If you're planning a home refresh, think through every big and small decision
carefully to avoid unnecessary headaches and wasted time and money. It's easy to make choices
based on interior design magazines, but don't let impractical trends blind you!
We asked experienced interior designer Julia Zarechneva for advice. As a project manager, she's
handled interior design for developments by Kaamos, Scandium and other Estonian real estate developers.
Altogether, Julia has furnished over 150 rental properties, so she has a thorough understanding
of what makes a home beautiful and liveable.
She shares with our readers what to definitely pay attention to, what to avoid, and
how to create a timelessly stylish home.
Design that looks deceiving
* According to Julia, black kitchens are a good example of deceptive design. "They look ultra-stylish, but in reality every single fingerprint and water mark shows up on the dark surface. A kitchen like that is a real pain to keep clean."
The same goes for black taps and sinks, since limescale tends to build up on them the fastest.
Large ceramic tiles (e.g. 120 × 60 cm) are popular right now, but they often need to be cut down on several sides, so the end result is anything but even.
Practicality is worth prioritising when choosing flooring too. Wooden parquet can look lovely, but if you have pets and small children running around the house, it's better to pick something more durable, such as quartz vinyl.
What's trending and what's here to stay?
Julia explains: "Minimalism is still popular, especially in Estonia, but even this trend is changing. People still want their home to feel warm and cosy, not just clean and empty."
Cosiness is created by soft textiles, muted, earthy tones and natural materials, such as wood, stone and handcrafted ceramic elements.
Bold accent walls and bright colours are yesterday's news. In their place have come so-called swappable vitamin shots: sofa cushions, artwork, vases and other elements that can be changed up in colour and style without needing a major renovation.
There's growing talk of modern eclecticism, japandi style (a combination of Japan's calm aesthetic and Scandinavian cosiness), and biophilic interior design, which deliver comfort without feeling dull.
"These trends are here to stay," Julia confirms. "We're seeing a shift towards sustainable, calming and practical homes."
Details that matter
"Measurements!" Julia exclaims with a laugh. "It sounds basic, but it's exactly where people make the most mistakes."
What happens if the sofa you've chosen doesn't fit through the door, the hallway, the stairwell or the lift? Measure everything carefully, and don't forget to check that you'll still be able to walk past the furniture, pull out drawers and open doors once it's in place.
Julia also urges everyone to take a critical eye to pictures found online:
"Photos sometimes distort a product's actual colour and texture. A soft beige may turn out to be a cold grey tone in real life. You can't touch the material with your own hands from a photo, or check how the drawers and doors open and close."
Whenever possible, view products in person or ask for samples before buying. These extra steps can save you a lot of disappointment later.
The best advice for every homeowner: always work from a budget
"The most important thing is to set a clear, realistic budget," says Julia.
Buying furniture piece by piece without a clear plan often leads to overspending, especially when impulse purchases come into play. People tend to forget delivery fees, assembly and hardware costs, and packaging, all of which add up.
Julia also points to functionality:
"Furniture should look good, but it also needs to fit your lifestyle. So don't forget about kids, pets, storage solutions and other everyday needs." Open shelving looks lovely in photos, but keep in mind it needs constant dusting and tidying to keep clutter from building up.
If you can't afford everything you need all at once, consider taking out a renovation loan. Smart financing support helps you make well-considered, long-term decisions, so you can get the quality you want right away instead of worrying about planning purchases in stages.