Finding – or creating – your dream home is a goal for many of us, but our needs inevitably evolve over time, perhaps due to the changing requirements of a growing family, a sense that existing spaces no longer function well, or simply an urge for a refresh.
An obvious option is to move, although that can present challenges. There is a shortage of properties available for purchase across the State, while , property website Daft.ie has reported that homes are selling for around 50 per cent more than pre-Covid levels.
It is little wonder, then, that many people are looking again at their current home and wondering what can be done without putting up that For Sale sign. The good news is that whatever your budget, there is much you can do to upgrade your home so it better suits your needs – now and into the future.
But if you are thinking about renovating or reconfiguring your living space, where should you begin?
READ MORE
When it comes to a home upgrade, good preparation is key, as Dan Fagan, managing director of Ashmore Building and Ashmore Homes (stand L83 at the PTSB Ideal Home Show) explains.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is not putting enough emphasis on design and costing at the design stage,” he says. “Often, the smarter approach is to take a little more time, get the design right, understand the full cost properly, and work through the hidden details before committing to construction. That preparation gives people far more confidence and usually leads to a much better result.”
Fagan advises investing in the fabric of the house, namely insulation, airtightness and high-quality windows, which will offer benefits in the long term. “A fabric-first approach will pay you back over time in comfort, efficiency and running costs,” he says.
You don’t always have to add square footage to make a home feel bigger and work more efficiently. Natural light, for example, can instantly make spaces feel larger. A higher ceiling in busy areas like the kitchen gives a sense of openness, while elements such as lower ceilings help create a cosier feeling in sittingrooms. Connecting outdoor spaces with the indoors via large patio doors will provide flexible, multi-use living areas, while smart design elements can ensure the Irish weather is not too much of an obstacle.
The right layout – or flow – is at the heart of what makes a home work comfortably day to day. That’s why it should be considered early in the process, Fagan advises.
“At the design stage, it’s really important to think practically about how you’ll live in the space – what furniture you’ll have, where it will go, and how you’ll move through the room. Ultimately, good flow is something you feel. When it’s right, the house just works. When it’s not, it becomes frustrating very quickly.”
The furniture you choose has a huge impact on how a space feels and functions. Selecting pieces that are either too big or too small for the space is a common mistake people make, says Susan Dunne, showroom manager at The Sofa Factory, which has been offering custom-made and vintage furniture for 40 years. “It’s important to choose furniture that feels comfortable, stylish and fits the space,” she says. “Furniture that’s too big overwhelms a room, while sofas and chairs that are too small can feel disconnected.”
“Corner sofas are great for growing families and open-plan living, while curved sofas soften space, improve flow, and encourage interaction and conversation. Organic curved sofas are very much on trend for 2026, in fact.”
Elevating your space with custom-upholstered furnishings or vintage pieces that add character and individuality are great ways to update a room’s look without going over budget. Ultimately, Dunne says, you should prioritise comfort first, then style. “Think long term,” she adds. “Choose quality that is made to last and withstand everyday living. The old saying, ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ is very true.”
If you’re investing in your home, it’s always worth considering what you will need down the line. “A good home should be designed not just for today, but for how your life will evolve,” Fagan says. “For example, while it’s lovely to have young children playing beside you in an open-plan living space, that dynamic changes as they get older. The best homes are the ones that can evolve as your needs change.
“It’s also wise to consider having a ground-floor bedroom or a room that could easily become one later on. This can be invaluable in the case of injury, ageing or long-term planning.”
Incorporating flexibility into any redesign is an investment in the future and this thinking applies to furniture too. With this in mind, The Sofa Factory is introducing its Hip or Knee collection in April. These elegant sofas and chairs can be made to order to provide increased comfort for people with mobility issues or different comfort needs. Similarly, smart buys such as a quality sofa-bed can be a valuable addition, giving spaces greater flexibility now and in the future.
“Sofa beds are multifunctional and a great option to accommodate guests,” Dunne says. “They’re fantastic for office spaces, smaller livingrooms, guest bedrooms or garden rooms.”
If you are considering making changes to your home, the possibilities are wide-ranging, which is an exciting prospect for any homeowner. Ultimately, it’s all about creating a space that works for you and your family. While it might not be a new house, clever design and smart style choices will ensure your current home definitely feels like new.
For more information on the show and to register for free tickets, visit idealhome.ie.
