I'm a Serial Redecorator—Everything You Should Consider Before Beginning a Renovation.

      Max Hurd serves as the Editor in Residence for Who What Wear UK and is an art director based in London, known for his role as a tastemaker, interior stylist, and creative consultant. He collaborates and provides advice to top luxury brands, including Manolo Blahnik, Farfetch, Asprey, Cartier, H&M, and Patrón Tequila. His vibrant aesthetic, which he likens to "Oscar Wilde meets Marie-Antoinette by way of a Brazilian bordello," allows him to curate, write, and produce work in the fields of interiors and culture.

      Beginning any project can be challenging. For example, writing often feels like gazing into emptiness when confronted with a blank page. Frequently, countless possibilities vanish before they can even be realized. I've noticed how much I can accomplish in a single day just to avoid the daunting blank page. Procrastination has somehow become a way to motivate myself to finish other delayed tasks. It only takes opening a Word document for me to find myself sidetracked and folding laundry from last week.

      The same sentiment applies to decorating. The mere thought of initiating a renovation, regardless of its scale, can be so overwhelming that temporary solutions like a "temporary" sofa or "just for now" blinds tend to linger far longer than intended. Before long, what was meant to be temporary turns into a permanent fixture.

      This isn't to suggest that you should rush the decorating process. In fact, I would advocate for taking your time. Quick decisions usually lead to costly regrets. However, you shouldn't let the fear of making a mistake prevent you from creating a special living space. So, where does one start?

      ### How to Renovate Like a Pro, According to an Interiors Expert

      1. **Sharing Is Caring**

      First, get excited! Whether you're planning an extensive overhaul or a simple paint refresh, transform fear into fun. If possible, involve some trusted advisors. This doesn’t need to be a formal arrangement; simply chat with friends and share ideas with those whose taste you respect. Get proactive and even establish a WhatsApp group with like-minded acquaintances to exchange renovation ideas, whether they are practical or wildly unrealistic.

      I have a group chat titled Reno & Brunch Divas (I know, I know—there are limits to a creative's creativity) where two friends and I freely exchange increasingly outrageous decor schemes. Some of them will thankfully never be realized, but certain ideas have and others are on the way. The accountability of sharing your ideas with others, who will either support or critique them, is incredibly valuable.

      2. **Send Yourself a Save the Date**

      Set a deadline for yourself, a specific date by which your project needs to be completed. However, this cannot just be a random date; there should be a meaningful reason behind it. For example, I needed to prepare my house for a magazine photoshoot, which made it a frantic race to ensure everything was ready.

      That was a very specific motivator, but perhaps you’re planning a family gathering one weekend? Is your birthday approaching? Or are you hosting friends for a housewarming? Just like the WhatsApp group keeps you accountable, having a deadline compels you to avoid procrastination. The good news is that once you start, you'll have a finish line to work towards. So, find a reason and start planning.

      3. **Invest in the Best or You’ll Never Rest**

      Now, let’s cover the practical aspects. Firstly, be prepared for the financial impact. If you are undertaking a significant renovation, it's crucial to get it right the first time, and that often means spending money. Taking shortcuts might allow you to finish sooner, but it just leads to needing to rectify issues later.

      I often remind friends, clients, and myself (especially at night when I’m stressing over my expenses) that for most people, their home represents their largest asset. And like any asset, it requires proper care to grow. Investing money from your bank into your home's structure adds value to the property, similar to placing savings into an investment fund. While the initial quote may seem daunting, you are not merely spending; you are investing. Plus, in this case, you can actually enjoy the results of your investment. (I can picture my accountant cringing as he reads this.) Once you have set your budget—and I recommend entering any project with a specific number in mind—add an additional 10%. Then the fun can truly begin.

      4. **Map It Out (and Don’t Be Sample-Shy!)**

      One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, "How do I decorate with color?" My answer is always the same: Be bold with your samples. Small, perfectly painted squares fail to provide a true representation of how the room will appear once completed, so go for larger samples and live with them for at least a week. Pay attention to how the light impacts the color throughout