for the living room. But because the living room connects directly to the dining room and breakfast area, we made the decision to finish all three spaces properly. The final spend was $1,800.
We could have stopped at the living room for about $800. But because these rooms are open to each other, finishing all three is what made the house finally feel complete. That’s why this one took seven hours instead of my usual four.
Work with what you have
We worked almost entirely with what Christine already owned. We finally installed her fabulous collection of art that was still leaning up against the walls five years after Christine and her husband moved in. We reassigned rugs, corrected scale, added balanced lighting, and suddenly her “dated” features stopped demanding attention. Nothing structural changed — but the entire house feels resolved.
Where to renovate
And at the end, I’ll show you the one small renovation detail I would still do to elevate the look even further. But because everything is now in the right place, these details can wait.
See Undertones Instantly
- Real Benjamin Moore paint chips
- All 9 neutral undertone families
- Compare directly to your fixed elements
This is why my Kitchen and Bath Refresh packages are so effective. Strategic updates to lighting, hardware, decorating, and colour can buy you years before you even consider a renovation. Shop them here.
And that’s the magic of decorating before you renovate. Once the room is styled properly, you often realize you don’t need nearly as much renovation as you thought. Your dated elements stop screaming and start working with the room instead of against it.
If you live in the Fraser Valley or lower mainland Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland? Have a room that’s almost there but not quite finished? Or art that still hasn’t made it onto the walls? Apply here. My time is covered by the show — you only pay for what we need to complete the room.
Watch the full makeover below.
Is this the year you pivot and start that side hustle or scale your design business with industry leading colour skills? I can’t wait to meet you! Sign up for my Spring live True Colour Expert training in Vancouver or Chicago.
The Killam Colour System™ in Action
If your room still feels off, stop rearranging and start with a plan.
Related posts:
Before You Spend $12K on your Dated Fireplace, Watch This!
Ask Maria: Is HomeSense Junk? Here’s the Truth
Decorating Backwards, the Hidden Reason Your Home Still Feels Wrong
Hi,
I’m attending True Colour Expert in Chicago. Would you be able to send me the outline?
Thanks in advance,
Jeanne Nelson
Love seeing your whole process. Beautiful transformation!
Brava, Maria!
Amazing! This was my favorite Reno video because you showed the whole thought process and all your thoughts into the decisions!
Tremendous use of what she had! It still looks like “her,” not like a showroom. And I like the idea of painting the dining room chairs. Curious – Would you paint any of the art frames? I have a few I’m considering painting.
Love this ! Brought all her pieces together which was great! Love all the rooms but the transformation of the dining room with her MIL’s painting was really special!
I have a large home and lots of inventory I would say and would love love love to have help. We have been here four years and I have painted 4 times and still
Looking to get it right. I am not in the lower mainland but in Calgary only a quick flight away. I
Know you could do amazing things with this space. I can send pics if you need as well. Cheers
Absolutely love this! Love seeing the whole process of how you got to where you ended!
You are amazing. I remember those days doing what you do, I am now semi retired…but bless your heart. It takes a huge amount of patience and fortitude! I will say no more, you know what I mean. Bravo great redo!!!!
What I love the most is you were able to incorporate her meaningful artwork and, as you say over and over, lamps!
When she adds the chandelier shades and draperies that you mentioned, wow, how comfy and cozy it will be!
Oh, and that “summer” rug she already owned , crikey, perfection for her desired garden-themed dining area!
She’s probably drinking a lot of coffee or tea sitting in those rooms admiring them!
I loved this make over! You used her existing art and added to, plus the lamps. The biggest wow was adding the big art pieces above their work station. 10/10. You found the perfect place for her summer rug too. She must be over the moon!
Such a lovely transformation!
Love these one-day makeovers on a budget! Can’t wait for the next one. 🙂
Boy I wish I lived in the Fraser Valley or lower mainland Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland!
I have to add that that’s an amazing transformation!
Hi Maria,
This is one of the best of your Renovate or Decorate makeovers! Just a fabulous transformation! Christine is a delight, and she has exquisite taste in art. I hope she does have the dining room chairs painted the cream/off-white color you recommended, as that was truly a “wow” moment to see how that brightened up her lovely dining room. I’m so happy for her to have been able to use and be surrounded by her treasured pieces. Wonderful makeover!
Of all the decorate vs renovate videos this was the best by far. The dialogue in the store helped me understand the process better. And the art placement is so creative. I really like that you used most of the homeowners things. Very impressive.
Wow, Maria! You brought Christine’s art collection to life! This do-over is the best yet, as it brought us through the entire process of how best to incorporate your art with lighting, rugs and a bit of bling. I’m sure Christine is delighted with her updated space. Thank you for graciously bringing us along! xo
Love the changes!
Wow Maria! You always get it right!! Love this
I guess I will just be a broken record😀 …this is my favourite decorate you have done so far. For all the reasons everyone else has stated; so personal and unique using most of her own pieces. The new pieces just add to and accent the existing. Absolutely a lovely makeover, so inviting and warm now.
I think I will apply for one too.❤️
The hip check “You don’t have lamps in here ” cracked me up. You tell her and the rest of the world Maria!