How to

It’s easy to fall back on clichéd ideas when decorating for Xmas. Steer away from Santa, his reindeer and faux snow, and get inspired with our handy hacks Clever Christmas hacks that will inspire your festive decorating We are officially into the countdown to Christmas. Avoid getting frazzled by preparing some small decorations that will […]

Bathrooms are increasingly becoming a living space for personal pampering. Get inspired with our tips for creating your own special retreat at home How to transform your bathroom into a personal sanctuary We’ve all seen those real estate ads for homes that have garden spaces with pools and areas for lounging that deliver a “resort-like” experience […]

Miranda Brooks has redefined garden design with her rambling, romantic style. See her unique vision come to life in Anna Wintour’s garden and find out how you can achieve this look at home. Get to know world-renowned landscape designer Miranda Brooks It seems a bit strange to pay a lot of money to have a garden designed so that […]

Go green this spring with these eco-friendly solutions that don’t involve expensive cleaning products and are kind to the environment Using green alternatives Achieving a sparkling home in time for summer doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket or the environment. There are many tried and tested, eco-friendly solutions to tricky cleaning problems and […]

From organisation to budget to design, interior designer Alex Fulton dishes up some expert advice on how to make your new-build feel like home Hi Alex, We moved into our ‘off-the-plan’ spec home about three months ago. To put it plainly, we are stuck! We have all our old furniture, we are too scared to […]

Interior designer Alex Fulton dishes up some expert advice on how to inject character in your home during the building stage Hi Alex,  My husband and I are building our first home which is very exciting. But after living in old houses, we are a little scared by the prospect of ‘new’. Old means full […]

Check out Homes to Love’s list of easy jobs that will give your garden an instant boost and make it barbecue-ready, just in time for summer  How to give your garden an instant boost for summer We’ve made it through a long, tough winter and although daylight saving, spring blossom and the acid-green lace of […]

Garden designer Angela Arrowsmith shares some eco-friendly time-saving tips and explains why a good landscaper will save you money 1. Go professional Landscape design requires lateral thinking and years of experience so employing a talented designer will pay off in the end. It might mean paying more in the beginning but will end up saving […]

A long weekend is the perfect opportunity to flex your creative muscles! Check out our top 8 ideas for getting stuck into some seriously cool DIY projects this long weekend  1 Make a statement in the bedroom Bored of your headboard? Check out these creative takes on bedheads from on-trend geometrics to a pair of […]

The icing on your decor cake… cushions are your design secret weapon. Here’s how to use them to full effect in your home!  The ultimate guide to buying cushions  One of the cheapest and most effective ways to give your living room a quick update is to simply change your cushions. You will be amazed […]

This step-by-step guide covers the basics for cleaning tiles – for surfaces that sparkle! Step 1 Give the floor a good vacuum to remove any surface dirt, dust or hair. Step 2 Mop the tiled surface with a solution of warm water and vinegar (half a cup of vinegar to three litres of water). Avoid […]

Storage is a key part of any well-functioning home, and a shelving unit can be both beautiful and useful without costing the earth. Here’s how… Tools you will need  Hand saw; Ruler; Pencil; Sandpaper; Paintbrush (for varnish). This project uses a shelving unit from Bunnings (pictured below) as the basis for this shelf. How to build a storage shelf […]

Managing costs during a project can be tricky, especially when you get the professionals in. Here are Geoff Dawson’s top tips for saving money Do Your Research If you’re looking to renovate without the huge price tag, make sure the first thing you do is your research. Instead of just going ahead with the first […]

Blowing the reno budget is never fun. Follow this handy savings guide and find out what you can scrimp on and what you should splurge on How to save money on a renovation Coming in under budget on a renovation is everyone’s dream. The reality, though, is often very different, even when you’ve done what […]

With the trend for linen bedding ever-growing, Homes to Love NZ looks at how to care for linen bedding for years and years of wear How to wash and care for linen bedding -It’s a good idea to spot clean any marks or stains on the linen before it goes into the washing machine. Use bar […]

Those trusty curtains hang around all year doing their job, but sometimes they need some love. Homes to Love NZ chatted to curtain specialists Harvey Furnishings to uncover some top tips for cleaning curtains What’s a simple step I can take to maintain my curtains? Gently vacuuming them with a brush attachment to prevent dust build-up is […]

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A step-by-step guide for removing grime and dirt from grout between tiled surfaces How to clean grout 1 Give the area a good clean Clean the area with a scrubbing brush and a mild cleaning solution (such as dishwashing liquid) mixed with warm water. Dip a nylon scrubbing brush in warm soapy water and scrub […]

Raines Homeware managing director Geoff Topham dishes the latest on dinnerware trends and discusses how to take the stress out of choosing the perfect china The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect dinner set Ever wondered how to choose the perfect dinner set that will suit every occasion? Us too! Raines Homeware managing director Geoff Topham is […]

Ensure precious art gets the best spot on your wall with our guide to hanging, framing and displaying art, with professional advice from The Hang Man expert Matthew Adams  Hanging, framing & displaying Purchasing artwork is only part of the process – deciding where and how the piece will be hung are the next steps. […]

Would you love to splurge on one amazing artwork, or even start collecting? We ask the experts how to choose art, and point you to some cool curated collections and websites to get you started How to collect art Finding a starting point and determining what is right for your home is the first step […]

Texture is an important element of interior design that is often forgotten. Your Home and Garden magazine teamed up with two homeowners to show how you can create a chic, cosy interior using layers of lovely texture Simon and Jude Woodward have spent the past two years respectfully renovating a rundown 1885 worker’s cottage in […]

Combining fashion with function to create a family-friendly space can be a challenge. Here are some creative ways to adapt your home so your children have places for play and exploration that you can enjoy, too 1 Embrace the silly Life is too short to be serious, so consider adding some silly elements to the home […]

It’s hard not to let the winter blues creep in sometimes. Here at Homes to Love we like to use that extra time indoors hiding from the cold to work on creative DIY projects or potting a new indoor plant. Here are 10 reasons to love winter…. 1 Do some DIY Being stuck indoors is the ideal tie to try out some […]

This clever DIY project combines storage, a building platform and – when the masterpiece is complete – a display area, all in one Tools you will need: Measuring tape; pencil; handsaw; square; hammer; drill; sandpaper; paint brush; drop sheet; screwdriver. How to Buy a piece of 1800 x 600 x 18mm dressed pine. Cut out 2 […]

If you are looking to add some creative flair to your dining table then this simple and effective DIY setting could be just the answer

Superstar florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist shows you just how good green can be with this lush arrangement.  This gorgeous, long-lasting alternative to flowers is perfect for parties, weddings – and of course, your home You will need  Wire hanging basket, spray painted matte white Florist oasis (floral foam) A water tight container Floral […]

Texture is an important element of interior design that is often forgotten. YH&G teamed up with two homeowners to show how you can create a chic, cosy interior using layers of lovely texture Simon and Jude Woodward have spent the past two years respectfully renovating a rundown 1885 worker’s cottage in Hobsonville. The now-gorgeous home […]

Find out how to recreate this carefree, colourful – but not overpowering – child’s play corner with these painting and decorating tips and tricks. With children’s favourite games, toys and craft materials at hand in easily accessible storage, let the fun begin! How to create a fun and stimulating playroom A playroom or play area is just […]

Getting your home ready for winter may sound expensive, but it’s likely to be cheaper than losing heat from your home when the cold sets in. Making your home warm, dry and energy efficient is worth its weight in gold. Here are our suggestions… 1 Insulate Before you consider what type of heating your home […]

Don’t waste your time buying bulbs that don’t suit your light fitting or are the wrong type of brightness. Let us show you how to get it right How bright is your bulb? To get a clear indication of how bright your bulb is, check the lumens (LM) rating on the package. This indicates brightness. Wattage measures […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, demonstrates how to make your own terrarium in a glass vase. She makes it look easy! How to create a terrarium You will need: Vase (any household vase will work) Pumice Cacti and succulent potting mix Plants – you can use any baby house plants or cacti (Eden used […]

Interior design expert Jacinta Preston reveals how to choose the right architect for your project and how to convey to them what you want by creating a brief All design projects are essentially about research and planning. Briefing and working with an architect is no different. Most architectural projects respond immediately to existing problems and […]

We’ve found some of the pieces that Niki and Tiff featured in their living room this week on The Block NZ to help you create a similar look [related_articles post1=”48310″ post2=”48316″] [bjd-responsive-iframe src=”//players.brightcove.net/761709621001/797ed626-7410-4a4d-9162-66574fcd0979_default/index.html?videoId=4919523099001″] The Block NZ: Girls v Boys screens Sundays at 7pm and Monday – Wednesday, 7.30pm on TV3.

Stylist Sam Smith shows you four clever ways to re-purpose baskets to add a chic, rustic edge to any room How to make a dip-dyed planter Using masking tape, tape around the centre of the basket where you want the paint to finish. Paint the bottom half of the basket. Once dry, carefully remove tape. […]

Homes to Love caught up with Dawn Bannister of As Eliza Slept to find out how she made the super cool day bed in her daughter Eliza’s room Dawn, who designed the day bed? I sketched a rough concept then we researched plans via the internet. Who actually made the day bed? It was made […]

Homes to Love caught up with interior designer Vic Bibby from Bibby + Brady for her top tips for buying the right size rug for a space  Vic, why is rug size so important? A rug helps to define a space (especially useful in open plan living) and unifies your furniture. It should also be beautiful and enhance […]

Adding another level to a home requires some heavy-duty renovations. Here’s how to add a another level to your home the right way, plus how much it will cost, with expert advice from the professionals Why and how should you ‘pop the top’ and add another level to a house? There are at least four […]

Save on artwork for your home and make your own with images that are dear to your heart. Your treasured photos can be turned into statement pieces with some creative printing ideas How to get the look Gallery wall See below for pricing of Bus Blind, Faux Canvas Prints and Hanging Clip Boards. Ply Board – […]

Look beyond tradition; there are no rules when it comes to how you serve food at your wedding Change the time If you’d rather not serve dinner, opt for lunch, afternoon tea or a breakfast reception. Breakfast will cut out a huge expense for alcohol and will allow you to serve something different from the […]

It’s time to get cosy! We’ve rounded up 10 ways to get your bed winter-ready 1. Layer it up! Adding layers is the easiest way to create warmth, and achieve a great-looking bed at the same time. Add a throw to the end, fold a nice quilt halfway, or add a waffle-weave blanket on top […]

Consider this your wintery planting guide! Here’s what to harvest, plant and sow in the garden during the month of May What to harvest in the garden in May – Some macadamia nut varieties will be ready to harvest now. Pick them up every second day if possible to avoid fungal disease, then dehusk and dry immediately. […]

 Wrap up your flowers in style with this sweet how-to video by Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, for the prettiest posy in town You will need Cineraria Twingo Anthurium Fiesta roses Solidago (Goldenrod) Queen Anne’s Lace How to create a pretty posy Start with cineraria, add Solidago, then Fiesta roses, spiraling as you go. Next incorporate […]

Well-travelled steamer trunks, bird’s nests and vintage biscuit tins set the scene for a birthday bash fit for an explorer. Tummies and hearts will be full after this grand, old-fashioned adventure Childhood is a time for exploring, collecting flotsam and jetsam, making bush huts, mixing whimsical concoctions and, in short, having adventures. This party, created for […]

Every super-awesome kid deserves a super-awesome bedroom – but it has to be easy on the pocket as well as on the eye. Try this Batman-themed cave on for size Most kids go through a phase of wanting a totally themed bedroom. Whether it’s their most-revered superhero or a cartoon character from their favourite TV […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, demonstrates how to arrange flowers in a medium vase. She makes it look easy! You will need -A medium vase -Water -Scissors or secateurs -Viburnum -Hydrangeas -Roses -Dahlias -Eucalyptus How to arrange flowers in a medium vase Start with the viburnum to create the base for the rest […]

Creative mums Lisa Courtney and Alanna Haysmith created this ‘Head in the Clouds’ themed birthday party for a 10 year old. Here’s how they did it… Lisa created this ‘Head in the Clouds’ setting for partygoers to play in, as well as setting up some activities to keep them busy. The party decoration details The cloud […]

Try these four projects with plywood – a lovely warm material that has become an essential home trend 1.How to make a plant hanger Buy your pots (ones with a band or lip are best). On the plywood, draw 3 squares with a circle in each the circumference of the pot at the point where […]

Whether you’re after a dramatic effect or a soft and subtle glow, clever use of lighting can take your garden to the next level. Not sure where to begin? Let our 10-point checklist be your guiding light 1 Where to start Most outdoor lighting is 12 volt, which means you’ll need a transformer to connect it […]

When arranging flowers, using a small vase (or even a jam jar or water glass) is the way to go. The key is to create loose, interesting arrangements that have depth and height. Watch how florist Eden Hessell arranges flowers in a short vase with a relaxed Country-style  You will need 5 campanella roses 6 […]

Mould growing on curtains is a common problem in damp homes. We chat to curtain specialists Harvey Furnishings about how to prevent mould growing in the first place and how to protect and clean soft furnishings How to prevent mouldy curtains Why does mould appear in the first place? Mould grows in damp areas where there […]

A good tradie is an invaluable renovation resource as they’ll save you time and money in the long-run with their building expertise. It’s imperative to set aside some time before the renovation starts to source a good tradie. Here’s how… First things first Ask around. If you can’t find a referral through your network, ask a reputable […]

Make the laundry work a little bit harder with ingenious ideas for storage, layout, sorting and storing Top tips for a hard-working laundry Wherever you have your washing machine and dryer, make sure there is good ventilation and that the dryer doesn’t steam up the whole room. Also take care with the acoustics – install […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to arrange long-stemmed flowers in a tall vase. Here are her tips and tricks for mastering this look How to get the look You will need: 4 x stems hydrangea greenery 2 x king protea 5 x hydrangea 6 x birch stems 4 x Japanese anemone 4 x Monstera leaf […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for hydrangeas. Browse our gallery of hot hydrangea ideas while you’re at it! Q&A with Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist Eden, when are hydrangeas in season/available? You will find them from December through to March. What colours are they available […]

If you’ve ever attempted to assemble a piece of flat pack furniture then you’ll be familiar with that creeping sense of frustration, sweat forming on the brow and a general compulsion to yell at your partner. Here’s how to stay sane while assembling flat pack furniture, from the experts at Mocka. What’s the first thing […]

Spin a fine yarn with these four projects using tried-and-trusty yarn, reinterpreted for today 1. Wall hanging Cut yarn into 2-metre lengths. Fold the yarn in half and loop onto a metal ring by passing the free ends through the looped end. Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of yarn. Trim the […]

This bouquet of white roses wrapped in yesterday’s paper makes for a simple statement of love that’s easy on the wallet You will need An affordable bunch of roses or other flowers such as daisies or carnations A newspaper – opt for pages with print rather than pictures. You could also go the extra mile […]

A tired old house has been transported into the 21st century by opening up the living area and giving the interior a clean monochromatic sweep A dated Dunedin home gets a monochromatic makeover Who lives here? Victoria Bithell (owner of makeandco.co.nz and assistant at MintSix), Stephen Bithell (builder) and son, Harrison Where is it? Kaikorai, […]

It’s the one appliance that’s always working hard to keep food fresh and is often subject to spills, stains and sticky fingers. A clean fridge is a happy one, so here’s how to give it a deep and satisfying clean How to deep clean your fridge 1. Turn the power off at the wall. 2. Remove food […]

For a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gesture on a budget, we suggest a picnic basket filled with some simple favourites, and prepared with love You will need A basket A tea towel or piece of fabric A flower – any stem will do Milk Homemade cookies. Try ones of these recipes for Butter Choc Chip cookies, White and […]

Versatile washi tape adds creative colour to anything it touches. Here are four easy projects to try How to get the look Washi tape from etsy.com; cake stand from Redcurrent; cupcakes from Petal; elephant ornament from Allium; vase, necklace, flowers and lollies stylist’s own. Wall painted in Resene ‘Vanilla Ice’. Buy your washi tape and cardboard […]

This gorgeous scheme for a girl’s room allows plenty of scope for growth This room cleverly combines soft pink with a wall of metallic gold stripes to create a girl’s haven that can grow with her. Rather than opting for an overwhelmingly pink theme – which has a limited life span – soft dusty pinks […]

Clutter out of control? Get to know our top multi-tasking products, plus read up on helpful home-organising tips Ladders Ladders are a clever design tool – a creative display solution that looks contemporary and saves space. Modern designs, with moveable lightweight frames, add style and dimension to dark and unused corners. Use them to hang […]

Nothing says summer like a beautiful floral crown. Perfect for party attire, weddings or a festival, a floral crown is pretty and whimsical. Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to make one You will need Floral wire Floral tape Wire cutters Greenery such as ruscus Milano and ivy Flowers of your choice How to […]

This week Homes to Love caught up with award-winning florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for dahlias When are dahlias in season/available? January through to March. It depends on climate and availability. What colours are they available in? You name it, dahlias come in that colour. There are so many vibrant shades […]

Copper adds a warm glow to any interior. Try these four projects using copper paint by stylist Catherine Wilkinson to get the look at your place. Project 1 / Copper-dipped chair legs Project 2 / Painted ceramics Project 3 / Polka dot table linen Project 4 / Personalised candles Projects by: Catherine Wilkinson. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for hydrangeas When are hydrangeas in season/available?  You will find them from December through to March. What colours are they available in? Whites, mauves, all shades of pinks and antique varieties which appear later in the season. Should stems […]

We asked three creatives with different signature styles to theme rooms in their favourite colour combos Resene ‘Kermadec Green’ fetures on the wall. Alex Walls, winner of The Block NZ 2014 and stylist Alex, what was the inspiration for your colour story? Recently I have been drawn to moody colour palettes that have a rich […]

Cushions are an easy and cost-effective way to add an instant update to your interior. We’ve rounded up some top expert tips for styling with cushions Vanessa Nouwens, stylist How many cushions do I need for my couch? The number of cushions for your couch really depends on your style and preference. If you like traditional-style […]

Recreate this floral table arrangement with these step-by-step instructions 1. You will need: Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, red decorations, tin cans 2. Cover cardboard tubes and/or tin cans with festive Christmas paper. 3. Cut rounds of oasis to fit inside the cardboard tubes, covering the bottom with plastic to stop water escaping. […]

We’ve got four easy Christmas craft ideas using glitter, dreamed up by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Get the look Plastic baubles and glitter from Spotlight; Motex label maker and tape from Tea Pea; gold cube from Shut The Front Door; candle and jar from Look Sharp; all other props, stylist’s own. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Fed up with fake Christmas decorations? These botanical alternatives create a natural, organic look while filling the air with the most delicious scent Created by: Catherine Wilkinson Photos by: Wendy Fenwick

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with these easy ideas for washi tape Custom gift tags Keep costs down this Christmas by making your own gift tags. Using washi tape, make your own designs on plain white gift tags. Be as creative as possible and have some fun. Get the kids in on the […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out how to make a fresh green wreath What greenery have you used for this wreath? I’ve used Holly, eucalyptus, protea leaves, moss, scabiosa, and poppy heads. What equipment do I need? – Oasis (wet floral foam) wreath – Greenery and flowers […]

Forgo a traditional pine or artificial Christmas tree for these creative alternatives Getting twiggy with it Arrange twisted willow (or similar) in a large jar. Twist battery-operated seed lights around branches. Thread on dried or fresh flowers (we used ‘Chinese Snowball’ viburnum). Add decorations. Get the look: White stool, $85, from Flotsam & Jetsam; hanging […]

Get your outside areas in tip top shape with step-by-step tips for tidying up your decking, pavers, brickwork and guttering Now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and take on those irksome jobs around the home and garden that you’ve been ignoring for months. REVIVE TIMBER DECKING IN 6 STEPS 1. Sweep away dust, […]

Follow these step-by-step instructions for this achievable white and silver arrangement                  1. You will need Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, candles, votive and votive candles, silver decorations 2. Cover cardboard tubes in paper of your choice. 3. Cut circles of oasis and cover with […]

Learn the basics for growing and potting orchids at home – you don’t need to be an expert! You’ll need – a pot, orchid bark, a cymbidium orchid, small stake, butterfly clips, pebbles and slow-release orchid food. Step 1 Fill a small pot with orchid bark (which has been sterilised and can be bought at any […]

Try this easy, cost-effective Christmas DIY idea How to – Fill up fillable plastic baubles with star confetti and shake around. – Add more confetti until you are happy with the effect inside. – Mixing two colours together looks great; or use coloured feathers or baby pom poms instead. – Tie some fine ribbon, cord […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out her top 5 pointers for pretty-as-a-picture peonies When is peony season? You’ll find peonies from November to early January. When buying peonies at a florist, what should we be looking for? Should they be closed or open? They should be in bud but […]

We step inside the homes of two creative Kiwi mums to talk tree styles Vanessa Nouwens: “I’m a big lover of Christmas (my friends call me Mrs Christmas) and I try to keep things interesting with a new theme every year. This year’s sorbet and metallic theme is definitely new, and the colours aren’t what you […]

Foodie and founder of Kikki.K Kristina Karlsson shares tips for meal planning, stress-free shopping and recipe filing If there’s one surprising thing about me that not everyone knows, it’s that I’m a complete foodie! I absolutely love flicking through gorgeous new cookbooks and magazines or scrolling through some of my favourite blogs, finding new inspiring […]

Interiors expert Alex Fulton shares her tips for DIY decorations, shopping on a budget and how to add Christmas cheer to your home Alex, how can readers shop to a budget, but still find great pressies? Magic! No, not really… It comes down to the three G’s. Good planning, good management and good execution. The challenge […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free bedroom Day 1 Establish a current and easily accessible wardrobe. Unorganised spaces have a de-energising effect, which is the opposite of what you need at the beginning and end of each day. Sort through your clothing, keeping what you love and what fits you […]

As the days heat up, don’t forget to water your plants regularly and you will be well rewarded. Read on for more of gardens editor Carol Bucknell’s top tips Stop the snail trail Another good reason to water in the morning is that snails and slugs love damp soil when they move about in the […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Mixed Materials’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. The task of deciding which materials to use in a home can be a daunting one. Our advice is to create a colour palette and […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Flexible Spaces’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Think about what you already have: can you convert part or all of that garage into a studio rather than building new? Site it far […]

The Block NZ host and editor of Your Home and Garden, Shelley Ferguson, shares her top tips for achieving a creative kid’s room that’s full of individuality and personality. From encouraging sleep to adding fun zones and a sense of adventure, these tricks will have children falling in love with their bedrooms in no time.

Professional organiser Steph Knight of Less Mess tells how to tackle the kitchen and garage. lessmess.co.nz Day 1 Take everything out of cupboards and drawers – not all at once or you won’t be able to move. Assess each item, and have a rubbish bag handy, plus a bag or box for items to donate. […]

Luxuriate in the calming aroma of eucalyptus with this handy wall hanging You will need 3 x lengths 10mm dowel Ruler or tape measure and pencil Hand saw Sandpaper Interior wood stain Foam brush Wool and scissors Eucalyptus or flowers of your choice Small picture hook or nail and hammer Measure 60cm from end of […]

We use creative and bold botanical arrangements to bring three of the latest interior looks to life. GET THE LOOK: Walls and floor in Resene ‘Half rice cake’; Linear stem mimosa wallpaper by Orla Kiely, $219 per roll, Danelion mobile porcelain wallpaper by Missprint, $249 per roll, both from The Paper Room; on floor Christian […]

We’ve consulted the experts on how to renovate like a professional