The 7-Day ‘Visualise Your Dream Home’ Challenge
Before you renovate: Get crystal clear on what you want before you spend a penny.
Thinking about a home renovation or redecoration? Whether you’re planning to redo your bedroom, convert your loft, or just refresh the living room, the hardest part is often knowing where to begin. This 7-day challenge will help you imagine, plan, and prioritise what really matters so you can renovate with clarity and confidence before working with a designer yet.
Let’s go!
Day 1: Pin 10 Spaces That Make You Feel Something
Start by collecting visual inspiration. Browse Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines and pin or screenshot 10 spaces that evoke a strong feeling; cosy, calm, elegant, bold, playful, anything that excites you.
Focus on the space you want to renovate, whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen, or outdoor area. What materials, lighting, or layouts are repeated across your selections? Use those clues to begin identifying your style.
Day 2: Map Out How You Use Your Space Daily
Let’s continue with the bedroom example. Think through your daily routine:
Do you use the space only for sleep, or also for reading, getting ready, or working?
Do you need a reading nook, more storage, or better lighting near your wardrobe?
Is it connected to an en-suite or dressing area?
Sketch a basic floor plan and note how you currently use the space and where it falls short. This will help guide your functional needs before aesthetic choices.
Day 3: List Your “Non-Negotiables”
What are the must-haves in your renovation? These are elements that matter most to your lifestyle or personality. For example:
A blackout curtain for deep sleep
A large headboard for comfort and impact
A reading light or a soft rug underfoot
In the living room: floor-standing lamps, built-in storage, or space for a big sofa
Write down 3–5 “non-negotiables” to help you stay focused as your ideas evolve.
A bohemian style bedroom and chair inspiration - a must have chair selected
Day 4: Sketch or Screenshot Your Ideal Layout
With your inspiration, daily habits, and must-haves in mind, it’s time to map it out visually.
Don’t worry about drawing skills, your sketch just needs to show the flow and key zones:
Where would furniture go?
Would you remove walls or add partitions?
Do you want new flooring, lighting, or ceiling features?
What’s the colour palette?
You can also screenshot an example layout and annotate it with your ideas.
The simple bedroom sketch for our Tooting Residence project
From sketch to a quick visualisation to test the ideas
Day 5: Try a Free Online Visualisation Tool or Moodboard
Now let’s bring your ideas to life! From some tools to ChatGPT, a quick help can help test your ideas.
Try one of these free tools to visualise your space, organise your ideas, or build a beautiful moodboard:
Planner5D – Easy drag-and-drop floor plans and 3D layouts (free version available; some items are Pro)
Roomstyler – Create realistic rooms with furniture and decor (mostly free; signup required)
Canva – Build moodboards with your saved images (free plan is great, Pro gives access to more templates and stock photos)
Milanote – Flexible board for images, links, and notes (free for up to 100 items, which is enough for this challenge)
Morpholio Board (iOS) – Great for interior moodboards on iPad (free version available, Pro unlocks more tools)
💡 Note: Most of these tools offer free versions that are more than enough for this challenge. If you want extra features like high-res downloads or premium content, some may require a Pro upgrade, but you can start exploring for free right away.
Day 6: Talk It Through With Someone
Share your moodboard, layout, or ideas with someone you trust, a partner, friend, or family member.
Sometimes verbalising your vision helps clarify what’s truly important. They might suggest something you hadn’t thought of, or help you refine a tricky part of the plan.
Bonus: It’ll get you even more excited about your space!
A bedroom inspiration based on selected colours and furniture in our upcoming project
Day 7: Write Your Renovation Wish List (In Just 5 Sentences)
You’ve done the work, now form it. In just 5 sentences, write your renovation wish list.
Example:
“I want a peaceful bedroom where I can unwind with soft lighting and a cosy chair by the window. I need blackout curtains, built-in storage, and a calming colour palette. I don’t want clutter, but I want warmth and texture. My style leans towards the bohemian. This room should feel like a retreat.”
This step brings your vision together and sets the foundation for a confident renovation journey.
Well Done! Here’s What Happens Next...
Planning ahead makes every renovation smoother and far less stressful. When you know what you want, the process becomes exciting instead of overwhelming. You’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and make better decisions faster.
Even the simplest changes, like the right light fixture or a beautiful plant, can elevate your space.
Want to bring your vision to life before building anything?
Let’s turn your ideas into a 3D walkthrough so you can see and feel your space before a single wall moves.
Let’s Connect
Experience This Space in 360°
Watch the animation videos