‘I’m an interior designer – avoid these 5 renovating mistakes to save money’

Hampshire-based interior designer Olivia Caplan has shared her biggest tips to home owners on what to avoid when renovating your home to avoid ‘wasting’ your money.

With a total of 200 thousands followers across and , interior designer Olivia Caplan has made a name for herself online as she helps her followers make the most out of their home renovations and getting the most out of their money when redesigning their homes.

In one video that has ammessed over 100 thousands views on , Olivia shared her expertise of home renovations by sharing five things you should avoid spending your money on when your home.

“Five things that I think are a waste of money when renovating or your home,” she said at the start of the video.

“And hi if we’ve not met before, I’m Olivia. I’m an interior designer and business owner and I’m here to help you make smart choices when designing your home.”

1. Don’t spend too much on high-end appliances

“Unless you are one, a billionaire, two, a chef, or a really really keen cook, even if you are a really keen cook, I personally don’t think these are worth your . And I think your money would be best spent elsewhere,” Olivia explained. “Reason being, they are astronomically expensive.

She explained that, while you’re getting what your paying for in terms of quality, the average home-cook won’t need high-end appliences, as high quality, but lower end products will be just as good for a fraction of the price.

2. Don’t use too much glass

“So what I mean by this is particularly in a kitchen or dining space, Olivia explained. “Glass, sort of three-sided glass rooms like this are really popular, because obviously you think about light, and you think about all the amazing views you’re gonna get, but particularly in a townhouse setting, or really anywhere, you just don’t need this much glass.”

She argued that it ‘doesn’t make sense’ to turn your walls into windows unless have an incredible view to show off. But even then, turning all walls into windows will not only cost alot to install, but it could make it more expensive and difficult to keep your home at a nice temperature. She also said that installing blindes or curtains would add another big costs to your renovations.

3. Too many lights

While a lot of light soures might sound good in theory, Olivia says to avoid the ‘rows’ of sportlights that have become a common feature in renovated homes.

She argued that they often give of a clinical light, and don’t work well as tasklights, as tasklights are best when installed in the different areas where you are doing the tasks.

“So if when you are renovating, you look at a lighting plan and it goes [into rows] with spotlights, make some changes,” Olivia said.

4. Avoid trendy designer furniture

Next up on her list, Olivia argued that spending money on expensive designer or trend-focused furniture is another unnecessary waste of money.

“Particularly if you’re buying the copies because it’s not an investment then, you know,” she argued. “You’re spending still quite a few hundred pounds on a copy of a chair, which holds no value. So personally, unless you really, truly love the design, don’t buy this just because they’re in fashion.”

5. Branded prints

“And finally, the fifth thing that I think is a bit of a waste of money is these prints that are Prada and Chanel, and I don’t understand why you would want that on your wall,” Olivia said. “It’s not a handbag, it’s not an investment piece, it’s a print of a logo.”

She went on to argue that, while she thought they’d be good and cheap decorations for university halls, she did not understand the appeal of having prints of designer logos in your home.

Olivis said: “There are so many wonderful photographers, artists that are up and coming and inexpensive that you’d be far better spending your money on an independent person than buying these kind of knock off photographs and designer prints. I just think avoid, avoid, avoid.”