When to Say “Redecorate,” “Renovate,” or “Remodel”- Welcome to Interior Design School!

One of the first steps to understanding the world of interior design is to learn interior design vocabulary. Like all things in life (fishing, gardening, construction, etc.), interior design has its own language to learn. Since there are so many terms in the interior design dictionary, it can be quite hard to remember all of them- let alone, use them correctly. 

“I’m looking to remodel my house. No, wait. Or, maybe I meant renovate?” Redecorate, renovate, and remodel are commonly confused in the interior design vocabulary. Although they all sound the same, their definitions are quite different. Today, I will be explaining the difference between all three “re’s” and why it’s so important that you use each one correctly. 

The Imaginary Pyramid

Similar to a pyramid, redecorating, renovating, and remodeling are all at different levels when it comes to home updates. Redecorating is at the lowest level while remodeling is at the highest. Redecorating is often the least expensive, the least drastic, and the least time-consuming. Remodeling (unsurprisingly) is the exact opposite. It’s often the most expensive, drastic, and time-consuming. Renovating simply sits somewhere in between redecorating and remodeling. Anytime you start to get them confused, just think of a pyramid. Remodeling is at the top, renovating is in the middle, and redecorating is at the very bottom.

A Deeper Dive into the Interior Design Vocabulary- Redecorate, Renovate, and Remodel

Redecorate

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Redecorating, being at the lowest level of our imaginary pyramid, is often a continuous procedure. In fact, you probably do it almost weekly without even realizing it. Painting walls, adding window treatments, changing furniture, or adding new throw pillows all can be classified as redecorating. Redecorating can be a fun, playful way to freshen your space. It’s almost always done without the use of a redecorator or contractor. It involves fewer life-changing decisions, and everything that you redecorate can often be reversed back to its original state or changed over again. If you dislike large, life-changing decisions, then redecorating would probably be the least stressful option for you to pursue. 

Renovate

*Photo credit goes to Happy Haute Home and Serena Joyce

Renovating sits in between redecorating and remodeling. It’s often a bit pricier than redecorating, but not quite as expensive as a full remodel. Restoring/replacing tiles, changing out bathroom vanities, or getting new counters all would be classified as renovation projects. Renovating can be done by a contractor, or you can DIY if you feel comfortable enough with your handy skills. It’s often a bit more permanent than redecorating but can still be removed if you decide to change things later. This makes renovating a perfect choice if you want something more drastic than some new throw pillows but you don’t want to tear down the walls. 

Remodeling

*photo credit goes to Tania | Run to Radiance

Sitting way at the top of the imaginary pyramid is remodeling. Remodeling is the highest you can go without a whole new build. It (most of the time) involves you moving out of your home temporarily while your home is being surgically changed by the experts. In a remodel, walls are taken down, floors are stripped to the subfloor level (or lower), rooms are changed… basically, your entire house is unrecognizable by the end of a remodel. It can be an emotional, expensive, and exhausting procedure. But, anybody who’s remodeled their home will tell you it’s worth it in the end. The results are often mind-blowing, exciting, and life-changing for you and your family. 

So… Which Do I Pick For My Home?

There are three main considerations to think about when you’re looking at redecorating, renovating or remodeling your home. 

Budget

The first is budget. How much (realistically) can you dump into changing your home? How much are you willing to put into changing your home? Fifty dollars? Five-thousand dollars? Two-hundred thousand dollars? Changing anything in your home comes with a price, and it’s certainly not a cheap one. Even if you’re just looking to redecorate, it can still be an expensive event. Before you decide to redecorate, renovate, or remodel, consider the following: how badly do you need this change? How much do you want this change? And, lastly, what’s the max that you’re willing to spend on this change?

Time

Another huge factor to consider when redecorating, renovating, or remodeling is how much time you have. Depending on which level you choose (redcorate, renovate, or remodel), they all take time and patience. Redecorating (because it’s often without professionals) can take quite a while to complete. After doing the research, deciding, shopping, and DIY-ing, it can take up to a few weeks to completely redecorate a room. Renovating can also take quite a lot of time if you choose to DIY. Along with the deciding and shopping, you’re also choosing to do the physical labor of the project. Changing tiles, installing new countertops, and changing out bathroom vanities are not one-hour ordeals. Remodeling (believe it or not) often takes the same amount of time (or a little less) than renovation. Remodels aren’t commonly DIY procedures (unless you have a builder’s license or you’re an architect for a living), so you’re not really doing any of the physical labor. That step is given to the experts. However, you do still have to take the time to decide, oversee, and move the stuff out of a room/home before a remodel can occur. 

I want you to really be honest with yourself on this one. If you don’t think you have enough time, then don’t attempt to DIY. Hire professionals who do it for a living. Nothing would be more devastating than half-finishing a project only to find out that you don’t have the time (or energy) to complete it. 

State of Your Home

The last consideration is why you want to change your home and what you want to change in your home. If you’re tired of the decor and think it needs a little update, then redecorating is probably the best option for you. If you like the layout (or don’t mind it) but dislike the outdated kitchen cabinets and counters, then a kitchen renovation is the route you’ll want to go. And, lastly, if you love the location of your home but the home’s layout doesn’t fit your lifestyle, then a remodel is what you should be considering. My best advice for picking between redecorating, renovating, or remodeling your home is to pick whatever works for you and your family only. It’s okay to listen to other people’s thoughts and concerns on the matter, but don’t let those thoughts and concerns be the final reason why you change something. At the end of the day, it’s your money, your home, and your decision. Nothing has the potential to bring more home regret than changing things simply because somebody else told you to. 

Conclusion

Next time you go to use “redecorate,” “renovate,” or “remodel, just remember the pyramid. Remodeling is at the top and it works down to redecorating at the bottom. Whether you’re looking to change your space up a bit or simply looking to expand your interior design vocabulary, I hope you now can use “redecorate,” “renovate,” and “remodel” with more knowledge and ease. After all, you wouldn’t want to confuse a contractor by saying you want a remodel when you only want a renovation. That could be a disaster waiting to happen. The more you know about the process and the terms, the better you’ll be at making your own decisions for your home’s future. You’re the one wanting the change, and you’re the one who should take full responsibility for knowing what that change will look like. Learning interior design vocabulary is a great way to get started. Alright, are you ready to tackle redecorating, renovating, and remodeling your space? Let’s go!