Renovating your home can feel exciting but also overwhelming. From planning the layout to selecting finishes, every decision impacts how your home will look and function for years to come. Interior designer Brian Gluckstein recently answered some of the most common renovation questions, offering professional renovation advice to help you feel confident in your choices. Whether you’re tackling a single room or a full home refresh, his insights will guide you toward a space that’s both timeless and personal.
Be sure to follow @glucksteinhome on Instagram to submit your questions for our next Ask Me Anything with Brian.
Renovation Planning Advice
What’s the most common oversight homeowners make when renovating?
Not finalizing selections before the work begins. Every item—from lighting fixtures to bathroom vanities—should be chosen and ordered before the project starts. This avoids frustrating delays with trades or lead times and ensures the process runs smoothly.
What rooms are best to renovate when selling your home?
Kitchens and bathrooms provide the most return on investment. Buyers will often accept cosmetic updates elsewhere, but major renovations in these two rooms are projects most prefer to avoid.
Which tasks are worth doing yourself and which should be left to professionals?
Anything technical, like electrical or plumbing, should always be left to experts. Kitchens and bathrooms in particular are best handled by professionals. Painting or wallpaper installation can be a DIY project if you’re comfortable, but larger renovations demand trained trades.
How can I incorporate trends without dating my renovation?
I suggest weaving in trends through elements that are easier to update, such as drapery panels, wallpaper, lighting, or accent colours. Keep foundational pieces like flooring, cabinetry, or vanities more classic to ensure your home feels fresh but not fleeting.
Layout and Flow
Are open-concept floor plans still popular?
Open layouts remain desirable, but there’s a shift toward more defined spaces. It really depends on your lifestyle. Families who love entertaining may enjoy openness, while others prefer separation for quieter, more functional living. Think about how you live and what makes sense for you.
How can I create a sense of flow from room to room?
Use colour and materials to connect spaces. A consistent paint palette throughout the home establishes continuity, while rugs and drapery in complementary tones carry the eye from one room to the next. Accent walls or patterns can vary, but a unified base keeps everything harmonious.
What’s the best starting point for a bedroom renovation?
Always begin with the layout—decide where the bed will go and size the furniture accordingly. Once the practical plan is set, consider whether you want a relaxed or formal feel. Layering in lighting, drapery, and area rugs will help bring the design together.
Finishes and Fixtures
Is textured wallpaper back in style?
Yes. Textured-look wallpaper adds warmth and character, whether natural or vinyl. It’s especially striking in dining rooms, entryways, or feature walls where you want to make a statement without overpowering the space.
What do you recommend for basement flooring?
Luxury vinyl or porcelain wood-look flooring are both excellent options. They’re durable, moisture-resistant, and comfortable underfoot. Add layered area rugs to bring warmth and coziness into what can often feel like a cooler space.
Should I choose a neutral or bold area rug?
It depends on your comfort level with colour. If you’re drawn to bold design, a vibrant rug can anchor the space beautifully. For more flexibility, stick with a neutral base and bring in colour through accents, drapery, or wall paint.
What’s the right approach to bathroom finishes in a renovation?
Focus on the vanity, mirror, and lighting, since they define both the look and functionality of the bathroom. Updating these pieces can transform the space even without a full renovation. Choose fixtures that balance timeless style with your personal taste.
Renovating your home is about more than updating finishes—it’s about creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and stand the test of time. With interior designer Brian Gluckstein’s renovation advice, from planning layouts to choosing lighting, wallpaper, vanities, and rugs, you’ll be equipped to make thoughtful decisions that balance practicality and design. The right preparation and selections ensure your renovation will feel rewarding for years to come.
Photography by Angus Fergusson
