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Text: Alpana Gupta, Partner at Vijay Gupta Architects

While greenfield projects offer designers the freedom to innovate without constraints, refurbishment projects require us to think outside the box, and study functionality and optimization of space and resources to address the restrictions of bylaws, budgets, and timelines. In order to feel welcoming, a space at its core should be a reflection of its users. Homes serve as sanctuaries, and their spatial layout, furnishings, and even color palettes should invoke a sense of familiarity and comfort for their users.

For instance, there has recently been a rise in the demand for flexible layouts for homes with the proliferation of remote work culture – spaces that balance work efficiency and relaxation are being prioritized. Such changing demands mean that refurbishments are an integral part of a building’s life cycle, ensuring the economic efficiency and longevity of a structure.

• Budgeting and planning

Planning helps one to visualize the available space, optimizing functionality and aesthetics in the redesign exercise. Starting with a small-scale drawing is an effective tool to do this, and helps keep track of space, existing fixtures (electric/plumbing/AC points), and the Vaastu layout. Hence, any constraints a structure may present can be worked around.

An efficient plan can help determine the most cost-effective solutions for a renovation project. By estimating the major tasks, work can be carried out in phases, with major requirements taken care of first. While planning, one can also think about the energy consumption of a space by evaluating existing fixtures, and ensuring they are running smoothly.

In the long run, such measures save on running costs. One should be mindful of existing furnishings and appliances while renovating. Such a project is often thought of as an overhaul exercise, but by recycling and upgrading existing furnishings, one can aim to be more cost-effective.

Apart from the major work such as structural changes or renewing fixtures, it’s important to plan for one’s personal interests, hobbies, pets, and even plants. Such gestures make a space feel personable, enhancing the feeling of comfort. Natural light and ventilation are also prerequisites because they make any space feel rejuvenating and positively affect the occupants’ mood. These also contribute to lowering the energy costs in a home.

• Details

Interior design schemes uplift occupants’ moods through material and color palettes. The walls, floor, and heavy furniture act as the base, and should ideally be in neutral tones to complement furnishings and artwork.

Refurbishment projects not only redefine our living spaces based on our present needs; they can also help us evaluate the impact our living spaces have on the environment. Environmentally friendly alternatives such as photovoltaic cells can be installed, or efficient alternatives to existing electric appliances can be considered to lower running costs.

We can be more conscious while reusing waste material or using recycled materials like chipboard where possible. Renovation projects are one of the viable solutions to new construction, which might not be feasible given growing land prices and scarcity of resources. Instead, they allow one the chance to continue to grow in the spaces one is familiar with.