FROM DESIGNER TO CLIENT: WHAT I LEARNED BY RENOVATING MY OWN HOUSE

I have always been on the side of those who design, plan, and execute projects for others. But this time, I had to be the client. Renovating my house in San Luis, Uruguay, was a revealing experience—full of challenges, learning, and moments when I had to remind myself that, although I am a designer, in this process, I was also simply someone trying to make their home a special place. Today, I want to share some important things to consider before starting a home renovation.

1. Theory is one thing, reality is another

In theory, everything follows a logical order: you make a plan, choose materials, coordinate execution, and move forward. But in practice, every project comes with challenges—timelines shift, budgets fluctuate, and decisions demand more attention than expected. Renovating my own house was no exception; each choice gave me firsthand experience of what my clients face, reinforcing just how crucial every detail is in a project. That’s why I always advise taking the time to refine the design stage before jumping into execution. The more you define early on—materials, finishes, and even the smallest details—the fewer surprises (and extra costs) you’ll encounter along the way.

2. Patience is key (and it will always need more than you think)

One of the biggest lessons was accepting that unexpected issues are part of the process. Materials that don’t arrive on time, suppliers canceling at the last minute, or simply realizing that what seemed perfect in your mind needs adjustments in reality. Patience is not only necessary—it’s the secret ingredient to keeping your renovation from becoming a constant source of stress. So, when you’re about to start your renovation, we advise you to arm yourself with patience, keep an open mind, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to improve the final result.

3. Landscaping: an extension of the home

We didn’t just focus on the interior— we also worked on the landscaping, designing an outdoor space that feels like a true extension of the home. We carefully selected plants that thrive in the coastal climate of the Uruguayan Costa de Oro, including aloes, dietes, gauras, phormiums, pennisetums, and agapanthus, aiming for a balance between beauty and low maintenance. Designing a garden from scratch deepened our appreciation for the role of green spaces in architecture, while also being an incredibly rewarding experience. That’s why I highly recommend doing it as a family—it turns the process into something both meaningful and enjoyable.

4. Investing in quality is always worth it

Sometimes, the temptation to cut costs in certain areas is strong, but if there’s one thing this process reaffirmed, it’s that quality always pays off in the long run. For our beach house, we chose durable materials resistant to salt and coastal humidity, ensured well-executed finishes, and paid attention to small details that, in the end, made all the difference. When making decisions for your space, consider quality as a long-term investment. Thoughtful choices today will save you time, effort, and unexpected costs down the road.

5. Functionality First: A Beautiful Home Must Work for You

A well-designed home isn’t just about aesthetics—it has to support your daily life. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of planning for functionality from the start. Smart storage, durable materials, and a layout that suits your routines make all the difference in how comfortable and enjoyable a space feels. Before making design decisions, think about how you’ll use each space every day. Prioritizing functionality will ensure your home is not only beautiful but also practical and easy to live in.

Why Leaving It to a Professional Makes All the Difference

Renovating or designing a home is more than just picking finishes and furniture—it’s about translating a vision into reality while balancing countless moving parts. A trained professional doesn’t just read the client’s needs; they coordinate teams, anticipate challenges, and handle the inevitable stress so the client doesn’t have to. The true value of hiring an expert is not just in the execution, but in the ability to create a space that feels effortless—where design, functionality, and mood come together in perfect harmony. A well-designed home should feel natural, cohesive, and uniquely yours. And achieving that requires not just taste, but experience, strategy, and expertise.

 

ESTEFANI BATISTA

Partner – Interior Designer

(+34) 637 493 356
(+34) 951 925 155

estefani@pueblorico.com

Centro Comercial Guadalmina IV, Local 92, primera planta.
29670, Guadalmina Alta, Marbella.

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