Time, Renovations And Planning

Renovating Holly’s bathroom was one of those big visions that popped into my head earlier this year. It’s been an adventure, and I’m happy to share where we’re at. In this episode, I talk about the details, the hiccups, and the lessons that sneak up on you when you tackle a renovation.

This idea started as a small visualisation. Holly and I both pictured a brighter, friendlier bathroom that would energise her home. We looked at tiles, paint colours, and practical fixes. But we also discovered how many things can go in unexpected directions, like finding the right plumber or realising that a simple tap replacement sometimes needs a bit of rewiring in the walls.

Why Visualisation Matters

When we first talked about upgrading the bathroom, it didn’t come from a detailed plan or an expensive design chart. It was more like, “What if we could wave a wand and make this place sparkle?” That question led us to imagine a cosy space that felt more in tune with Holly’s style.

Visualisation gives you a rough idea of the end goal, which helps keep you motivated. You don’t have to be perfect at it. Just make space in your mind for new possibilities. It’s been a handy technique in other areas of my life too, because it creates a sense of direction, especially on those days when I’m thinking, “Why did I decide to take on a bathroom renovation?”

Picking the Right Features

There are so many choices out there. Tiles, sinks, taps, shower heads, lighting—and that can be overwhelming. We kept it simple. We wrote a list of features that were essential, like better water pressure for Holly’s shower and a vanity with extra storage for all her bathroom essentials. This was our game plan:

• Focus on what solves the biggest frustrations first (like leaky pipes).
• Choose colours that feel calm and welcoming, not too flashy.
• Prioritise good lighting over fancy gadgets.

We also left a bit of wiggle room for unexpected delights. If we spotted something unique, like a patterned tile that fit the budget, we threw it in. Our biggest discovery was that the bathroom doesn’t need loads of bells and whistles. It just needs to feel like a space that makes you smile in the morning.

“One of the biggest lessons from this project was recognising the power of a clear plan—things move faster when you know your must-haves before you start.”

Overcoming the Unexpected

While our visualisation got us started, reality can throw a few curveballs. We found that some pipes were older than we thought. The bathroom floor needed reinforcing. Scheduling the right people at the right time was tough. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when each day seems to add more to the to-do list.

I had to remind myself that hiccups don’t mean failure. They’re just part of the journey. Gathering quotes from multiple tradespeople helped us pick someone we trusted to do the core plumbing. Staying flexible took stress off our shoulders. If the first plan didn’t work, we tried another. Once we embraced that perspective, we stopped seeing it as a crisis every time we discovered another challenge.

Celebrating Progress

With renovations, it’s tempting to wait for the entire project to finish before celebrating. I found it healthier to notice the small wins. When a fresh coat of paint went up in a single day, we paused and admired it. When a new tap finally arrived and worked perfectly, we did a tiny happy dance. If you only focus on the end goal, the dusty middle part feels endless.

So we made progress updates part of the fun. We took photos at each stage, shared them with friends, and used them as a reminder of what we’d already achieved. Sure, we’re not done, but each step has taught us something new—and kept us excited about the next phase.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a clear vision, no matter how simple.
• Write down the essentials and stick to them.
• Stay flexible because unexpected stuff will pop up.
• Celebrate small wins to keep energy levels high.
• Trust your instincts, they often guide you well.

If you want the whole story, the podcast player is at the top of the page. I share more tips and behind-the-scenes details in the full episode. Give it a listen and let me know if you’ve been through a renovation too. It’s always helpful to hear other people’s experiences. Happy renovating!